4Mations

The Brief

To produce a logo and associated online materials for a new Channel 4 TV station called 

4mations which specialises in animation based productions.

In January 2008, Channel 4 joined with Aardman Animation and Lupus Films to create and sponsor 4Mations a user generated content animation portal where animators could upload their work. Channel 4 commissioned this project with backing from the sponsors, over 2 years the concept and ethos for the site was developed and the beta site was launched in August 2008, on 1^st June 2009 the site was re-launched in the guise of an animation blog focusing primarily on user generated content including director interviews, user submitted clips and news and reviews from the animation world. This site is still active but the design of it and its branding is not to be carried on with your project.

Initially in the 1990’s 4Mations was a late night showcase of world wide animations from both a historical and contemporary context which were featured on Channel 4. Now times have changed and accessibility has become a focus in the digital age and the idea of giving up and coming animators the chance of recognition, 4mations online launched. The rise in popularity of independent animation has started the debate of whether 4Mations should return to television as its own channel following the success of the range of broadcasts channel 4’s umbrella company offers, including E4, More 4, 4music, 4OD and Film 4. Speculation relating to the future of 4mations is indicating a possible launch as a digital television channel in 2012.