files/pictures/picture-35.jpgPLATFORM International Animation Festival announced the panel of judges slated to select the film competition winners, who will be recognized during the award ceremony that concludes the six day festival in Portland, Oregon, June 25-30, 2007. World renowned judges include Academy Award-winning animator John Canemaker (THE MOON AND THE SON: AN IMAGINED CONVERSATION), director/special effects specialist Gaelle Denis (AFTER THE RAIN, CITY PARADISE), director/animator PES (GAME OVER, ROOF SEX) and animation producer Eiko Tanaka (TEKKON KINKREET, MIND GAME). London-based multi-media artist and Slade School of Fine Art professor Dryden Goodwin will judge the installations.
"We are excited to have secured judges who are well respected in the animation industry, and whose credits show their commitment to creativity, innovation, and excellence," said festival founder/director Irene Kotlarz. "Our judges understand the importance of discovering fresh talent and recognizing innovation and originality to create future generations of animators who will continue to cultivate the art form."
Animators from more than 25 countries have already submitted more than 700 entries into the competition. Films (including commercials, music videos and TV series) under 40 minutes (with no minimum running time) are eligible and there is no entry fee. Awards will be given in categories covering commercial and independent films, student animation and films for new platforms, including cell phones and the Internet. Rules stipulate that films must have premiered after Jan. 1, 2005 to be eligible. In total, more than $50,000 will be awarded. The deadline to enter the competition has been extended to March 15, 2007.
The International Selection Committee will meet in March to choose films for screening in the competition. The Selection Committee includes award winning animators Laura Heit and Chris Hinton, and Yvette Kaplan, an animation writer, director, producer and consultant whose many credits include KING OF THE HILL and ICE AGE. The animated installation entries were selected in February by Portland-based animator Rose Bond, British experimental film authority David Curtis and independent New York animator George Griffin.
For more information, visit
www.platformfestival.com .
