Tonight is the 20th year reunion of the animation program at what one was Senior College Ballyfermot- now called Ballyfermot College of Higher and Further Learning...really, truly.
Actually it is not a reunion as we know it in the States but rather a 20th ANNIVERSARY of the program! I was there for 4 years as Course Coordinator (Chair) and an instructor.
We had a wonderful time with some truly gifted students and faculty.
It was one of the landmarks of my career.
After a while, the program was on EVERY feature studio's "A" list. I googled the IMDB to see what just a small portion of the former students has achieved and came up with 29 pages of credits.
Congratulations to Jerome Morrissey for his foresight and his persistence in establishing the animation program. Jerome is now in charge of integrating computers in the educational system throughout Ireland. His deserves all the credit!
Because of him...there is an Irish animation industry. Studios like Brown Bag and Cartoon Saloon would not exist.
I wish the "reunion" had been longer - 2 hours is not enough time to celebrate all the achievements.
Have one for me!
Some highlights below:
The chaos caused when someone stole the clagger from Porter’s bell.
The painting of the walls before Chuck Jones visited the school.
Chuck Jones’ 3 ½ hour talk at the School.
President Mary Robinsons visit to the animation program.
The Tasioch’s (Prime Minister) Albert Reynolds' participation at our first graduation.
A student’s condom trick on video tape at the end of his reel during the Disney review of work for the Goofy Movie. (I slid across the table and hit the STOP button before they could see it). Moral: always use a fresh tape or DVD.
Half the third year class being hired to finish the Goofy Movie in Paris.
Traveling to the festivals in Wales and to Annecy, France to promote the students and the quality of their work.
Teaching the students to play American softball for their animation exercises.
Working on the North/South Animagic project that brought students in the North and South together to share their cultural heritage.
Knowing that the fate of a baseball cap determined the fate of the course and that eventually, the school surpassed every animation course in the world.
Jerome is still the best “boss” I have ever worked for…
I wish continued success to the animation program at Ballyfermot- to the students, graduates, faculty and the animation industry in Ireland.
I have worked around the world – mostly in Europe.
Without a doubt teaching in Ireland was an amazing experience.
Would I do it again? YES,in a heartbeat!
