The role of Creative Futures Week is to provide students with an insight into the realities of working in the creative industries as well as offering an opportunity to meet and network with industry professionals. The programme aims to provide various opportunities to develop professionally and to meet the requirements of academic study.
The day began with an inspiring opening address by Dr Stuart Cunningham, Academic Leader for Creative Industries, Media and Performance. It seems that the creative arts are continuing to thrive in and around Wales, and very positive statistcs were presented. Following this introduction, prolific animator, director and writer Barry Purves gave a fascinating lecture detailing his highly successful career.
'Passions and a Passport': Barry Purves
Barry Purves's lecture was incredibly inspiring and motivating.
Purves is an Oscar and BAFTA nominated director who works in the field of animation. He has animated on and directed many series for television such as The Wind in the Willows, Rupert Bear, and most recently, Bob the Builder. He has worked in significant roles on such feature films as Mars Attacks and King Kong, and directed many adverts and titles sequences.
He has produced films which have been awarded around the world inclduing Next, (the complete works of Shakespeare in five minutes) and Gilbert and Sullivan, (using their words and music to retell of their stormy relationship) According to Purves's website, 'the films are known for their innovation, passions, elegance, lush visuals and fresh interpretations of familiar subjects' (http://www.barrypurves.com/Barry/cv.html).
Purves spoke for over two hours, and gave a genuine insight into his work. He began by showing an excerpt from The Sound of Music, which had inspired him to work in the field of animation, and spoke of being influenced by Mary Poppins. His key interest lies in puppetry; he is fascinated by metaphors which reveal truth. He quoted Oscar Wilde as saying 'Give a man a mask and he'll tell you the truth, and believes that as humans we need to see life through metaphor in order to gain access to truth and understanding. He is interested in the relationships between the creator and the created, and believes that this relationship may be heightened by using physical puppets.
Examples of his work included Next, which is a truly spectacular run through of the complete works of Shakespeare, in just five minutes..http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3dQFR8oWb4. Purves's passion, patience and attention to detail were so motivating, and his work was stunning.
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