10 June 2025

Service Bus

 
Poor old Rolf all he wanted was a drink to quench his thirst on his long bus journey, but he forgot to pack anything.  Despondent, he notices a service button and, without realising that he is about to change his life, presses it.  You might think that the picture above is something of a spoiler, but that is hardly the end of Rolf’s misery – much, much worse is yet to come.

This highly entertaining animated short is a 2025 Graduation Project by students at The Animation Workshop/VIA University College.  Elmer Mikael Lødemel was the Director, Painter, Animator, and Storyboard Artist. Niels Gram Riisgaard worked as the Line Producer, CG Generalist, and Background Painter. Matthew Ponquett was the Art Director and Animator. Simon Koch Pedersen served as a Generalist, Animator, and Concept Designer. Sam Byrne was the Animation Lead and a Storyboard Artist. Andreas Smidt acted as the Technical Director and CG Generalist. Lea My Ib was a Storyboard Artist and Story Artist for FX Animation.

Graduation projects from The Animated Workshop are something I look forward to each year – the talent is, simply put, outstanding.  I can only hope that these wonderful artists go on to highly valued professional careers in the industry.

Watch Service Bus below…