In 2022, The Animation Pathways Fund supported three artists with an opportunity to access the animation industry, working on the international production of Sullivan Sails.
Working over 12 weeks, the artists shadowed the director and wider team to gain experience in project development, storyboarding, animation, design and FX.
Along with the Animation Graduate Traineeship supported by Screen Ireland and Animation Skillnet, the Animation Ireland Pathways Fund allowed Sullivan Sails to progress the professional aspirations of new entrants to the Irish Animation industry.
The fund also allowed Ukrainian animation director Olha Yevtieieva to further develop her original concept “Crunch Crunch Farm” for Irish audiences. The project follows the musical adventures of two rabbits who live on a farm and promotes the “grow it yourself” way of life for young children.
About the project, Olha said “Crunch Crunch Farm is a very personal project that would appeal to a universal audience. Featuring songs, dancing and fun adventures in every series, we will present a positive experience around growing and food production that children can enjoy. We are actively developing scripts and animation, and will present the project to international buyers in 2023.”
Following the first pilot iteration of the Pathways Diversity, Equity and Inclusion funding scheme in 2021, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland through Animation Ireland offered this funding to provide opportunities on productions for those from diverse and under-represented communities and those where access to the industry would historically be limited.
Given the current situation in Ukraine and in other countries with forced displacement due to conflict, for this round of the Pathways fund, Screen Ireland welcomed applications that supported opportunities for refugees currently resident in Ireland, seeking to transition to the Screen Sector in Ireland.
