Animex Bigger and Better in 2006

One of the UK's leading festivals of animation and computer games will once again take place in North East England in 2006.

The Animex International Festival of Animation and Computer Games will return to the University of Teesside from Monday February 6 to Friday February 10 2006.

Now in its seventh year, the festival has been graced by some of the best-known figures in the animation and games world, including Nancy Cartwright, the voice of Bart Simpson, and Mark Walsh a directing animator from PIXAR.

Next year's event promises to be even better with games expert Ken Wong, who will discuss his work on Bad Day LA, and Curtis Jobbing - one of the designers of Bob the Builder - among leading names already to have signed up.

Bringing together animators, designers, directors, writers, artists and students, Animex explores the latest developments in animation and the gaming industry, showcasing new talent and providing visitors with an opportunity to share skills and knowledge.

Highlights of the festival will be Animex Game (a festival looking at computer games design), Animex Talk (a festival looking at the biggest and brightest talent in animation) and Animex Screen, which will showcase some of the best new work from the UK animation scene.

Other attractions include:

• Eutechnyx discussing the latest art techniques for Playstation 3 and Xbox 360

• Blitz outlining its latest projects

• Prolific fantasy artist Rodney Matthews discussing his concept art for games including Shadow Master and Haven.

Animex Festival Director Chris Williams said: "Animex is fast becoming a fixture on the calendar for animators, students, producers, directors and the people of Teesside.

"Everybody can get involved from the youngest kids to the oldest OAP! Even if you don't want to listen to how some of the best animated films and computer games are made, you can participate by going to watch the films themselves at one of our screening venues throughout the region."

North East England is a growing centre for the digital technology sector. More than 200 IT and software development related companies and 400 new digital media firms are based in the region including Sage, Eutechnyx, Onyx and MI Services.

The University of Teesside runs thriving post-graduate courses in computer animation and computer games and recently announced the development of an £11 million Institute of Digital Innovation.

'Digital City', which is being developed by the University and Regional Development Agency, One NorthEast, will house high-tech facilities for research and innovations in digital media and digital technology that will be brought to the market through new or existing companies.

For further information, visit the Animex web site at www.animex.net

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