Archive notice: This article was originally published on September 18, 2009. Links and embedded media are preserved as part of the historical record.
It is fitting that the winners will be announced on October 29 in one of the most important film cities in the world: Babelsberg. During the two-day animago CONFERENCE, all 55 finalists in 11 categories will be presented at the animago gala. The winners are still under embargo. One thing is already clear, however: animago AWARD is becoming more and more international. Every third submission comes from abroad.
It is especially contributions from abroad, such as France, that continue to raise the creative level. The high-caliber jury of industry experts such as Armin Pohl and Marc Gruber-Laux reviewed more than 125 entries for the shortlist this year. Compared with previous years, many of them were longer format works, and a clear trend toward 3D animation has emerged. In four of the eleven categories, customers and the public ultimately decide the winner. The DIGITAL PRODUCTION team runs audience voting in partnership with its media partners macnews (category: Best Mobile Production), Hobnox (category: Best Advertising Production) and fotocommunity (category: Best Virtual Photo). Readers of DIGITAL PRODUCTION choose the best international film production.
The animago AWARD has recognized the best work in digital content creation (DCC) since 1997. This showcase documents what creatives can achieve with current industry technology. Films like Up, virtual worlds such as Second Life, and games like World of Warcraft would not be possible without animation.
Media Board Berlin-Brandenburg is also supporting this fast-growing segment through location development initiatives. Media Board Executive Director Petra Müller says: “Berlin-Brandenburg is a content location. We are pleased that with animago AWARD, the most important European competition for digital content creation now comes to the capital region. The creative communities from neighboring fields such as film, games, web 2.0, visual effects, design and technology are already here — now shared know-how can be captured and synergies can grow.”
Importantly, the local scene was successfully integrated through Lichtblick 4D as an official concept-and-meet-and-greet partner. The organizers and demo artists selected for the two-day animago CONFERENCE are expected to ensure a strong blend of industry and hands-on content. The animago AWARD and post-award party are the shared focus across the two conference days.
