Call For Entries: British Animation Awards

Friday 18^th November 2011: The  British Animation Awards has today launched its final call for entries to the UK’s most prestigious awards in animation production and announced the search for the Favourite Ever British Animated Character of all time.

There are several new categories including the WOW! award for inspirational use of animation, Best Mixed Media Children’s Series, a BAA Sting Competition and increased commercial categories with separate awards now on offer for 2D, 3D and stop motion.

Given the current debate about the future of animation production in the UK this year BAA is running an online poll and discussion forum to determine the UK’s Favourite Ever British Animated Character of all time. To celebrate the rich heritage of notable and well-loved animated characters in this country, BAA is asking for nominations across TV, online and advertising for consideration for their shortlist which will be voted for by the public in the New Year. The winner will be announced at next year’s British Animation Awards ceremony.

The 2012 awards will be held in London on Thursday March 15^th 2012 at the BFI, with the closing date for entries on the 30^th November 2011 (apart from the BAA Sting Award and Best Ever British Animated Character).

The complete list of categories for the 2012 awards is:  Best Children’s Pre School Series, Best Children’s Series, Best Mixed Media Children’s Series, Best Music Video, Best Commercial: 2D, Best Commercial: 3D, Best Commercial: Stop Motion, Best Commercial: Mixed Media, Best Film/TV Graphics, Best Short Film, Best Animation: Long Form, Best Commissioned Animation: Non-Broadcast and the WOW award for animation used innovative or unusual ways.

In addition, there will be a Children’s Choice Award (chosen by a panel of children from finalists in the children’s category) and a Public Choice (voted for by cinema-goers across the country) and the BAA Sting Competition an exciting new category where animators are being asked to create a special sting for the Awards.

BAA director Jayne Pilling said:  “The last two years have been a successful and innovative but difficult period for British animation and at the BAA’s we’re looking forward to celebrating the very best the UK industry has to offer”.

Held every two years, the BAAs celebrate and recognise British animation talent, with past winners including Nick Park, Tim Burton and David Shrigley.

Voted by peer-group juries, with additional Awards voted for by the public, the British Animation Awards is the only ceremony in Britain to recognise all forms of animation. They reward the work of students and established animators, feature and short films, animated graphics for film and television, children’s and adult television series and specials, music videos and commercials.

Entry forms and additional information can be found at www.britishanimationawards.com.