1Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your creative background.
I'm Jens Møller, the Director of this short film. I've spent roughly three decades in the field of animation, accumulating extensive expertise in feature films, short films, TV series, and commercials.
I initially pursued a master's degree in Architecture and Production Design, and my career has encompassed a wide spectrum of animated productions. As a director, I have overseen TV series and TV specials, including "Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu" and "Lego Star Wars." More recently, I have directed 3D animated features like "Daily Fables" at Grid Animation and "The Ogglies" at WunderWerk GmbH.
Currently, I hold the position of director for the animated feature "Fleak" at Anima Vita and serve as Co-Director for the 3D animated feature "Elli" at Zooper Film. In addition to my directing roles, I have also shared my knowledge as an educator at various European film schools over the years.
2What made you become/why did you choose to become a creative?
I've always had a passion for drawing and creative expression. During my studies in architecture, I came to realize the potential of designing entire cinematic worlds through animation. Given my love for storytelling, this naturally became the path I chose to follow.
3Tell us more about your business/company, job profile, and what you do.
Anima is an award-winning character animation studio with a passion for art and cinema.
Anima has been one of the leading 3D animation studios in the Nordic region for two decades! The studio is located in Helsinki and branched out to Kuala Lumpur in 2013.
The Anima team have produced 10,000+ minutes of aired animation ranging from animated TV series and feature films. We have a combined passion for character animation and telling stories through animation together with artistic ambition are the driving forces behind the studio’s success.
4What does “creativity” mean to you?
Creativity is to create. To imagine something and share this imagination with the world. To seek beyond the obvious and “surprise” yourself and others with your imagination.
5To you, what makes a “creative” idea and/or design?
To me, creativity comes into play whenever you embark on an idea that involves exploring new narratives or designs.
6Tell us about your creative and/or design process.
There are two layers of creativity. The first one is to invent and create something out of your own imagination and try to shape it into something. The other is when you need to take inspiration from an existing idea and develop it further into new directions or to give it a visual identity.
7What's your favorite part of the creative process and why?
My favorite aspect of the creative process is when you're working with a fresh idea, trying to make it functional and breathe life into it.
8Describe your creative style and its main characteristics.
My style is less of an artistic “wild and chaotic” style. I am more of a professional creative. Knowing what works and what can actually be financed through a long and extensive experience in animation and film making. So one could define me as a crafts man within the creative industry.
9Do you think your country and its cultural heritage has an impact on your creativity process?
There is always a symbolic universe that you bring with you. But also a long work life in the industry all over the world has shaped me into a more international approach so I would not be confined to a certain region or in this case, country.
10Congratulations! As the winner of the 2023 MUSE Creative Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?
Any prize is an acknowledgement of the work we do and therefore means a lot. It's truly gratifying when others genuinely value and take pleasure in the work we produce. Thank you truly from the bottom of our hearts!
11Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2023 MUSE Creative Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
We strongly believe that this project deserves both attention and awards. It embodies a level of dedication, innovation, and excellence that sets it apart and makes it deserving of recognition and accolades within its field.
12What was the biggest challenge with this project?
The most significant challenge we faced was navigating the collaborative process with a partner and client who had diverse cultural backgrounds and varying degrees of political involvement in decision-making.
13How has winning an Award developed your practice/career?
Creativity doesn't count awards. Either you cannot help being creative or you don't. However, receiving an award can boost your self-belief even further.
14What are your top three (3) favorite things about our industry?
The people working in the industry and their young hearts, the storytelling for children and family and the animation “language.”
15If you were a student entering this industry or an aspiring MUSE Creative Awards submitter, what advice would you give them?
Keep on getting better! Never let anyone tell you it is not a “real” job. Love your ideas.
16What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the creative industry?
Drawing, painting, graphic computer skills, 3D modelling programs and knowledge about your fellow humans.
17Tell us something you have never told anyone else.
The ease lies in having an idea, but the real difficulty lies in selecting the most suitable one.
18Who has inspired you in your life and why?
The old Disney crew from 1950-1970 for the constantly pushing creative boundaries.
19What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
Don’t stop!
