Workshop looks to Pixar to revive Czech animation

Czech animation has a very long and rich history in the Czech Republic, but in the view of some young filmmakers it’s gotten behind the times. That’s why the studio Bohemian Multimedia has organised the Anomalia workshop, a two-month course in modern animation that has brought some of the best minds in the field – namely artists from the famed American studio Pixar – to the east Bohemian town of Litomyšl to share their knowledge with students from Central Europe and even other professional Czech animators. This afternoon we spoke with organiser David Toušek, who is currently at Litomyšl Chateau and told us more about the programme.

Photo: www.anomalia.eu

“This is the third year we have been doing these workshops and the biggest difference is that this time it’s for the whole summer. Basically, we have computers and we’re working on assignments and exercises, so it’s not just a seminar but intensive training.”

You’re in the lovely chateau in the town of Litomyšl, why did you choose that venue? Would it not be more appropriate technologically to have it held elsewhere?

“Actually I don’t think so. The technology is set up here and is working fine. The idea is to avoid big cities, because, you know, when the classes are over at five o’clock, normally the students would leave, but when there’s nothing else to do in the city then they just focus on their work and keep on working until the night, which is pretty much what we expect of them. And it also creates a creative bond among the people, because they spend most of their day together.”

You have some distinguished guests with you there this year I believe.

David Toušek

“Yes, we invited some of the best animators in the world, because we’re not just organising a course – there are a lot of courses. It’s mostly about who we have teaching animation, we have invited people from Pixar, such as Rich Quade, who is currently in the course in Litomyšl. And he is the one who will end the course after two months.”

You’ve said that this is about renewing the good name of Czech animation. Can you expand on that?

“Basically our perspective is that Czech animation is no longer exists, based on the fact that there has been no transition into 3D technology and modern animation has changed quite a lot in terms of how it’s done, what the stories are about and what the audience needs. And so in this respect, the course means a brand new beginning.”

Why would 3D animation be a necessity? Czech animation has won lots of awards, it’s famous all over the world...

Photo: www.anomalia.eu

“That is true, I would also expect classical animation to be something we could be good at, but at this point, 3D animation as a technique has dominated, and that’s basically a fact, even if we may not like it. That’s definitely what has been proven in the last 10 years.”

Will there be an opportunity to see some of the work that the participants in the workshops have done?

“This course ends on September 3, and we would like to make the very last day public, when the students finish the course, and we will let everyone else come in to see it.”