The 2009 Japan Prize event received 324 entries from 196 organizations in 65 countries & regions. The only other time that the event’s Grand Prix prize has been won by animated programmes was when ‘Sesame Street’ won the prize 25 years ago and, more recently, ‘The Teletubbies’ which won 12 years ago.
‘What’s Your NEWS?’ currently shows on Nick Jnr Uk, CBC Canada and Nick Australia but as its co-creator and designer, Chris Dicker, tells IFTN “This win has opened up doors for us in both Japan and in other territories – we have a lot of companies interested in ‘What’s Your NEWS?’ now”.
Dublin born Chris studied Classical Animation for four years at Ballyfermot Senior College, during which time he was selected to be a Walt Disney intern. He then started working for TT Games as a lead animator and designer and went on to work many TT Games titles, he is currently based in Britain.
‘What’s Your NEWS?’ is a combined live action / animation television news show for and about 4-7 year old children that seeks to aid their transition from their home and family environment into the wider world. It centres around Imagine Newsnight studio, which is staffed by ants who cover children’s news stories, direct from the homes of the participating youngsters.
Chris explains the aim of the series: “I wanted to get more children interested in non-mainstream programming. I wanted them to see other children’s news from all over the world, connecting with each other – which they can do online – over things like loosing a tooth. I really wanted to makes the kids feel like their news is important and relevant to others.”
The animator goes on to describe winning the two awards “It was amazing to win. I didn’t think we would because we were up against such stiff competition but it’s great that to see that our hard work is finally paying off. And I think it’s a good reflection on Irish animation on a whole, which is really on the rise.”
With this recent success there is further hopes for the series to grow. “I would love to get some Irish kids involved,” says Dicker. “And I’d very much like to get an Irish co-producer on board and create a few jobs at home.”
For more information about the ‘What’s Your NEWS?’ series visit www.whatsyournews.com/
