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British animation: The Channel 4 factor
Publication date: 19 November 2008
£17.99 from Parliament Hill Publishing

‘A unique overview of one of the most dynamic production periods in animation history’ – Gareth Evans, Editor,
Vertigo Magazine

For much of the 1990s Britain regularly walked off with the world’s major animation awards, including the Oscar®, Cartoon d’Or and top festival prizes. Most of the winning films were commissioned by television channels – and most of these by Channel 4.

Set up in 1981, Channel 4 was state-regulated but funded by advertising, and operated with a remit to foster innovation. The battles between art and commerce raged from day one. Kitson was on the battlefield. She offers a lively picture of animation’s fluctuating fortunes within the Channel and, in microcosm, of all arts programming in a commercial world.
 

The book also celebrates thirty landmarks of British animation and the artists who made them. Detailed film portraits offer insights – personal, technical and historical – into the genesis, production and ultimate impact of a whole range of works, from The Snowman to the 2007 Oscar-winner, Peter and the Wolf. Between them come more Oscar-winners, popular series, well-known Aardman films, avant-garde works from the likes of Jan Švankmajer and the Quay brothers – and a host more.

A joy for lovers of animation and food for thought for students of the media.

Clare Kitson scheduled animation programmes at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in the early 70s and was a programmer at the National Film Theatre in the 80s. From 1989 to 1999 she commissioned Channel 4’s animation. Her highly-praised book Yuri Norstein and Tale of Tales: An animator’s journey (John Libbey Publishing) appeared in 2005.

Events

The author will present the book and the history at the Encounters Short Film Festival, Bristol Watershed. Wednesday 19 November, 12 noon. www.encounters-festival.org.uk

She will also introduce a programme of some of the most remarkable titles produced by the Channel at the Curzon Soho. Friday 5 December, 6pm. www.curzoncinemas.com

More information from http://parliamenthillpublishing.co.uk