Fifty Nine Productions
Joseph Pierce - animator and associate artist of 59 Productions
Joseph Pierce is an award winning animator and filmmaker. On graduating with from the National Film and Television School in 2008, he was named one of Screen International’s Stars of Tomorrow. His graduation film Stand Up was screened at over 30 International film festivals, winning major prizes in France, UK, Spain and Poland.
His 2010 Channel 4 commissioned short A Family Portrait screened in over 35 festivals, winning multiple awards including Best Animation at Bristol Encounters, Best Debut at Hiroshima and the Grand Prize at Stuttgart Trickfest.
His subsequent animation work spans film, documentary, online content and music promos with clients including BBC Comedy, BBC Films, Film4 and Atlantic Records. Aside from his short film work he has collaborated with 59 Productions on various projects, most recently the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony.
His latest short The Pub is currently touring festivals worldwide, having won major prizes at Los Angeles Film Festival, Melbourne International Film Festival and Raindance.
He is currently working as 59's director of animation for the world premiere of The Perfect American for the ENO / Teatro Royale Madrid.
The Perfect American
ENO / Teatro Real Madrid
London Coliseum, June 2013
Opera
Based on Peter Stephan Jungk’s novel and written by Philip Glass, one of the world’s most important composers, The Perfect American imagines the final years of Walt Disney’s life, including mythical meetings with Abraham Lincoln and Andy Warhol.
London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony
The Olympic Stadium, Stratford, July 27th 2012
Events
59 Productions designed the video content for the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
The Perfect American
ENO / Teatro Real Madrid
Teatro Real Madrid, February 2013
Opera
Based on Peter Stephan Jungk’s novel and written by Philip Glass, one of the world’s most important composers, The Perfect American imagines the final years of Walt Disney’s life, including mythical meetings with Abraham Lincoln and Andy Warhol.
Olympic Countdown
59 Productions
Olympic Stadium/BBC, 27th July 2012
Film & TV
This high-octane stop-frame countdown sting celebrating the energy and diversity of London was broadcast nationwide on the BBC and other networks at 20:59 on the 27th July 2012. It was also opened the Closing Ceremony two weeks later.
Olympic Title Stings
59 Productions
Olympic Stadium/BBC/Worldwide Broadcast, 27th July 2012
Film & TV, Events
These live-action title stings headlined the creative sections in Danny Boyle's Olympic Opening Ceremony in London 2012. All of them were displayed on the vast screens in the stadium, synchronised with the action on stage, and many were cut in full-frame to the live worldwide broadcast.
The Pub
59 Productions
Release January 2012
Film & TV
The Pub wins The World Animation Award at Leeds International Film Festival. The jury spokesperson said of the film, "The jury was unanimous in its praise of this film...Capturing a sincere and earnest slice of life, the film manages to be grotesque and beautiful, repulsive yet captivating – all the while being completely recognisable and grounded in reality."
A Family Portrait
59 Productions / Film London / Channel 4 / UK Film Council
October 2009
Film & TV
Winning prizes and praise at film festivals around the world, this short animation by regular 59 collaborator Joseph Pierce, and produced by 59, became one of 33 Oscar-eligible short animations in 2011.
