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'Simples' meerkat advert maker gets honorary UCA degree | 'Simples' meerkat advert maker gets honorary UCA degree |
(about 17 hours later) | |
The animator of Aleksandr the meerkat, with his advert catchphrase "simples", is receiving an honorary degree. | The animator of Aleksandr the meerkat, with his advert catchphrase "simples", is receiving an honorary degree. |
Darren Walsh, originally from Frimley in Surrey, is being honoured by the University of the Creative Arts for his contribution to the creative arts. | Darren Walsh, originally from Frimley in Surrey, is being honoured by the University of the Creative Arts for his contribution to the creative arts. |
Mr Walsh graduated in animation in 1993 from the West Surrey College of Design in Farnham, which is now part of the University for the Creative Arts (UCA). | Mr Walsh graduated in animation in 1993 from the West Surrey College of Design in Farnham, which is now part of the University for the Creative Arts (UCA). |
Mr Walsh receives the degree at UCA Farnham's graduation ceremony. | Mr Walsh receives the degree at UCA Farnham's graduation ceremony. |
Professor Elaine Thomas, Vice-Chancellor at the university, said: "Darren continues to maintain excellent links with our animation course, including generously devoting time to our students." | Professor Elaine Thomas, Vice-Chancellor at the university, said: "Darren continues to maintain excellent links with our animation course, including generously devoting time to our students." |
After completing his animation degree, Mr Walsh worked at Aardman Animations in Bristol, the home of Morph and Wallace and Gromit. | After completing his animation degree, Mr Walsh worked at Aardman Animations in Bristol, the home of Morph and Wallace and Gromit. |
While he was there he created a comedy series called Angry Kid, which featured the misadventures of a teenage boy, based on a voice Mr Walsh does as an imitation of his older brother. | While he was there he created a comedy series called Angry Kid, which featured the misadventures of a teenage boy, based on a voice Mr Walsh does as an imitation of his older brother. |
After the 60-second episodes gained internet success they were later broadcast on BBC3. | After the 60-second episodes gained internet success they were later broadcast on BBC3. |
Since 2003, Mr Walsh has worked for London-based film production company, Passion Pictures, where he has directed award-winning campaigns for a number of well-known brands. | Since 2003, Mr Walsh has worked for London-based film production company, Passion Pictures, where he has directed award-winning campaigns for a number of well-known brands. |
On creating the meerkat character Aleksandr Orlov for the adverts for the insurance firm Compare the Market, Mr Walsh said: "It was a really daft idea and a lot of people didn't know what to do with it but I kind of did. | On creating the meerkat character Aleksandr Orlov for the adverts for the insurance firm Compare the Market, Mr Walsh said: "It was a really daft idea and a lot of people didn't know what to do with it but I kind of did. |
"The mad thing is it's not a very clear message but the idea of a Russian meerkat alone is enough to catch people's attention." | "The mad thing is it's not a very clear message but the idea of a Russian meerkat alone is enough to catch people's attention." |
UCA will award the degree to Mr Walsh at Guildford Cathedral on 20 July. | |
Mr Walsh said: "My time at Farnham set me up with abilities and a work ethic that opened my eyes to a fascinating career in animation, an ever-changing medium that continues to excite me 20 years on. | Mr Walsh said: "My time at Farnham set me up with abilities and a work ethic that opened my eyes to a fascinating career in animation, an ever-changing medium that continues to excite me 20 years on. |
"It warms my heart to be asked back to accept this honour." | "It warms my heart to be asked back to accept this honour." |
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