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Animation develops creativity, critical thinking

The Campbell River Arts Council is presenting a series of one-day Animation Workshops for youth.

The Campbell River Arts Council is presenting a series of one-day Animation Workshops for youth.

If your child is between the ages of 8 and 12 years old and enjoys being creative using a laptop computer, this is a workshop they will enjoy. Two workshops will be held: Level One will take place on Saturday, from 1-4 p.m.; Level Two will take place on Sunday from 1-4 p.m.

Taught by animation instructor, Fred Jiles MSC, this series of workshops has the endorsement of many staff and administers within Campbell River Elementary Schools. Jiles, an educator from Washington State, has been teaching news reporting and animation production skills to youth since 1983.

“Observing these young people being entertained as they develop critical thinking skills, using today’s technology and a medium they engage with is exciting,” says Jiles. “I chuckle to myself as I watch them develop a story concept into a full-fledged finished animation.”

In his Level One Workshop, youth start by scripting out a story idea. Next, students create two-dimensional drawings to tell their story, add an audio track, special effects and their first animation is finished. These test animations usually run from 30 seconds to two minutes depending on storyline and plot.

The Level Two Workshop allows young animators to advance to a three-dimensional medium.

The cost is $40 per student per level.Only 12 young people will be allowed to enroll per workshop. Students work in production teams of two youth per laptop computer.

To register, call the Arts Council at 923-0213.