This opportunity is now closed for applications - thanks to everyone who applied

Moving Parts Stop Motion Animation Commission 2024

 

Moving Parts Arts CIO is looking to commission an artist to create a short piece of stop motion animation.

 

Fee / budget: £2,500 budget to include fee, materials and/or music licensing. This budget can be used however the selected artist sees fit, however we have worked this fee out based on 13 days @ £175 + extra for materials/licensing. If there are no material/licensing costs then all £2,500 can be spent on artist time.  

 

What is the commission?

Moving Parts Arts would like to commission an artist to create a piece of stop motion animation. The piece of work could be created using various disciplines or areas of expertise and can focus on whatever topics or stories the artist is interested in, however there are two requirements that must be met when creating the piece:

 

1. It must be recognisable as a piece of stop motion animation

2. Our cast of Moving Parts characters must be central to the piece

 

Other than these two requirements we really encourage the successful artist to let their imaginations run wild, have fun and produce something that is true to their style. Please note that our cast of Moving Parts characters do not need to be included as carbon copies and do not need to remain shadow / rod puppets or marionettes. Artists can have fun with these characters - please see past commissions before firming up your ideas.

 

How will the work be presented?

The results of the commission will be shared with audiences in-person and/or online as part of Moving Parts: Newcastle Puppetry Festival 2024. The piece may also be shared at future live editions of the festival or as part of other live-streamed events we produce. In any circumstances where the piece is shared, the artist will be clearly credited.

 

How long should the commissioned piece be?

This is very much up to the artist but we imagine something between 2-4 minutes. Depending on what is created this could be shorter or longer. 

 

When would the piece of work need to be created by?

The commission will be shared with audiences between 30th March - 6th April 2024 so the work will need to be completed by 15th March 2024 at the very latest, ideally sooner.

 

Who can apply?

Anyone who is a UK resident can apply to the commission. We particularly welcome applications from those who feel their voices are underrepresented in puppetry, theatre and animation, particularly Global Majority artists and disabled artists. The commission can be completed remotely, with virtual check-ins when needed. 

 

What tools do I need to fulfil the commission?

If you do not have fancy equipment please do not let this put you off applying! However, you will need access to any equipment that is needed to realise your idea and for you to get the finished work to us. It could all be filmed on a smartphone or it could be filmed in a super high-tech home film studio - as long as you can utilise what you have access to then we want to hear from you.

 

How do I apply?

• Send an expression of interest (maximum 2 x A4 pages), which includes links to examples of your previous work to Becky Pereira at movingpartsproducer@gmail.com 

• If you do not include examples of your previous work we will find it very difficult to assess your application and get a flavour of your style.

• It would be brilliant if you can outline any initial ideas that you have for the commission, even if these ideas are not fully formed. 

• Please let us know within your letter if you are exploring any themes that would need content warnings, which can be discussed more fully at shortlisting. We are happy to commission work that deals with difficult topics, but we need to be aware of this in advance.

• Please include STOP MOTION COMMISSION in the email subject line.

 

Closing date: Monday 11th December 2023 at 11pm
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a Zoom chat to talk about their ideas further.
We aim for the selected artist to be chosen by the end of this year so work can begin in January.

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You can view previous Stop Motion commissions here.