Quick Draw

Hench Team Competes In 32-Hour Animation Marathon

The Henchmen's Demo Reel for SIGGRAPH 2007.

Three M.F.A. students from the John C. Hench Division of Animation & Digital Arts will put their skills—and their bodies—to the test this August when they attempt to create the best character-driven animation possible, from scratch, in less than 32 hours.

The trio, composed of third-year students Ryan Chen, John Helton and Arjun Rihan, will be one of just 16 teams from around the globe competing in the FJORG! iron-animator event, during the SIGGRAPH 2007 conference and exhibition, which takes place from August 5-9 in San Diego.

“It’s going to be an incredible challenge, in this length of time, to not only be able to make an interesting, unique character using processes that involve highly technical 3D skills, but to also bring an art to the project,” said Hench Chair Kathy Smith. “But I think they can do it.”

The trio, who have dubbed themselves “The Henchmen” in

Animation from the Henchmen, (top to bottom) Ryan Chen, Arjun Rihan and John Helton.

honor of their division, will begin their trial at the stroke of 9 a.m. on Monday, August 6. At that moment, all entrants will be asked to create an animated sequence of at least 15 seconds in length based on a theme to be provided at the main SIGGRAPH event using only their talent, skills and those assets supplied by the organizers.

In addition to their mandate and theme, they will also receive cots for any potential sleep breaks during the non-stop production cycle, from which they will have to carve out time for everything from eating to finding a place to shower.

“None of us have any idea what’s going to happen,” said Chen, who was the catalyst to entering the competition, and together with his classmates tried out several nicknames before deciding on the catchy moniker that reflects their division’s name. “But I do know people will be amazed at what we can do.”

“This is definitely the most guerilla experience I will have had,” said Rihan, noting that his love for animating and making characters move will help his teammates tackle whatever lies ahead of them. “It’s a tough test, but everyone in the contest is starting at the same level.”

Judged by an elite panel of judges that may include recruiters and leading talent from top graphics, feature film, animation, and game companies, the winners of the high-profile competition will receive a trophy, yet-to-be announced prizes, and most importantly, bragging rights associated with the self-proclaimed “toughest animation contest in the world.”

“We haven’t had much experience working together,” added Helton. “But our work has such different styles and approaches that we’re bound to complement each other.”

With the normal barriers of making a short film replaced by a whole new set of experiences, all three agree that they are well prepared for whatever the judging panel presents.

“We make a formidable team,” said Chen. “We’re the Henchmen!”