Gator takes a look at...Sandman Animation and Kieron Seamons

So we’ve been darting back and forth from the US and the UK on this studio exploration, so how about we end the trip somewhere completely different…China!

So let’s take a look at

Sandman Animations

GAH! NOT YOU!

THESE! Sandman Animations

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THEIR WEBSITE!

Apologies in advance for the lack of images this time around, as much of the websites content does not show up on my blog. Of course all of their content is viewable from the link above.

Founded in 2006, Sandman Animations is actually the most recent company in my list, and is also one of the most impressive animation studios in Asia; specialising in 2D animation as well as CG.

At its helm is Kieron Seamons, the animation director, who you may recognise for his work on “Who Framed Roger Rabbit,” “Balto” and “An American Tale 2 (among many other projects). The man is incredibly talented, with an incredibly diverse portfolio and it really shows with the work Sandman creates.

The studio has created series including “My Pet,” “Ra Ra,” “Little China” and has even worked on “Horrid Henry,” probably the most recognizable to my western readers.

Here's an example of their work:

And here's some of Kieron's work

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8RwDLr9MMQ&list=UU0K32vfGwNk_ZKf1FQF1mFg

As you can see, the studio has a great deal of skill behind all of its work, and understandably so; as the company strives to ensure that its 120+ employees are the best of the best. In fact, the Sandman Animations classes have been created to enhance the quality of animation all across China.

That’s the main reason why I admire this company so much, it strives to build on others pre-existing skills, and help them to improve to an even higher standard. Talented animators helping other talented animators, and everybody benefits as a result, and the animation industry in China becomes greater than before. They are determined to improve the market and that dedication and support is a wonderful quality to have.

They have even set up a DIP Studio to cope with the high demand, and are always adapting and evolving with the growing industry, another important trait in any successful animator.

Combine that with wonderful worlds, diverse, vibrant characters and raw talent; and it’s no surprise Sandman has done so well.

Good job everyone

Be sure to follow the link below to go to the studios youtube page, where you can see more of their work as well as Kieron's.

 https://www.youtube.com/user/SANDMANANIMATIONSTUD

(I also want to leave a heartfelt thank you to Kieron Seamons, who took the time out of his day to answer a few of my animation questions a few months ago, and even browsing my blog to give me feedback on my work. It meant a great deal to me to have somebody respond to my email, especially from somebody I respect so much, and it further illustrates his studios support for new talent.)

 

And so with that, our animation exploration comes to an end. It’s been a blast, and I loved speaking about these studios.

Next time, we’ll be coming back to my own work, and I’ll give you another sneak peek into the artwork behind “There Be Monsters.”