Wednesday | 16. July. 2014

SUCCESSFUL START OF PROFESSOR BALTHAZAR’S WORKSHOP

The animated film workshop Professor Balthazar’s Adventure Laboratory was launched on Monday, July 14, at the Pula City Library and Reading-Room. This is the tenth consecutive adventure laboratory through which Professor Balthazar’s assistants Manuel Šumberac and Vibor Juhas introduce youngsters aged 7 to 12 to animation production techniques.

‘During the first three days of the workshop, children learned about the basics of animation, character and script development, and set design. Through a series of exercises, they created their characters and got them ready for animation. Based on their characters, they developed a story that they are going to bring to life in the next couple of days’, explained Manuel Šumberec.

The practical session comprises the development and production of short animated films (jingles) with the help of a mentor. The technique that the participants can use is a combination of CGI and Cut-Out animation. The elements and the basics for short films have already been prepared and participants influence their final composition, production and post-production with their work and their ideas. Animation sound segments have been included as well. Participants learn about sound recording and editing and on how to implement music in the final product.

‘Although they felt insecure at the beginning, children relaxed pretty soon and began collaborating by sharing their ideas and suggestions, which made our work much easier’, added Vibor Juhas.

You can check how our animated film enthusiasts mastered the complicated animation technique until Wednesday, July 23, when Péter Vácz, a special animated film workshop guest whose short animated film will be presented the same day as part of the children’s programme Pulica, will offer his professional advice and sharp criticism to children. Films produced as part of the Balthazar’s workshop can be seen on Friday, July 25, at the Istrian National Theatre (INK), at 18:00 h.