New Zealand’s up and coming animation talent recognised at international awards

July 22, 2008

Two young New Zealand animators received international recognition for their work at the prestigious Hamburg Animation Awards in June. 

New Zealand took part in the Awards for the first time this year, as Hamburg city honoured New Zealand’s top aspiring animated artist with a special Country Award.

Twenty seven animators entered their films to win a cash prize of approximately NZ$3900 and an all-expenses-paid trip to Hamburg to attend the award ceremony.

Austin Hillebrecht, an international student from the USA, who graduated from Lifeway College’s 3D animation course in Warkworth in 2007, won the Country Award with his animation, “The Missing Sock” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mXOwtUXCc4

Auckland animator, Mark Smith, was highly commended in the same category for his animation, “Das Versuchstier” (the experimental animal) – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4E5BAnVSho4. Mark graduated from Media Design School in Auckland in March 2007 and now works for Weta Productions.

“The Country Award provides a great platform for New Zealand’s talented young animators to receive international recognition for their work,” NZTE Sector Manager Nick Metson said.

“In the future their talent will contribute to the high quality work being carried out in New Zealand as this industry continues to grow.”

The Hamburg Animation Award 2008 was open to students and alumni within three years of graduating. New Zealand animators are now automatically eligible for entry to main award categories for the annual Hamburg event in the future.

New Zealand’s involvement in the awards is the result of Auckland City Council’s strategic alliance with Hamburg city, signed in May 2007. Hamburg was chosen as a partner for Auckland because of similarities in business sectors such as biotechnology and creative industries.