Time: 1-2 days per short. ASAP start. Bermondsey, London.
We are working on a 24 minute pilot for a live-action puppet series using 12" rod puppets all shot and lit like a feature film...
"If Quentin Tarrantino, Dr Dre, Ridley Scott, South Park, Funkadelic, a Hummer H2 & the entire cast of The Muppet Show were squeezed into a tiny 'Barbie' sized food processor you would have one huge mess... and that mess would would be called.. YO! FUNKYTOWN."
After having spent several months creating the vast number of sets and puppets we have now begun filming. As part of the pitch package for the Yo! Funkytown project we're filming 4 one minute shorts... in our own very personal Funkytown style. We are looking for animators/compositors to do the animation and compositing of 3D mouth animation which will be laid over the top our live-action puppeteered characters (animating using packages like Maya, 3D Studio Max etc, and compositing with Shake, After Effects etc).
The work is reasonably simple, and somebody confident in the software should be able to turn around one short in a day. Ideally, the same person could do all 4 shorts, but we're happy to share this out depending on people's time commitments. We have the ability to provide software at our offices (Bermondsey - one stop from London Bridge on the Jubilee Line) or it may be easiest to work from home - we'll leave it up to you! It's a great opportunity to get something very distinctive and polished on your showreel pretty quickly.
The pilot is a speculative venture and since this is a small, self-funded project we are unable to pay for your time (boo, hiss!), but on the positive side we can offer a credit and copy of final product, a highly enjoyable working environment, and we're nice people...oh, and are working on possibly the best thing in London at the moment which hopefully makes up for it a bit . Don't just take our word for it - take a look at the website for this project (www.yo-tube.tv)
What we are trying to do is build a team of people that we would actually want to work for us if/or when this gets commissioned (we have begun contacting people regarding this and feedback has been very very positive indeed). We are all doing it without pay, but what we have right now is a small core of people who truly believe and see the potential of where this thing could go (we have seasoned pro DOP's who are literally flying back and forth, at their own expense, from jobs in germany to film this - no joke).
So, if we get funding, then we can start to pay people for their loyalty and faith. But doing the work now to a really good standard will mean that we would be contacting them before anyone else when the time comes to do a pilot episode and series.
Our previous productions can be viewed at our website, www.yoshimiandkatoi.com. We will be meeting potential animators/compositors ASAP. Please contact us through bobbie@vanhenderson.com - a link to a showreel is really helpful. Because we're having to turn things around very quickly we're looking for people who really know their way around the software - but this doesn't exclude anyone without professional experience.
Hope that helps, and persuades someone out there to show some faith in it also. Like we have told a very prestigious talent agent just last week, "It would take an incredibly brave person, bordering on stupid, to say this won't be a massive phenomenon and that they wouldn't represent us". Please keep that in mind - the juice will be worth the squeeze!
Thank you!
Wanted:Animators/Compositors. 4x 1 minute pitch vid for TV
Moderators: Víctor Paredes, Belgarath, slowtiger
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yoshimiandkatoi
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There's new minimum wage laws in the UK that prevent you asking people to work for free in some circumstances. You should make sure you're not in breach of this.
I'm not a lawyer, but as far as I remember if you're a group of friends doing something, it's fine, but if you're a company and you're asking people to work speculatively, that's a no-no.
I'm not a lawyer, but as far as I remember if you're a group of friends doing something, it's fine, but if you're a company and you're asking people to work speculatively, that's a no-no.
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yoshimiandkatoi
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True, there may be such laws, and yet the tv and film industry would completely disappear without people doing things for free to get experience, to get a foot in the door, to be a part of something that is more likely than anything else to be the "next big thing" and challenge the big animation shows from the US.
I joined this production as a runner in December, and have been promoted to Assistant Producer in that time, all the time working for no pay to get experience following a complete career change. I understand, more than most, that people will not be able to do as long as i have. But i see the potential in this show, and when it is commissioned, i will be rewarded with a full time paying job. THAT is what i am suggesting in this post. To get in at the inception of what could be a huge deal. If someone did the work, to a transmittable standard, then we would have an answer to the problem. When it is commissioned, we would have a lot more mouth animating to be done - who would we pay to do it? someone we don't know, or someone we know can do the work and has done it before?
Please - look at our website - everything has been MADE, NOTHING is cheated with CGI. If we thought that this wouldn't be taken on by commissioners, this whole thing wouldn't have gotten past the pitch document.
A cast of 60 puppets, as many sets as a Bond movie, a city built to a 1:6 scale, professional model makers, working for free, professional cinematographers, working for free. All because they love it and believe it will be a hit.
I joined this production as a runner in December, and have been promoted to Assistant Producer in that time, all the time working for no pay to get experience following a complete career change. I understand, more than most, that people will not be able to do as long as i have. But i see the potential in this show, and when it is commissioned, i will be rewarded with a full time paying job. THAT is what i am suggesting in this post. To get in at the inception of what could be a huge deal. If someone did the work, to a transmittable standard, then we would have an answer to the problem. When it is commissioned, we would have a lot more mouth animating to be done - who would we pay to do it? someone we don't know, or someone we know can do the work and has done it before?
Please - look at our website - everything has been MADE, NOTHING is cheated with CGI. If we thought that this wouldn't be taken on by commissioners, this whole thing wouldn't have gotten past the pitch document.
A cast of 60 puppets, as many sets as a Bond movie, a city built to a 1:6 scale, professional model makers, working for free, professional cinematographers, working for free. All because they love it and believe it will be a hit.
I'd suggest everybody to stay away from this. Every so many months, someone will post one of these "chance of a lifetime to work for free" in any forum out there.
If it really was such a great project that will knock everybody over, they would have managed to get funding by now. I'm sorry, but I've met too many people who did this sort of freebie work thinking that it would help their career. The only thing they learned is to stay away from them.
By the way, the www.yoshimiandkatoi.com link doesn't even work.
If it really was such a great project that will knock everybody over, they would have managed to get funding by now. I'm sorry, but I've met too many people who did this sort of freebie work thinking that it would help their career. The only thing they learned is to stay away from them.
By the way, the www.yoshimiandkatoi.com link doesn't even work.
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yoshimiandkatoi
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i guess everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but lets allow everyone else to make up their own opinions after looking at the sites (which do work, feel free to google them or click on the link in your own reply). But in answer to the question on funding, this is self-funded until now. We are only just now looking for funding in order to start work on the full pilot and series.
As for anyone else looking to add something new and different to their showreel or portfolio, please get in contact.
As for anyone else looking to add something new and different to their showreel or portfolio, please get in contact.
Kind of sums this project up.yoshimiandkatoi wrote:I joined this production as a runner in December, and have been promoted to Assistant Producer in that time, all the time working for no pay to get experience following a complete career change.
Whilst I wish this project ever success, I have my doubts about this.
The stills look good:
The trailer is well cut and little camera tracks on interviews a nice touch. But the mix has the music too far forward, making the voice-over difficult to hear on my system - a common mistake if you mix on big speakers without checking on a normal small speaker with low dynamic range.
But ...
Where is the animation, al that model making etc, without a single scene with dialogue and lip sync? That is a surprise, for it's the animation which is going to sell the series, not 25 gorgeous well lit sets. You and everyone else working on the project needs to know, "Does the animation work?". Because if you cannot get the basic technique to work, (ie, the walking/talking), you don't have a series; And from personal experience, I have worked on too many projects where the stills have looked totally awesome but the animation and timing sucked big time and the potential series binned.
There are other worries, like:
- The quote above ... other producers assistants have track records running to years if not decades in the animation/film industry.
- No interview with the director or producer. Is there a director or (god help us) everyones a director.
- An interview with the head of security.
- The spelling mistake on the showreel (Walt Disney CELL Animation) - it's Cel animation.
- Crediting Aardmans' with claymation in 1989 is not going to please the team at Will Vinton's who first coined the term and then trademarked it in 1978 (though the clay technique was known as far back as 1965):
- Creature Comforts was 1989 yet you show Wallace and Grommet from A Grand Day out which is actually 1982-3.
Perhaps the team need to concentrate on the key stuff - one killer animated scene, something to show how the series will actually work - that is how South Park started (actually, a animated Christmas card but the animation was strong enough for CC to say yes). I have seen Nick Park's showreel that got him into the National Film school - simple but totally astonishing Super-8/16mm tests which screamed TALENT.
You might also want to add more information to the website - there is no indication as to how many episodes you are going to make, hoe long they will be or what delivery the master (is it HD 1080, is it i50/i60 or whatever), etc. You might want to consider a sample script: Commissioning editors are well practiced in sniffing out a successful script
As it stands, the website is just great if you want to go into business as set-construction. But as a promo to sell a series .......
Rhoel
Last edited by Rhoel on Thu Mar 22, 2007 7:25 am, edited 1 time in total.
I see, the site is back online then. You didn't quickly put some more money in the counter and now pretend it didn't happen, did you? 
My opinion has only been formed after many years of experience in this business and after hearing many other people's stories. I'd like to think it's a well-informed opinion.
There are people out there who re-mortgage their property to raise cash to pay people when making a pilot. That's commitment.
Anybody who is looking to add something to their portfolio or CV: you're better of making a personal film which is much more satisfying and pays you the same amount.
My opinion has only been formed after many years of experience in this business and after hearing many other people's stories. I'd like to think it's a well-informed opinion.
There are people out there who re-mortgage their property to raise cash to pay people when making a pilot. That's commitment.
Anybody who is looking to add something to their portfolio or CV: you're better of making a personal film which is much more satisfying and pays you the same amount.
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yoshimiandkatoi
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Thanks for the feedback, Rhoel. We do truly take it constructively, as this is a serious thing. We will take all of the corrections in your list on board.
In regards to how it will work - well the short answer (without the benefit of having seen it from our end) is in the Funky Munky clip on the website (admittedly, this is a quickfix website - much better one being put together as we speak). This shows that the method can work, and has done already. The rods that are used to control the puppets will not be hidden as that will be part of the charm of the show.
The proposed 4 x 1min shorts that we are beginning to film from Monday are, exactly as you suggested, meant to display how the show will look in motion, as well as display the humour that will be at its core. We know the mouth animation will work, but we just need someone to do it. So you might see our predicament - there is a danger that without mouth animation, people won't get the jokes. And hence our initial post...
In regards to how it will work - well the short answer (without the benefit of having seen it from our end) is in the Funky Munky clip on the website (admittedly, this is a quickfix website - much better one being put together as we speak). This shows that the method can work, and has done already. The rods that are used to control the puppets will not be hidden as that will be part of the charm of the show.
The proposed 4 x 1min shorts that we are beginning to film from Monday are, exactly as you suggested, meant to display how the show will look in motion, as well as display the humour that will be at its core. We know the mouth animation will work, but we just need someone to do it. So you might see our predicament - there is a danger that without mouth animation, people won't get the jokes. And hence our initial post...
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yoshimiandkatoi
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Hi Manu, thanks for your reply. Funny you should say that about re-mortgaging one's house because that is exactly what our director has done! Following years of working in music and video production, the director has remortgaged their house in surrey. I just didn't put that in the post because i feared you might shoot it down with groans of disbelief, as you may do now, but there we go.
Doesn't matter if I believe it or not.
I'm starting to sound like a broken record here, but I will always recommend everybody (including yourself) to stay away from these type of "opportunities".
About the project itself: I couldn't help but noticing that quit a few of the characters look a lot like James Jarvis' or Pete Fowler's designs. The idea of exposing the mechanics of the puppets has been used in Team America.
My point is, it all feels a bit derivative. I'm afraid I don't think the photography of the backgrounds is that amazing and the few jokes in there feel very uninspired. So far, it doesn't look half as clever as it would like to think it is.
I'm happy to be proven wrong though.
I'm starting to sound like a broken record here, but I will always recommend everybody (including yourself) to stay away from these type of "opportunities".
About the project itself: I couldn't help but noticing that quit a few of the characters look a lot like James Jarvis' or Pete Fowler's designs. The idea of exposing the mechanics of the puppets has been used in Team America.
My point is, it all feels a bit derivative. I'm afraid I don't think the photography of the backgrounds is that amazing and the few jokes in there feel very uninspired. So far, it doesn't look half as clever as it would like to think it is.
I'm happy to be proven wrong though.
What Manu said was that they re-mortgaged the house in order to pay people to work on the project. Your director may have re-mortgaged his house, but the position you're advertising is unpaid, as is your own.
And I also agree with Manu about personal projects being more suitable and appealing to anyone who just wants something to add to one's portfolio, CV, or just to gain the experience from bringing a project to completion. And doing such a thing arguably pays more than working on someone else's project, because the artist would have the copyright to his own personal project, and be able to shop it around or sell it if it's good enough.
Though that of course may not apply to someone who specialises in one area and can't create a complete project for one reason or another.
I disagree with Y&K's assertion than the TV and film industry would completely disappear without people doing things for free. I would need to see some hard evidence to believe there's any significant number of people working for free in the actual film or TV industry.
That doesn't mean this project won't be a runaway success that everyone here won't be kicking themselves for passing up, of course.
Oh, and the reason the link doesn't work in the original post is that the link includes a period.
And I also agree with Manu about personal projects being more suitable and appealing to anyone who just wants something to add to one's portfolio, CV, or just to gain the experience from bringing a project to completion. And doing such a thing arguably pays more than working on someone else's project, because the artist would have the copyright to his own personal project, and be able to shop it around or sell it if it's good enough.
Though that of course may not apply to someone who specialises in one area and can't create a complete project for one reason or another.
I disagree with Y&K's assertion than the TV and film industry would completely disappear without people doing things for free. I would need to see some hard evidence to believe there's any significant number of people working for free in the actual film or TV industry.
That doesn't mean this project won't be a runaway success that everyone here won't be kicking themselves for passing up, of course.
Oh, and the reason the link doesn't work in the original post is that the link includes a period.
Yoshimiandkatoi.
Maybe if you offered a service exchange for animation you might get a better response from animators. If there are any anyone interested in such a deal would you be prepared to be interviewed and then donate 4 days of your time and resources? I'm serious. The film quality on your site is very good. It appears you have access to some nice equipment. Is it your own? Also the audio is very good quality too. Do you pay royalties for using Funkytown as a theme song?
D.K
Maybe if you offered a service exchange for animation you might get a better response from animators. If there are any anyone interested in such a deal would you be prepared to be interviewed and then donate 4 days of your time and resources? I'm serious. The film quality on your site is very good. It appears you have access to some nice equipment. Is it your own? Also the audio is very good quality too. Do you pay royalties for using Funkytown as a theme song?
D.K
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yoshimiandkatoi
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Hi DK, not sure what you mean by 'service exchange' - if you could give me an example...??
All the equipment is owned - hence where a lot of the money has gone, and as far as using Funkytown for a theme tune, there is a single planned for the not so distant future.
With regards to previous (constructive?) criticism, we could go round and round in circles, but....: -
- fair enough, a spelling mistake ('cel')
- Claymation and Will Vinton - that part of the clip, as is explained, credits those who bring a certain style to the masses, defines a generation. i bet if you were to ask, people would know Aardman Animations and Creature Comforts/Wallace before Will Vinton (no disrespect to him and his team), just as much as Walt Disney probably wasn't the first with cel animation, but more people will recognise Steamboat Willy than its predecessors
- The influences for the puppets, amongst others, are indeed those you have quoted, but overall, they are supposed to be 'vinyl' toys, and so take inspiration from the entire genre
- you're right, exposed mechanics have been used previously, even before Team America
- Not funny? Its not supposed to be funny because we haven't put any jokes in there yet!
- Derivative? It's just that it has its influences, just like anything else that has been created, er, in the history of the world
- working for free in TV/Film - without people working for free, short films would never, ever get made. Then people would not get the experience to make the step up to wherever they want to get. That is the rule of life. You couldn't possibly say that every bit of animation you have ever done has been a paid for project. You would probably say that it was a means to an end. something you have to do to prove you can do it.
although this may all sound a bit irked, trust me i mean them in a civil manner, it's just that when someone starts criticising a project they really don't know enough about...suffice to say, if comments aren't going to be constructive (even though i am 'assuming' this is the tone in which i am meant to read them[!?]), then really, why waste your time in making them? Life is far too short.
The short and sweet reply i wish to make is this: If you don't want to do it, don't answer the posting. If you do see what could prove to be an opportunity for yourself, answer the ad - quite simple really. But lets keep the postings the nice side of constructive, yeah? To coin a phrase: "It's good to talk"!
All the equipment is owned - hence where a lot of the money has gone, and as far as using Funkytown for a theme tune, there is a single planned for the not so distant future.
With regards to previous (constructive?) criticism, we could go round and round in circles, but....: -
- fair enough, a spelling mistake ('cel')
- Claymation and Will Vinton - that part of the clip, as is explained, credits those who bring a certain style to the masses, defines a generation. i bet if you were to ask, people would know Aardman Animations and Creature Comforts/Wallace before Will Vinton (no disrespect to him and his team), just as much as Walt Disney probably wasn't the first with cel animation, but more people will recognise Steamboat Willy than its predecessors
- The influences for the puppets, amongst others, are indeed those you have quoted, but overall, they are supposed to be 'vinyl' toys, and so take inspiration from the entire genre
- you're right, exposed mechanics have been used previously, even before Team America
- Not funny? Its not supposed to be funny because we haven't put any jokes in there yet!
- Derivative? It's just that it has its influences, just like anything else that has been created, er, in the history of the world
- working for free in TV/Film - without people working for free, short films would never, ever get made. Then people would not get the experience to make the step up to wherever they want to get. That is the rule of life. You couldn't possibly say that every bit of animation you have ever done has been a paid for project. You would probably say that it was a means to an end. something you have to do to prove you can do it.
although this may all sound a bit irked, trust me i mean them in a civil manner, it's just that when someone starts criticising a project they really don't know enough about...suffice to say, if comments aren't going to be constructive (even though i am 'assuming' this is the tone in which i am meant to read them[!?]), then really, why waste your time in making them? Life is far too short.
The short and sweet reply i wish to make is this: If you don't want to do it, don't answer the posting. If you do see what could prove to be an opportunity for yourself, answer the ad - quite simple really. But lets keep the postings the nice side of constructive, yeah? To coin a phrase: "It's good to talk"!