Chris Walsh - Resume
Fifteen years of media production experience, all crammed into one web page. Check out what I've done (in the world of animation, and otherwise).
2006
THE MAGIC PROJECTOR
Well, it's finally complete! My thesis film from York University's Graduate Film Program is all finished and ready for viewing. Check out the NEW TRAILER. The completed film is fifteen minutes long, incorporates cut-out animation and three-dimensional puppet animation, and features the voice talent of GORDON PINSENT (an icon of Canadian television and cinema). The story is based on tales my mother has told me about her life growing up during the 1930s in rural Ontario (Canada). I've taken those stories, and added a healthy twist of fairytale magic to create what I hope is a moving story of family bonds and the magic of cinema.
Big News! This film has been accepted as part of the Canadian Showcase Program at THE OTTAWA INTERNATIONAL ANIMATION FESTIVAL.This is North America's primo animation festival, so I couldn't be more excited. If you're in Ottawa for this festival, please say hi!
If you are in the Toronto area, there is an August 14, 2007 screening at the NFB THEATRE.
If you would like to purchase a copy of the DVD (which includes a Commentary, and a Documentary on Puppet Making) please contact me. Priced very fairly, indeed. For more info about buying (and for more info about the production in general) please go to THEMAGICPROJECTOR.COM
2006
BACHELOR OF APPLIED ARTS AND ANIMATION PROGRAM, SHERIDAN COLLEGE
I'm a very proud (and fairly new) full-time member of the Animation Program at Sheridan College. This program is known world-wide as an institute that provides excellent foundational training for animators in the Classical style, in Flash, in Maya, and now in the medium of stop motion. This is my main area of focus, as we develop what is Canada's first formal post-secondary course in Stop Motion Animation. We are also currently developing some very exciting studio facilities, that will allow senior students the chance to create some pretty amazing stop mo films.
Another facet of my work at Sheridan is mentoring senior students as they develop their final films. This can mean anything from advising on storyboards, character designs, layouts, and animation, to offering a shoulder to cry on when computers crash at the 11th hour. This work is proving to be incredibly rewarding, as I get to nurture and advise young artists as they find their voice in this remarkable medium. Each film and filmmaker is unique, making it a very exciting thing to manage up to 10 artists and films at at time! Exhausting, but absolutely awesome and inspiring.
2005
THE HUMONGOUS ADVENTURES OF LAWRENCE
This is a 2D animated TV series I've created. It's aimed primarily at boys, age 5-8, and it's chock full of fun educational content, wrapped up in humongously exciting adventure. If you happen to be an Executive Producer in search of a great show...don't be shy!
2005
LITTLE PEOPLE
This is a fun and happy little stop-motion show that has its origins as a series of Fisher-Price toys (that wonderful producer of fine toys). It's produced by Cuppa Coffee Animation (North America's premiere stop motion house).
I was a stop motion animator on this show.
2004
WHAT IT'S LIKE BEING ALONE
This mini-series of half hour episodes combines gorey humour with wonderful characters and sets. Watch for it soon, airing on CBC.
I was a stop motion animator on this project.
2004
This hour-long Christmas special was created and produced by Cuppa Coffee Animation, and should be airing every single Christmas until the world (or TV) ends.
I was a puppet-pusher on this show (aka, a stop motion animator).
JOJO'S CIRCUS, SEASON 2
All the kiddies love JoJo and her crazy circus world. It's a very cute show that showcases some really stellar animation.
I worked as a part-time stop motion animator on this series.
2003
HENRY'S WORLD, SEASON 2
Canada's FIRST fully stop motion animated TV series. It's all about Henry Wiggins and his magical wishes.
Guess what? I was a stop motion animator on this series.
2002
DELORIS DEADHEAD ANIMATED SERIES
I did creative development and script-writing on this project (which is currently somewhere in the realm of "pre-production") for SPIN ENTERTAINMENT, with my business partner Alex Gorelick.
2002-Present
BRAND VOICE INC (AKA, SYD KESSLER)
On a contract basis, I do comedy writing and creative project development with Mr. Kessler, aka, "The Jingle King". This guy is really something else (extremely accomplished, and a true pleasure to work with).
2002
SPEC SCRIPTS FOR ANIMATED TELEVISON SERIES
I wrote sample scripts for three different shows - CALLIOU, MAGGIE AND THE FEROCIOUS BEAST and MONA THE VAMPIRE.
I use these to shop myself around to story editors and producers in the wild world of children's TV. If you're a producer or story editor, feel free to contact me and I'll send them your way.
2002
DROP THE BEAT, SEASON 1
Since I'm fairly handy, I have worked in commercial film and television as a set dresser. I've done quite a few movies and TV shows, but this CBC show (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) was the most enjoyable and educational.
The main set was a college radio station, which I helped put together. Very cool. The show was all about the Canadian hip hop music scene, making it even more fun to work on.
1999
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT VIDEO - VILLAGE OF ARTHUR
Yep, I also do corporate stuff.
I wrote, produced, directed and supervised post-production on this little gem (sorry, no links). I learned a lot about meeting budgets and deadlines on this project, as well as how to deal with clients. I also honed my skills at managing a crew and making people comfortable in interview situations.
1998
ATOM EGOYAN'S ELSEWHERELESS
This was an opera whose libretto (which is the text portion of the piece) was penned by Mr. Egoyan. He also directed the project as a whole.
The action and music on stage was accompanied by films and videos. The film/ video director and set designer was Philip Barker, which is where I came in.
I was the director of photography, and helped develop the visual style of the projected components.
I also supervised post-production on these components, which required very specific technical set-ups and cueing instructions in order to blend smoothly with the onstage performances.
Through this project, I learned how "the top dogs" work, in terms of professional dedication to craft and artistic integrity.
1998
YTV CANADA- NEW MEDIA DEPARTMENT
This was a very exciting time to be working for Canada's youth channel. We were doing all sorts of cutting edge stuff that was breaking serious ground in website interactivity.
My role was to manage all incoming end-user data, as well as some junior-level web design.
1997
This is a short experimental film I made while in college. It's a faux-documentary, which tells a lyrical love story in a visually and narratively innovative style. Take One Magazine said - "Walsh displays a control and maturity that some veteran film makers have yet to master."
It was selected for The Toronto International Film Festival in 1997, and went on to play in The Ann Arbour Film Festival, The Mill Valley Film Festival, and many others.
EDUCATION
2005-2007 YORK UNIVERSITY
Toronto, Ontario
Master of Fine Arts, Film and Video
This is a great program, one that allowed me a lot of freedom to create my own work independently, but also offered lots of support (both technically and academically) when I needed it. It offers some excellent faculty that bring a lot of exciting and varied approaches to film making, including experimental, documentary, and traditional narrative film making. I was a bit of a "black sheep" as an animator, but I was welcomed as someone bringing something vibrant to the program, which York is always looking out for.
1995-1998 SHERIDAN COLLEGE
Oakville, Ontario
Media Arts Production - Film Production Major
This is where I learned about various "hands-on" aspects of motion-picture making. This included writing, producing, directing, camera work and camera operation, lighting, editing, sound design, and set design.
1992-1995 WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY
Waterloo, Ontario
Bachelor of Arts, English Literature
Bachelor of Arts, Film Studies - Graduated With Distinction
This is where I learned about motion-picture making from various historical, cultural, social, and artistic perspectives.