As most teams know, it was not possible to include a computer animation award in this year’s FRC program. Rather than let this aspect of the FRC experience die out, a group of team self-organized and created a community-based computer animation award effort for this year. Led by Team 116, these teams created the “Underground Society of Animators” (USA), and established a the “USA Awards for Excellence in Animation.”
Two awards will be presented at the FRC Championships to the animators this year. One award will be presented for technical execution and quality of the animation, and the second will be presented for artistry and creativity. The technical execution award will focus on the overall quality of the animation, the effective use of the animator’s tools, and the professionalism of their technique. This award will be selected by a panel of professional animators, artists, film-makers, and SFX professionals from organizations such as Disney, Pixar, White Dwarf Productions, Tom Ruegger Productions, etc. The creativity award will focus on the overall artistry and effectiveness of the animation, along with the surprise / “wow” factor associated with the story. This award will be selected by the community of FIRST robotics community as a whole, via a “one-vote-per-team” process.
This is where you come in.
The USA awards process needs your participation! We are asking FIRST teams go to animationsrus.org/vote.php to review at all the submissions and vote on the one they believe is the most creative. The review process is quick – it only takes about 35 minutes to review the judging criteria and view all the entries. After that, cast your vote! Each team only has one vote, so choose wisely.
More information is available at the top of that website under the “Official Rules” tab. The deadline for voting is April 15th. If you have any questions or comments regarding the voting process, please contact us at team116animationaward@gmail.