Today our interviewers have been speaking with each of our Games Animation finalists across both Search For A Star & d3t Rising Star!

We’ll be revealing the winners of this year’s challenges as part of Games Careers Week, live on our Twitch channel from 12.30pm on April 1st

We’ve had a range of fantastic submissions this year, so let’s take a look at our finalists for 2021!

Search For A Star & d3t Rising Star 2021

Sankalp Sharma

Staffordshire University

‘super slick and powerful piece’

The first animation finalist is Staffs Uni’s own Sankalp Sharma, a third-year Computer Games Design student!

His piece ‘Sheik: The Swift’ showed off his potential to the judges, with one saying: “I think you will make a great animator.”

This high praise from one game industry pro was backed up, as another judge said: “As a complete set of moves I think you have achieved a seamless high quality, game ready set of animations.”

See ‘Sheik: The Swift’ here: https://sankalp-sharma.itch.io/sheik-the-wift

See Sankalp’s full portfolio here: https://www.artstation.com/sankalp1160

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Iva Kasapova

University of the Arts

‘Keep up the good work and I’m sure you’ll be hired quite soon!’

Iva Kasapova is MA student at the University of Arts in London, studying 3D Computer Animation. This fantastic animation of a faun from a druid clan left one judge saying: “Amazing work! From research to development to final, it seems like you are in the right mindset and skill to start working in the industry already.”

Both judges were impressed with the detail of learning Iva did throughout the process, no doubt developing her already high skill level even further. One judge said: “The level of presentation and documentation was excellent, I hope this was a great learning exercise.

“The final result is a strong piece of work for your portfolio. Well done!”

See ‘Rhode: The Mountain Flower’ here: https://iva-pk.itch.io/rhode-sfas

See Iva’s animation showreel here: https://vimeo.com/470995462

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Alannah Meek

University of South Wales

‘Animation looks interesting and entertaining!’

Alannah is a highly-talented 2nd year Computer Animation student form the University of South Wales. Her Royal Guard, inspired by the Queen’s Guard, was animated to attack in a cartoonish fashion, getting credit from the judges.

One judge wrote: “The reference video is great and I like the animatic you made from it, it works quite well.”

See ‘The Royal Guard’ here: https://alannahmeek.itch.io/royalguardanimation

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Amir Mansaray

Staffordshire University

‘The attack styles were super stylish and strong’

Amir is another one from the talent pipeline that is Staffs Uni, his piece ‘Elite Military Girl’ is a sleek and captivating animation that captured the judges attention.

The judge wrote: “Good work! I loved the concept and style you chose for this!

“The documentation with included videos on each step of the process was very good, so extra points for that!”

See ‘Elite Military Girl’ here: https://incrementall.itch.io/gigamir

See Amir’s full portfolio here: https://www.amirmansaray.com/

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William Sheen

Staffordshire University

‘These would work brilliantly for in game combat’

William Sheen is the final one on the shortlist after his fantastic ‘Undead Blackthorn’ animation. Another finalist from Staffs Uni, the final-year Computer Animation student got a great reception from the judges for his entry.

One judge said: “You have produced a very fluid animation that really has the same feeling and snappiness of your reference inspiration. I like how you have pushed the rig to the limit to achieve the feeling and impact you want.”

See ‘Undead Blackthorn’ here: https://lamborsheeni.itch.io/blackthorn

See William’s portfolio here: https://www.artstation.com/william_sheen