Company Background
Muddyfarm Models sell customised hand finished farm toys and models, with a unique twist added; a realistic ‘dirtied’ look to create original weathered toys and models. Due to the commercial success and interest in the models, owner Alistair Bell, has expanded his product offering through launching a children’s book created for one of his central characters ‘Jake the Tractor’.
Challenge
Alistair has been approached by some local schools to create an animated pilot of ‘Jake the Tractor’, due to the recent interest in his children’s book. However, he lacks the technical animations skills required to achieve this, but undeterred Alistair explored possible options in order to blend various animation techniques using live set design and computer animated designs.
Solution
In order to overcome this skill deficit, Alistair contacted the North West Regional College (NWRC) who were able to support him through the Innovate US programme, funded by Department for the Economy (DfE), which equated to 30 hours of training support from Aaron McKeever, NWRC Creative and Digital media Consultant to realise this new product.
Through the InnovateUs support, Aaron’s main aim was to introduce Alistair and give him skills in character, content and set design, voiceovers, editing and syncing animations in order to create unique educational animations.
Impact
The successful completion of this project resulted in a uniquely styled and easily identifiable animation allowing Muddyfarm to enter primary schools and use Jake the Tractor as an educational tool, rolling out educational talks and tutorials. The in house skillsets acquired, allowed Muddyfarm to amend, add and expand this product ensuring further innovation to bring further products to the market. In addition, the company hope to release a second book and introduce accompanying animation, which will boost turnover as a direct result of the project.
