Get a glimpse behind the scenes of famous Kilkenny animation company's creative process

A series of online talks to coincide with Cartoon Saloon - My Father's Dragon: The Exhibition at Butler Gallery Nov 19 - Jan 29, starts tomorrow December 2 with Shared Visions from 1-2pm. It is just one of a series of talks that will offer a unique insight into animated movie making. The complete schedule of talks includes: 

Shared Visions, Friday December 2, 1-2pm

Assistant Directors Fabian Erlinghauser, Louise Bagnall (Oscar nominated for her short film Late Afternoon) and Mark Mullery discuss the role of Assistant Director in carrying through the Director’s vision, and the challenges of working with such a large crew during lockdown.

South Kilkenny artist routs litter louts with creative sculptures

Found objects turned into anti litter art by Kilbline artist

Seeing the Future, Friday December 9, 1-2pm

Director Nora Twomey, Head of Story Giovanna Ferrari and Editor Richie Cody discuss how they work together to hold a vision of the finished film throughout the film-making journey,  while ensuring all the individual elements - colour, character, FX animation, sound design and score - coalesce.

Creating Imaginary Worlds, Friday December 16, 1-2pm

Art Director Áine McGuinness led a team of concept artists, location designers, painters and character designers to create the immersive feel of the film, from the dustbowl to Nevergreen city to Wild Island. Assistant Art Director Emilie Bach and Lead Production Designer Rosa Ballester Cabo will also talk about the visual inspirations for the film and the roles of colour, pattern and light in the storytelling.

Animation to Exhibition, Friday January 13,  1-2pm

Exhibition Designer Steven McNamara of Roji, Cartoon Saloon’s Digital Assets Manager Cal McLoughlin and Fergal Brennan, Technical Director of My Father’s Dragon  will explore a behind-the-scenes look at how the film was translated into an immersive exhibition experience.

Lavery portraits in Rothe House reflect Kilkenny connections

How portraits by one of Ireland's most famous painters came to be in Kilkenny

Masterclass with Nora Twomey and Giovanna Ferrari, Saturday January 14,  1-2:30pm

Cartoon Saloon’s Oscar nominated director Nora Twomey and Head of Story/Animation Director Giovanna Ferrari present an in-depth demonstration of how they adapt the written word into visual language. Drawing from their previous work together including The Breadwinner and My Father’s Dragon, they will break down their development of a storyboard from script stage, as part of  the creative processes.