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| Shout Huge Productions Crew |
1. What is your background? (Brief story on how one decided to join the industry e.t.c, some animation companies you have worked with/at, training).
Took my heart away from money , I ain’t
interested in fame (song by Wale,Rick Ross,Meeky Mill) may just have
been referring to Harto of Shout Huge Productions , an animator,and
the founder of Shout Huge Productions(SHP) who has a great love for animation.
Shout Huge Productions is one of the new
entrants in the Kenyan animation sector determined to change the industry. The company(started in
early 2012) was founded by Harto Muhato Macharia is made up of five
individuals, Harto, Bob, Shadrack, Wangari and Tito.The team has a
combined experience, of more than ten years.
2. What are some of the (major) stints/shows/productions you have been involved in??
Harto, has created several short
animated clips by the name Soul Lion and another known as Muchoki.I
tend to favor the style and story- if I may say of the latter:
Muchoki (You can never go wrong with a love story infused with a dose
of conflict such as war).However make a point of watching - (YOUTUBE:
harto 191) - them both and tell me what you think.
3. What are your preferred tools of trade? (Software) and why (cost, speed, experience e.t.c)?
Shout Huge Productions operates using
some of the ‘most potent arsenal ‘in the industry (Adobe
suite,Toonboom,Photoshop,Cinema 4d,Maya and 3DS max and even Wacom
tablets).The company has made a significant investment in ensuring
that they are well equipped .
According
to Shadrack: “the reason for using these tools is because we admire
Professionals who use them: chief Nyamweya, Glen Keane, Ryan
Woodward.”
For shout huge productions…”The
tool doesn’t define what they do” they define what the tool does
for them.
4. Some of the major challenges you face in the industry and possible solutions?
Like
any other venture there will always be challenges to overcome, the
main one for SHP is getting Kenyans to realize quality animation is
now available as compared to what we previously had.
“We
will offer unique quality production that is how we at SHP studios
will tackle this challenge and let the product speak for itself.”
““One
of our main aims Is to be able to compete with international
animation studios and to achieve this We have acquired a never give
up attitude towards our work and fueling ourselves with ambition to
succeed by constantly motivating each other to work hard, “talent
is nothing without hard work” Harto says. ””
5. Current projects we should know about/be expecting?
We have projects and short films
expected from the studio, among them is a local animated music video
(in 2D) that will be out in 2-3 months time.
6. What are your sources of inspiration and motivation (what keeps you going)?
The crew at SHP Studios draw their
inspiration from different sources. They would like to make a product
that Kenyans can relate to e.g.animated cartoons (since most of the
content aired in Kenya’s is foreign)
- Bob a.k.a Mr. Paul, likes to get paid for what he likes to do which is drawing.
- Wangari a.k.a Cookie, the only female in the group appreciates the chance of being part of a team that will be creating quality, local media content for the Kenyan people.
- Harto a.k.a Huge was inspired from a young age by shows such as Thundercats, Heman, SaberRider, the Star Sheriffs, The Incredible hulk and Danger Mouse. His motivation is to one day to create an animated series or movie that captivates and inspires as much as this animated series did for him.
- Tito a.k.a the Model, is motivated by a lot of the visual effects and animation he sees on TV inspiring him to create better and greater visuals and 3D models.
- Shaddie a.k.a JR’s inspiration is Disney and DC comics and wants someday to work in a studio that compels as much as Disney and DC.
7. Word of advice to local budding animators and interested parties (e.g. steps they should take to join the industry e.g. training etc)?
“Nothing that
is worth it, comes easy” animation is a rigorous and involving
process, passion is key.
Different skill sets are brought out in animation such as; 2D and 3D animation,
comic art, script writing, sound engineering, storyboarding,
compositing and graphic art. So there is definitely a skill for an
animator to pick up on and grow in strength. Animation needs team
work, we advise local animators to come together to better the
industry.
Animation is the
wave of the future in film production and not just advertisement, to
all those upcoming animators ,lets come together to tell the
African story-animation style.
8. What are some of the services that one can expect from your company?
The company is involved in all aspects
of animation production from start to finish. They offer traditional
2D animation, 3D animation and 2D cut out animation, storyboards,
comic, motion comics, we also offer digital art, edutainment and
visual effects.
9. What are some of your interests apart from animation?
Of course all work and no play
makes…..Miguna a dull boy. The crew at Shout huge productions have
other interests they enjoy such as reading, playing with Lego’s,
watching movies, listening to Dub Step music and skateboarding .They also
have a soft spot for basketball as evidenced by the mini Basketball
Rim in the office used for practice when taking a break from
animating.
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| Shout Huge Productions Studio mini basketball hoop |
All in all we
all start form somewhere. Shout Huge Productions have made their
first step and we all expect the best. Another plus is the effort
they made to incorporate a female team member.
Remember……YOU
ARE THE INDUSTRY!
