The Latest News from SAFO
(as of August 21, 1997)
- TELETOON TO SPONSOR SAFO GRAND PRIZE!
A cash prize of $1,000 will be awarded by TELETOON -- Canada's first and only 24 hour a day animation station featuring the best animation from Canada and around the world -- to the best overall animated student film or video as selected by the International Jury. In its commitment to encourage up-and-coming artists, explore different ideas and showcase new works, TELETOON will also broadcast the winning work on its network*.
* subject to any clearance or other applicable rights or waiver thereof as required by the network.
- CARTOON ROOKIES
The 1997 International Student Animation Festival of Ottawa.
A one hour documentary for television.
Cartoon Rookies is an engaging behind-the-scenes documentary portrayal of SAFO, the first ever student animation festival, which brings Hollywood players face to face with the best and the brightest student animators from around the world. It's a story about the future of animation as seen through the eyes of a few kids who like to draw and a few multi-million dollar corporation's executives who want their drawings. It's denim meets gray flannel. Cartoon Rookies' gregarious host - actor Rick Jones, the voice of hundreds of animated characters, including Ace Ventura - searches for the inside scoop on studio agendas, up-and-coming stars and trends of the future, and bounces from venue to venue, accessing exclusive meetings, interviewing key players and pulling streeters from the competitors, the public, the studios, and the organizers. A tally of the individual winners and the winningest schools and countries rounds out the documentary. Writer/Director - Katie Tallo Produced by Bark Productions Inc. for more information, call Barbara Jordan at (613) 728-2743.
- SAFO SELECTION FINALLY OVER!
After being flooded with over 600 entries from over 25 countries, SAFO organizers have finally completed the selections for the 1997 Official Competition. 87 films from 16 countries will be part of the four Official Competition programmes at SAFO 97.
"I am not only astonished at the quantity of entries received, but more importantly the quality." says SAFO Executive Director, Chris Robinson. The films are extraordinarily varied in technique (cel, cut-out, sand, clay, pixallation, computer etc..) and rich in inventiveness and maturity. Without doubt, the work being done by International students surpasses that of most North American students. While International schools, notably the Royal College of Art, Volda, VCA, Turku, ENSAD, among others, are encouraging their students to creatively explore and express their individual imaginations, feelings, and experiences, North American schools, with a few exceptions, seem intent on simply assembling and nurturing their students for jobs in the commercial industry. Nevertheless, the overall quality of these student and first year films arguably exceeds that of much of the work being made by more established animators, and as we approach the end of the century, suggests that animation will continue to evolve and prosper well into the 21st century."
- SAFO FLOODED WITH 600 ENTRIES
For those of you wondering why you haven't received word regarding your entry, it's because we've been swamped. Given that SAFO is a first time festival with a specific focus, we expected maybe 200-300 entries. But, much to our surprise (a pleasant one, I might add!), we have received over 600 entries from over 25 countries. So please be patient with us.
On the other hand....despite the flood of entries, the first batch of invitations have been sent out today.
- SPECIAL GUESTS
SAFO will pay tribute to three of North America's most prominent indendents: Bill Plympton (MONDO PLYMPTON), J.J. Sedelmaier (AMBIGUOUSLY GAY DUO), and Corky Quakenbush (RAGIN' RUDOLPH). All three will be in attendance at SAFO 97. See SAFO 97 screenings for more details.
- NEW PANELS AND WORKSHOPS
Pacific Data Images will host a Preparing A Portfolio workshop. Silicon Graphics and Side Effects Software are among the participants in SAFO's TOOLS OF THE TRADE panel. Warner Bros. Television Animation's Liza Ann Warren will also conduct a Preparing a Portfolio workshop.
Keep an eye on the Workshop/Panels/Lectures page for more details.
- SIGNAL FILM
Atlanta based, DESIGN FX is currently working on the SAFO 97 signal film.
- FESTIVAL PASSES
Don't forget, if you buy your Festival pass before August 15, you will be eligible to win a return airfare ticket courtesy of Canadian/American Airlines, to SAFO 97.
- OOPS!
Yes, we know all about what must rank as one of the goofiest omissions of all time. Those of you who received the recent SAFO 97 newsletter may have noticed that something was missing: the dates!
Believe it or not, this was not the first time: check out our ad in July's edition of Animation Magazine.
We apologize to all concerned.
By the way, SAFO will be held from September 18-21, 1997
- PRIZES UPDATE
Confirmed at press time, the following sponsors will be awarding prizes to SAFO Official Competition winners:
- COREL Corporation will be awarding the latest versions of DRAW! and CLICK & CREATE software as a prize. The exact name of the prize has not been decided upon but will likely be related to computer animation entries. The total value of the allotted software is $1,500 US.
- Bell Canada Ltd. will be sponsoring a cash prize for concept in the unfinished film category. The cash amount has yet to be confirmed but will likely be $1000 US.
- The Cartoon Network will be sponsoring a cash prize which will go to the Best Character Animation. The amount has been confirmed at $1000.00 US.
- Cuppa Coffee Animation will sponsor the prize for Best Experimental and/ or Unusual Technique. The cash prize will be $300 US.
- MetaCreations Inc. will be offering three software prizes. The awards have yet to be determined.
copyright © 1997 Ottawa International Animation Festival
Home