A film by Matt Stokes
Character concept Matt Stokes and Elroy Simmons
Animator Elroy Simmons
Commissioned by Gateshead Council
Produced by Animate Projects

Dance Swine Dance depicts an anonymous cartoon character modelled on a hybrid of styles associated with distinctive modern music and dance cultures, dating from the early 1900s to the present day.

The animated character energetically goes through a cycle of moves that epitomise the represented dance genres, subtly highlighting threads between each. During apparent shifts in tempo, the tireless figure remains immersed in an altered and focused state, outwardly displaying the escapism and enjoyment in his actions.

Hand-drawn frames, scanned then cleaned and animated using After Effects, including the addition of shadow effects. The final sequences have been refined and edited using Photoshop and Final Cut Pro respectively.

Elroy Simmons has worked as a traditional animator since 1995, gaining experience on a wide range of projects, such as TV animated series and specials, animated sequences for live-action projects (directing the ‘Fugu Sequence’ for the BBC’s Hustle, 2006), independent short films, TV advertisements (Coco Pops Choc ‘n’ Roll, 2010 and Coke Secret Ingredient Swelter Stopper, Coca-Cola, 2008) and a theatrical feature (A Christmas Carol, 2001).

He has designed, animated and directed projects including Judith (2002, Tandem Films) and has worked as a storyboard artist on independent live action and animated shorts.

His forthcoming projects include collaborating on a short with Richard Squires (from Let Me Feel Your Finger First) and a personal animated short A-Z (1995 - present) co-produced with Cornwall based animation studio Spider-Eye.