Some Background

Who are these two clowns?

I have a long and established history within the Australian computer animation industry, beginning with my involvement in the fledgling postgraduate computer animation program at Swinburne University. My student film, Alpha Drive was invited for screening at SIGGRAPH in the United States. This early recognition marked the beginning of my professional career.

Entering industry I became involved with several of Melbourne’s leading computer animation studios, including Computer Pictures, Sonicvision, Animagrafx and illoura. With a strong focus on corporate and commercial television production, my work was broadcast nationally on a daily basis throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. During this period I served as principal animator on major campaigns for clients such as Target, Myer and VicRoads among others receiving multiple Melbourne Art Directors Awards along the way.

In addition to my industry practice, I have held lecturing and teaching roles in Screen Media Studies via The University of Canberra, Holmesglen Institute and Chisholm Institute while developing and delivering programs at both AQF Diploma and Degree levels.

I am currently engaged in the production of curated content for several production houses while operating from a dedicated studio based in Melbourne’s south-eastern region.

Koko on my shoulder represents a recognition of the true art and origins of great animation as well as acknowledging and understanding the 12 principles of animation established by historic masters of the craft.

Created by the American-based Max Fleischer Studios, Koko stepped out of the inkwell in the early 1920s and blazed a trail in animation and visual effects that bigger and better-known studios would not venture down for almost another decade.

The country of origin and the time period is irrelevant. What matters, particularly these days, is understanding where real human innovation and creativity lie and being inspired by that.

Rod Clifton

Training and Qualifications

Cert IV Training and Assessment TAE40116
Chisholm Institute

Graduate Diploma in Applied Film and Television
(AQF level 8)
Swinburne University, Melbourne.

Chisholm Graphic Design Diploma course
Caulfield campus, Melbourne.

TAFE T.O.P. Art & Design
Frankston