Top Three: Manchester Animation Festival at HOME

The Manchester Animation Festival is a major celebration of the art form which is taking place at HOME in mid-November. The full programme of events has just been announced, and it’s three packed days featuring screenings of both short and feature length animated films from around the world. There’s also many other events, including workshops, networking events, and masterclasses. We’ve outlined our top three picks – including prices – below, but full festival passes are still available for £85 (£70 concessions).

Masterclass: Will Belcher
The animator Will Belcher will be hosting a masterclass in which he will be talking about his career at the award-winning studio Aardman Animations. He first joined the company as a lowly trainee assistant animator for the Wallace & Gromit movie. Since then, he has risen through the ranks to become one of Aardman’s top talents. He was the lead animator on The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists, and the recent Shaun the Sheep movie, which currently holds a whopping 99% fresh rating on RottenTomatoes.
Wed 18 Nov, Cinema 1 at HOME, 2 Tony Wilson Place, M15 4FN, 2pm – 3.15pm, £12 (Conc. £10),
www.manchesteranimationfestival.co.uk

Making It in Manchester
Manchester is considered to be one of the hotbeds of animation in the UK, with over 100 studios operating in the city. This panel discussion will feature representatives from three prestigious local companies: Factory, Flix Facilities, and Mackinnon & Saunders. Together these firms employ hundreds of people and have created major advertising, television and film projects. The panel members will be outlining the past, present and future of animation in the city and wider region.
Wed 18 Nov, Cinema 1 @ HOME, 8pm – 9.15pm, £8.50 (£6.50 Conc.), www.manchesteranimationfestival.co.uk

The Re-Making of Danger Mouse
In the eighties and early nineties, Danger Mouse was one of the UK’s most popular and acclaimed cartoon series. The show was revived this year by a new creative team, and now a voice cast that includes Alexander Armstrong and Stephen Fry. Some of the key folks behind the reboot, including Director Robert Cullen and writer Ben Ward, will be discussing how they brought the show back, and how they aim to appeal to young viewers whilst remaining true to the spirit of the original show. There will also be an exclusive look at a new Danger Mouse episode which hasn’t yet aired.
Thu 19 Nov, Cinema 1 @ HOME, 2pm – 3.15pm, £8.50 (£6.50 Conc.), www.manchesteranimationfestival.co.uk