A Child's Guide to Catching an Elephant Kit

From the collection of

Archif Sgrin a Sain Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru / National Library of Wales Screen and Sound Archive

Established in 2001, the National Library of Wales Screen and Sound Archive holds an unrivalled collection of films, TV and radio broadcasts, video tapes and sound recordings relating to Wales and the Welsh, from 1898 to the present day. The collection spans multiples formats and genres, both professional and amateur.

A Child's Guide to Catching an Elephant Kit

Archif Sgrin a Sain Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru / National Library of Wales Screen and Sound Archive
1972-01-01
Sound
2m

Referred to by its creator as a “mad ad”, this spoof kit will provide any child with everything s/he needs to catch an elephant. It’s simple, just a question of perception, and it all starts with a trunk call! For other animated films by Ian Malcolm, a talented and stalwart member of Cardiff Amateur Cine Society, see 'Legend of the Red Dragon', 'Animal Alphabet', 'A Change in the Weather' and 'ABZ on Sport?'.

DIY Animation

Amateur animation auteurs bring their homegrown creations to life

The requirements for making an animated film are pretty low. With a camera that shoots in single frames and an idea in your back pocket, you're well on your way. This collection showcases an assortment of dining table Disneys, who combine homebrewed talent with the all-important dedication and patience required to bring a story to life one frame at a time. Not that this was necessarily a solitary pursuit. From the 1950s onwards networks of amateur animators like The Grasshopper Group collaborated on filmmaking and distribution, and animated shorts were often a highlight of the amateur filmmaking scene.