The Cure

From the collection of

East Anglian Film Archive at the University of East Anglia

The East Anglian Film Archive, the UK's first regional film archive, offers a unique record of the East of England's social and cultural history. As part of the University of East Anglia, we continue to lead moving image heritage research and inspire audience participation through community projects and events. Our collections represent a broad range of amateur and professional creativity, from 1896 to the present day.

The Cure

East Anglian Film Archive at the University of East Anglia
1977-01-01
Sound
23m

Extra-terrestrial plantlife is discovered in the Welsh countryside causing mischief for scientist Dr Felix Ackerman, filmed in 1977.

Young filmmaker Jon Coley's imaginative tale of the bizarre – the discovery of alien plantlife in the Welsh countryside. Coley wrote, directed and provided the animations and special effects for this short film, episode four out of eight, making up the ‘Other Realms' series. Coley enlisted the help of his uncle Tommy (Lloyd) and cousin Andrew to play the farmer and son, with himself starring as the scientist.

Coley was greatly influenced by his Uncle Tommy who he remembers had a Eumig standard 8 camera and projector and would host film shows at family occasions. Coley showed great interest in this hobby from a very early age, marking the start of a life-long career in animation and filmmaking. Coley also took inspiration from the classic Universal horror movies of the 1920s, introduced to him by his grandmother who was a keen Boris Karloff fan. He also loved the work of fantasy animation pioneer Ray Harryhausen. In later years, Coley became great friends with Harryhausen, and the two would showcase work to each other.

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.