I was recently invited to assess an animated final year honours project at AFDA film school. The project is directed by Jesca Leibrandt, produced by Saskia Schiel with contributions from Sarlee van den Berg (voice/actress), Leigh-anne Lyners & Marius Strydom(editing), Gustav Stutterheim(Sound/music) & Pierre de Villiers(Cinematography).

VALA stands for Value Added Learning Audit. Together with Steve Drake, Rowan van Tonder, Jaco Janse van Rensburg, Anthony & Justin Ford I spent two days assessing the project through 5 different disciplines: Narrative, Performance, Medium,  Aesthetics & Control...

The first day saw the production team present the project and all accompanying production plans and concepts. This was followed by a Q&A session and a feedback session in which possible adjustments, improvements and shortcomings were suggested. The team was then given the rest of the day to implement what ever changes they saw fit and return for a re-pitch and final comment session, after which they were awarded a red, orange or green light (in this case green!) that would indicate whether or not production could go ahead.

Production team behind and the assesors in front...

This particular project holds great promise. It's an animated short with a 3D pen and ink style relying heavily on Jesca's own unique style of creation. See her website here: http://www.jescamarisa.com/

I''m not going to say to much about the project now but I will be watching it closely  and will post a link and, if possible, a clip of the final version here once it's complete. It's incredibly encouraging to see such talent being cultivated and nurtured here in Cape Town. Hats off to AFDA!

AFDA

http://www.afda.co.za/

From the website:

AFDA is one of the leading outcomes-based film schools in the world and is listed by the Council on Higher Education as one of the top six private universities in South Africa.

In the course of a rich entrepreneurial history dating back to 1994, AFDA has earned a reputation as one of the leading institutions of its kind in the world today. Although our track record speaks for itself, we continually renew our commitment to facilitate an environment that develops high-quality human and intellectual property with the relevant skills to deal with the rigors of a fast-expanding and ever-changing entertainment industry.

At our fully equipped campuses in Johannesburg and Cape Town, we train graduates to contribute to one of the largest growth industries in the world: entertainment. In the globalised economy, cultural exchange is a valuable currency. AFDA graduates are taught to conceptualize, create and develop indigenous products and commodities for the local and international market.

Our students are educated not only to forge profitable and sustainable careers in this market, but are encouraged to develop themselves as employment providers - the cultural entrepreneurs of the future. Our alumni have reinvigorated their industries with the quality of their intellectual property, skill and talent. More than 90% of our Honours alumni are working and employed in their chosen field of specialization.

AFDA films are exhibited at numerous international festivals and have been broadcast worldwide, winning many prestigious awards, including the Student Oscar winner and Cannes festival finalist in 2006 and a SAFTA (South African Film and Television Award) in 2007.