Philosophical animation about an office-worker rabbit wins the national RTS award
A thought-provoking film about an office-worker rabbit has won Best Animation category at the prestigious RTS North West Student Awards for 2025.
The stop-motion film, ESC, was created by animation graduates Olivia Timms and Pam Simoes Gomez from the School of Digital Arts (SODA).
The story follows an office-worker rabbit who is confined to an endless daily cycle of paperwork and meetings, until one day, an encounter with a wild rabbit leads him on a surreal journey down the rabbit hole, changing his reality forever.
Speaking about their winning film, animation graduate, Olivia Timms, said: “Winning best animation is a massive honour and a huge celebration for our film. I’m so grateful and it’s amazing to have your work recognised at that level. I couldn’t be more proud of what we achieved!”
The Royal Television Society is an educational charity promoting the art and science of television and runs a prestigious annual awards night showcasing the very best regional creative talent. This year, SODA Animation graduates Olivia Timms, Pam Simoes Gomez, Patrik Kancsar, Nyah Boorman and Niamh Boorman were all nominated for their final-year films.
Kristin Marshall, Co-Programme Leader of BA Animation at SODA, said: “We are so proud of our students. Their talent shines brightly and highlights their dedication, passion and love for storytelling and animation.”
Jill Griffiths, Head of the School of Digital Arts (SODA), said: “I am absolutely delighted for our five graduates and their incredible achievements. They are hugely talented individuals, and we look forward to seeing more of their successes in the future. My congratulations to them!”.