Film School Zlin Summer Animation Workshop is an intensive two-week program designed to provide English-speaking participants with an introduction to traditional animation techniques, Czech animation history and Czech culture. Participants do not need any prior experience with animation but we do look in participants the desire to work as part of a creative team and a curiosity to learn about this part of the world. Participants will have the opportunity to observe and experiment with a number of traditional animation techniques including hand-drawn and stop motion (such as cutout and puppet animation) and pixilation. School's experienced teachers and technicians will guide participants individually and as small groups through the complete production process for a short animated project. All film-making areas are covered -- brainstorming story ideas, script and storyboard preparation, how to work with animation materials, timing for animation, lighting, sound design and post-production. At the end of the workshop, each participant departs with a completed DVD of his/her work. In addition to hands-on animation experience, participants will acquire basic knowledge of animation history with a special focus on Czech animation. Short lectures and screenings followed by discussion will guide participants through the major genres of animation history and their most significant films. The workshop also offers participants the opportunity to learn about contemporary and traditional Czech culture through its series of evening and weekend programs and excursions. The workshop will be held at Film School Zlin, located at the historic Zlin Animation Studios in the eastern part of Czech Republic. More than 2,000 films have been made at the Zlin Studios since they opened in 1936. Famous Czechoslovakian Animators Hermina Tyrlova and Karel Zeman created many award-winning, short animated films here including FERDA MRAVENEC (Ferda the Ant) and VANOCNI SEN (Christmas Dream). Participants will have the opportunity to create their own animation in these legendary studios. Anyone over the age of 16 is encouraged to attend.