Animator creates short film about dementia in honour of his dad
AN animation student has created a film to raise awareness of the disease from which his late father suffered.
Neil Floyd, from Oswaldtwistle, studied animation at Blackburn College and as part of his final year project, he created a stop motion film to raise awareness of dementia.
Neil, of Union Road, was 16 when his dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and he became his full time carer.
Ten years ago he was diagnosed with dementia.
In 2013, just three months after his father passed away, Neil began his illustration and animation course at the college’s University Centre.
Neil said: “The animation took over five months to make; the model had to be moved 24 times just to make one second of film.
“The film is three minutes long.
“This has been the hardest project I’ve ever done. The amount of work involved in the creation of a three-minute stop motion animation has been unbelievable.
“The film is very emotional, and delivers a greater understanding to the viewer of the effects that dementia can have on someone’s life.
“The story is inspired by my late father, who sometimes felt isolated by the illness.”
He added: “The purpose of the film was to create a better understanding of dementia and it shows the isolation and fear that comes with it.
“I hope that people will see this and it will encourage them to talk about the disease.”
Neil hopes to continue with his passion and find a career in animation.