Visiting weareseventeen OPN Festival
Back in June, a few of us from the studio had the opportunity to travel to London for the weareseventeen OPN Festival. This vibrant two-day event brought creatives from all over together to celebrate motion design. For us, it was an incredible chance to gain insights from some of the top creative agencies in the industry.
Hear from May and Nela below on what they made of the event!
May Kojanavaranon - 3D Motion Designer
“Listening to industry giants like Found, Golden Wolf, Echoic, and Future Deluxe was truly inspiring for us as a team. Their unique insights into motion design broadened our understanding of design thinking and software workflows. Learning how each studio leverages tools such as Cinema 4D, Houdini, and Unreal Engine was a particularly enlightening experience and it was something I greatly appreciated. A deep dive into Cinema 4D's user-friendly interface, Houdini's procedural generation, and Unreal Engine's real-time rendering highlighted how these technologies can streamline workflows and enhance creativity.
Discussions around their showreels and the thought processes behind them reinforced the importance of blending technical skill with artistic vision. It was a powerful reminder for us to continually push creative boundaries and strive for a perfect balance in our work.”
Nela Angelova - 2D Motion Graphic Designer
“While there are many impressive works out there, only few studios reveal the process behind their creation. The Golden Wolf talk did exactly that, especially with their presentation on Netflix's "The Monkey King."
"The Monkey King" follows the journey of a protagonist who battles monsters and grows along the way. Golden Wolf depicted this journey through a masterful use of color, starting with fewer colors and increasing the vibrancy as the protagonist progresses. This storytelling through color was both beautiful and powerful. They candidly shared their challenges in developing this concept and their use of all available resources. Their unique vision for the demon-fighting montage sequence, inspired by traditional Chinese brushwork, was bold, fluid, tactile, and action-packed—exactly what the creative world needed to see.
As an advocate of 2D and hand-drawn techniques, I am happy to say that its timeless appeal and artistry continue to captivate audiences and inspire animators. Studios like Golden Wolf play a crucial role in demonstrating the enduring value and versatility of traditional animation. Their work showcases how these techniques can coexist and even complement modern animation methods.”
Festivals like the OPN are vital for the industry, as they highlight the rich history and evolving future of animation in all its forms. These events not only honour the craft's legacy, but also encourage innovation and collaboration among artists.
We left with a deeper appreciation for the latest innovations and trends driving the industry forward, especially in simulations. The collaborative spirit was evident, inspiring us to embrace this approach in our own work.
A big thanks to Maxon for sponsoring the event and Ravensbourne University for hosting. We're excited for next year!
Check out OPN Festival here.