BAFTA nomination for short animation Middle Watch
24 January 2023
Still from BAFTA nominated short animation Middle Watch
Still from BAFTA nominated short animation Middle Watch
Still from BAFTA nominated short animation Middle Watch
Still from BAFTA nominated short animation Middle Watch
A short animation created by animation and visual effects staff, students and alumni alongside industry professionals has been shortlisted for a BAFTA.
Middle Watch has been shortlisted in the British Short Animation category of the 2023 BAFTA Film Awards. The short was partly funded by Falmouth's School of Film & Television, enabling students to gain valuable experience working on a live project with esteemed industry professionals. The film was written and directed by John Stevenson, co-directed by Falmouth Animation BA(Hons) graduate Aiesha Penwarden and produced by Giles Healy.
The quality of the work, the discipline and professionalism of the presentation and the way the meeting was run reminded me of similar pitches at DreamWorks.
Set towards the end of World War II, the film follows the travails of a Royal Navy sailor, traumatised by his own wartime experience, who is called to keep watch for enemy ships in the early hours of the morning (the 'middle watch'). As he goes about his duties, in the darkness before dawn, his routine is shattered by an extraordinary encounter that could tip the balance of his delicate state of mind.
Set towards the end of World War II, the film follows the travails of a Royal Navy sailor, traumatised by his own wartime experience, who is called to keep watch for enemy ships in the early hours of the morning (the 'middle watch'). As he goes about his duties, in the darkness before dawn, his routine is shattered by an extraordinary encounter that could tip the balance of his delicate state of mind.
When John (Kung Fu Panda and Shrek) first met with Falmouth students in 2020 to discuss the animation, he was struck by the dedication, energy and activity of the crew. “The quality of the work, the discipline and professionalism of the presentation and the way the meeting was run reminded me of similar pitches at DreamWorks.”
Thanks must go to Falmouth University in particular, as without their funding and unfailing support, the film would not have been made.
Commenting on the BAFTA nomination, Middle Watch producer, Giles Healy said: "The nomination is a great accolade and stands as testimony to the creative flair and dedication of a new generation of artists, animators and technicians. In reaching these bright young people, many of whom were still in full time education, we were given the support and encouragement of a number of educational institutions, but thanks must go to Falmouth University in particular, as without their funding and unfailing support, the film would not have been made.”
Keep an eye out for online screenings on the BAFTA YouTube channel for a limited period, Monday 13 to Monday 27 February 2023.
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