Chris Colman

Profession

MA Character Animation alum

College

Central Saint Martins

Person Type

Alumni

Biography

Chris studied PgDip Character Animation at Central Saint Martins in 2010. This course is now called MA Character Animation. He is currently executive producer and partner in animation production company Final Frontier.

Interview

Please can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

I was a shy, sometimes extroverted kid that loved to write endless meandering stories, draw cartoons, and provoke a reaction, make people laugh, surprise them, or basically get attention. As an adult, things haven’t changed that dramatically.

Why did you choose to study PgDip Character Animation (2D)at Central Saint Martins (CSM)?

I was impressed by some of the past student work, and the course leader at the time. I like the intensity of the course, with constant practical exercises. It felt very practical, efficient and industry-oriented, as opposed to a lot of other longer courses that contained more theoretical parts.

What have you been working on since graduating?

I’m currently executive producer and partner in animation production company Final Frontier, collaborating with a roster of incredibly talented directors, artists and storytellers to shape exceptional animated content.

Previously I worked with DreamWorks (now Pearl Studio) in China where I served as international ambassador and chief scout for top tier and emerging writers, directors and visual talent. My role saw me travel the globe, charged with forging relationships and devising initiatives with studios, animation schools and industry events.

I moved to Shanghai in early 2011 around six months after graduation, which is where I’ve been based since pretty much. Early on, observing a wealth of talent but few stages on which it could be shared and celebrated, I founded the China Animation & Game Network (CAGN), producing, curating and hosting live creative events for professionals to connect, share, and be inspired.

As Director of Development for the Institute for Animation & Creative Content, a training institute working with elite international experts and luminaries - primarily from North America's movie, animation and VFX industry - I built and collaborated with a China-wide network of studios to promote skill development in the country's booming animation and gaming industries.

I’ve also written extensively about animation, advertising, film, and interactive technologies, consulted for clients across the motion spectrum, and been invited to speak at conferences and educational institutions across Asia, Europe and North America.

What was the most interesting project you worked on during your time on the course?

I don’t remember the exact purpose of the exercise, I think maybe it was storyboarding an action sequence. It turned into a 600-second film about a hapless TV chef who meets his match and almost his end when trying to crack an egg. The character development and performance aspect of that was a lot of fun.

What important piece of advice would you give to students thinking of studying this course?

It’s pretty obvious maybe, but you’ll get out of it what you put into it. Work hard every day, joyfully immerse yourself into the art and the craft for the full duration of your course, learn as much as you possibly can, seize the opportunity. Because it’s an amazing opportunity, and if you’re smart and work hard, you can do whatever you want to do, now and in the future. Nothing will be handed to you on a plate though, it’s all up to you.

What was the highlight of your Central Saint Martin’s experience?

I loved learning all the new skills and having fun with my classmates.

What is the most important thing you learnt on the course?

Make the most of your time to play, experiment and learn.

Links

Check Chris’s LinkedIn
Explore Chris’s Website
View the MA Character Animation course page

Chris Colman

Biography

Interview

Links

Central Saint Martins

Contact

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