A NORTH-EAST university has landed another star billing for its animation festival.

Mark Walsh, director of animation on the hit film Finding Nemo, is to speak at this year's Animex International Festival of Animation, to be held at the University of Teesside, Middlesbrough, from January 26 to 30.

Mr Walsh worked on A Bug's Life, Toy Story 2 and Monsters Inc, before he turned his talents to Disney's Finding Nemo, which has had success around the world.

Festival director Chris Williams, who is principal lecturer in animation at the university, said: "Mark is passionate about his work, and what he has to say about his involvement on Finding Nemo will be worth the price of a festival pass."

Mr Walsh follows in the footsteps of computer animator Jason Schleifer, who helped create Gollum in the blockbuster cinema adaptation of JRR Tolkien's Lord of the Rings.

The 30-year-old shared his experiences at last year's festival.

Oscar-winner Ray Harryhausen, responsible for the special effects in Jason and the Argonauts and Clash of the Titans, returns to the festival.

Another speaker will be Dr Stuart Sumida, professor of biology at California State University, who advised on the movement and physiology of animals on animated films such as Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Hercules, Mulan and Scooby Doo.

Booking and other details about the festival are available at www.animex.net

Published: 13/01/2004