The Animation department at Coláiste Dhúlaigh recently hosted Keyframe11, a series of talks by professionals working in the animation and film industries. The event, which is in its eleventh year, sees inspirational keynote speakers giving advice to students at CDCFE on preparing for future employment.
Prestigious speakers at Keyframe11 included Boulder Media founder Robert Cullen as well as Brown Bag Films’ Jenni Clifford, a Coláiste Dhúlaigh graduate, speaking about working on new Netflix show Robo. Series Development Executive Sarah Lonsdale also spoke to students about working on hit show Bluey.
Students from courses such as Animation, Media & Film Production and Creative Writing attended the three-day event in CDCFE’s Coolock campus where local community radio station Near FM also launched a new documentary about legendary Irish animator Jimmy Murikami. Murikami’s family previously gifted his original drawings for display at Coláiste Dhúlaigh, citing the college’s commitment to training the next generation of talented animators. The documentary was produced by CDCFE journalism graduate Paula Wiseman and will be available on NearFM’s play back portal.
Speakers throughout the event also included 3D sculptor Séan Forsyth who worked developing props for Game of Thrones, and French illustrator Jean Texier who has had a long career in the industry, working on projects like Asterix and Teenage Ninja Mutant Turtles. Rigging artist Jordan Beatty spoke about the process of developing characters for animation, while author Steve Woods discussed the history of Irish animation featured in his new book “Drawing the Line”.
Elk Studios’ senior story artist Kayvon Darabi Fard spoke about his journey into animation, beginning with sketching in his bedroom to working with Disney. Finally, former CDCFE tutor Nicky Coghlan spoke to students about his current role as head of podcasting for RTE Junior, and opportunities for students in the media industry.
Keyframe organizer Kevin Lynch said “we are grateful to all the brilliant speakers who shared their insights, advice and guidance regarding various specializations and how to make careers within the animation and broader media industries. The animation and media courses at Coláiste Dhúlaigh are well-respected in industry circles, therefore we are delighted with the continued support for this event, and we hope that it will continue to grow and develop into the future.”
CDCFE’s Information Evening takes place on 11th March from 4pm – 7pm in their Coolock campus, all are welcome to attend. Applications for courses beginning in September are now open.
