Dundalk Institute of Technology were delighted  to welcome Mark Kilkelly, Animation Director at Boulder Media , for an online talk via MS Teams on Tuesday, November 19th. The session was attended by students from our MSc Computer Animation, MSc Games and Extended Reality, and Certificate in Digital Animation programs.

Boulder Media , an award-winning Irish studio based in Dublin, boasts an impressive portfolio of animated shorts and productions, including  “Grimsburg”, “Cat Burglar”, “Superhero girls”, “Dorothy the Wizard of Oz” and “Fresh Cut Grass” to name a few to name a few.

During the talk, Mark Kilkelly provided a fascinating insight into their production process and shared valuable advice on what to include in a standout animation portfolio showreel. This ranged from model sheets and expression sheets to short animation sequences. Mark Kilkelly also offered practical tips for getting started in the animation industry, emphasising the importance of developing strong artistic skills and creating an effective online portfolio.  Mark also discussed his own experiences from his first animation to building a career, leading to his more significant and current directorial role.

The session was both inspiring and informative, giving attendees a glimpse into the world of professional animation and practical guidance for aspiring animators.

Jackie Toal lecturer, highlighted “It was of great benefit to the students to hear from a live industry practitioner to help inspire them for their future career.”

All pictures work copyright and credit to Boulder Media 

For further information on these courses see the following links:

MSc in Computer Animation  

MSc in Games and Extended Reality 

Certificate in Digital Animation