International partnerships

Young talent wins prestigious German award

Tivoli Theatre Hamburg

Twenty-seven animated films from New Zealand were entered in the prestigious Hamburg Animation Awards (featuring New Zealand in a special category) in Germany on 26 June, thanks to Auckland City Council's strategic alliance with Hamburg.

The winner of this global creativity tribute, honouring an aspiring young animator, was Austin Hillebrecht. Austin was an international student from the USA, who graduated from Lifeway College's 3D animation course in Warkworth in 2007. His animation, "The Missing Sock", follows a little boy as he uncovers a hidden world inside his dryer, where lost socks are taken http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mXOwtUXCc4.

A very close runner up was Mark Smith, from Media Design School in Auckland. Mark graduated in March 2007 and now works for Weta Productions. His animation, "Das Versuchstier" (the experimental animal), tells the story of a robot doctor who tests little blue creatures for their worthiness for toyshop shelves http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4E5BAnVSho4.

Each year Hamburg recognises a different country to profile at their awards - and for 2008, this was New Zealand. The New Zealand winner received a cash prize of around NZ$3,900 and an all expenses paid trip to Hamburg to attend the award ceremony.

Councillor Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga, chairperson of the City Development committee, says, "This award was a fantastic opportunity for animators and film-makers from our country to be recognised on the international stage.

"The creative world is important to both our cities and is why we are pleased to be involved in this way. This opportunity is a clear example of how Auckland and Hamburg can work together and provide benefits to each other and is a real tribute to New Zealand talent."

A leading Auckland animator - Brent Chambers, director of Flux Animation - believes the awards could change the life and career of the winner.

"Speaking as a person who was the recipient of an award in my younger days, which launched my career, I believe this is exactly what will help young animators get noticed," says Mr Chambers.

"This will set someone's career along a path. It's the greatest opportunity they could ever get, and with it will come international recognition."

Selection for the country award came about through Auckland City Council's strategic alliance with Hamburg (signed May 2007). Hamburg was chosen as a desired partner for Auckland because of similarities in business sectors such as biotechnology and creative industries, as well as its vast waterfront revitalisation programme (the largest in Europe). Auckland is the only city in New Zealand to have a formal relationship with a German city, and Hamburg is regarded as an esteemed European choice.

"Hamburg is also the centre of German media - including film, TV, advertising and music production. The sector has increased by 50 per cent since 2000, and increases have been similarly experienced in Auckland, so the synergy was excellent," says Mr Lotu-Iiga.

The lucky New Zealand winner may have their film exhibited as a preview to a feature film or used by the North German Broadcasting Corporation for three months following the award.

"There are so many high profile animation series coming out of New Zealand now...which recognises our special capability and talent," says Mr Chambers. "This award is hugely beneficial for the industry."

The Hamburg Animation Award 2008 was open to students and alumni within three years of graduating, and was promoted nationally by the Goethe-Institut in Wellington. New Zealand animators are now automatically eligible for entry to main awards categories for the annual Hamburg event in the future.

Published July 2008