An animation studio with a focus on sustainable creation and driven by producing animations that evoke emotions. Juha Niemi is one of the people behind the studio, currently enrolled in the Creative Corporation programme at eXpression, and says that his interest in filmmaking began as early as the age of 12.
- A video workshop visited my hometown in Finland and gave me the opportunity to create my first film.
- During high school I visited a short film festival in Tampere where a film produced by the animation studio Aardman was shown, they have created among others Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the sheep. It was there and then that I got interested in animation and stop motion," says Juha.
Already 10 years ago, a small seed was sown to start the company. Even the name, which means green cow in Spanish, has been decided for a long time.
- I want the name to convey that we always try to work sustainably, like for example I can use newsprint, which is also interesting in itself for message purposes, i.e. it's also possible to place small messages and messages in the film in a more interesting way. I am passionate about making emotionally driven stop motion films for companies to help strengthen their brand.
He continues:
- My animations often have a meaning on a deeper level. Inspired by the 16th century artist Hieronymus Bosch.
The best thing about working as an animator
- It's probably the animation itself, but really it's the whole process, from planning to finished product. In the same way, there's a challenge in the whole process too, I think it's that mix that makes me really passionate about this," he says.
Current events - Christmas calendar and dance film
At the moment vacaVerde is working on an animation for the Swedish Radio Christmas calendar, where 24 different artists have been commissioned to portray one day each. Juha has chosen 6 December to animate for, as it is Finland's Independence Day. The short film is called Kättely and is a humorous puppet animation in which the main character dreams himself away to the party that always takes place on that day.
- We have also made a short film that will be released early next year. It's a dance film where actors interact with an old doll that conveys the message that it's important to be playful," says Juha.
At eXpression contacts are made
- I've been at eXpression for over a year, first at a so-called clean desk and now for the last few months I've been starting the Creative Corporation programme.
He continues:
- I am very happy to be here at eXpression and to have the opportunity to meet other creative companies, exchange experiences and make contacts is very good.
Contact vacaVerde
If you would like to get in touch with vacaVerde, please contact us via info@vacaverde.se or visit their website www.vacaverde.se for more information.
