One independent animator Russell Peet has made a film 'Up and Over' using armatures and facial robotics which I find incredibly interesting. He used adjustable facial mechanisms to enable him to create very subtle expressions and movements within the face. It's an expensive alternative to using replacement mouths but I think for this kind of animation (subtle, no speech) it's very effective.
By using a fill skeleton covered in latex he was able to create elderly hands and skin as the material creased appropriately.
Animation in Cumbria
Russell Peet works and is from Cumbria. I'm also from Cumbria and have recently found the film and animation network up north exciting. An animation festival 'Animated Eden' had a trial event this year which went incredibly well. There have also been new film events and competitions appearing, two of which I'm attending this December. All events have had a great reception and both filmmakers and audience members are enjoying it which is promising. I feel it has taken a while for filmmakers in the north to be able showcase their work but new events seem to be going very well. Initially the north didn't seem to be the place for animators and filmmakers but I'm beginning to think differently and can't wait to get involved in improving accessibility for both filmmakers and audience.
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