Proto-Ninja Award call for entry

With the second UTS: Sydney International Animation Festival set to launch in Sydney on September 24, 2010, emerging animators are encouraged to enter Sixty40's Proto-Ninja Award.

The Sixty40 Proto-Ninja Award will consist of a $999.99 cash prize plus a two-month mentorship with design and animation company Sixty40.

Entrants must create a new work of between 40 and 60 seconds length, which follows the theme of 'Underdog'.

"The focus of the entry should be on telling a story that strikes an emotional chord around the theme of the underdog," said Sixty40 animation director Matt Taylor.

"So, we're looking for films that are funny, sad, inspirational or evoke some other emotional response."

Production techniques used are completely open and could include stop-frame, traditional 2D, motion graphics, 3D, photography, puppetry, film or video.

The result must ensure a compelling experience for the viewer rather than just a display of technical prowess.

"We use the term 'ninja' to signify an animator or designer with superior skills, vision and passion who can be relied on to not only pull their own weight in a studio but also to bring fresh unique qualities to their work," continues Taylor.

"The mentorship will give the winner time, resources and guidance to help them develop their film, experience and secret powers on their path towards full Ninja-dom."

A total of 10 finalists will be screened and the winner announced at the opening night of the UTS:Sydney International Animation Festival.

The finalists will also have their work streamed from the Proto-Ninja award website for a period of 12 months or until the 2011 winner is announced.

This year the animation festival will showcase sessions such as the Australian Panorama, SIGGRAPH Highlights and Late Night Bizarre, along with a new batch of animation from France, the US, UK and China.

After the success of last year's international guest, speakers will also include Clare Kitson, former commissioning editor for the UK's Channel 4, and Oscar-winning Canadian animator Chris Landreth.

Deadline for entries is 6th August 2010.

www.sixty40.com/protoninja