معرفی
Paul Charisse is a Senior Lecturer in Animation at the University of Portsmouth, Faculty of Creative & Cultural Industries, School of Film, Media and Creative Technologies. He is an active researcher, filmmaker, and educator with a strong background in both academia and the animation industry. His work spans creative practice, technological innovation, and theoretical exploration in animation and digital media.
His research interests focus on facial animation, CGI in art-house contexts, human-computer interaction using virtual avatars, and Unreal Engine-based digital filmmaking. He explores how high-fidelity animation can influence perception and emotional engagement, particularly in non-traditional cinematic forms. His recent projects, such as Nature Girl and Stina and the Wolf, reflect a commitment to pushing the boundaries of independent animated feature production.
The trends in his publications and creative outputs reveal a consistent engagement with digital storytelling, virtual character design, and critical approaches to CGI. His work bridges artistic expression and technical innovation, often questioning the role of realism and emotional authenticity in computer-generated narratives. He has contributed to journals such as Leonardo and the International Journal of Network Dynamics and Intelligence, focusing on interdisciplinary intersections between art, technology, and perception.
His scientific awards highlight international recognition of his creative excellence:
- Award for 1st Place in 3D Animation at the Florida Animation Festival (2018)
- Award for Best Animation at the Philip K. Dick Science Fiction Film Festival (2019)
- Award for Best Animation at the Top Shorts Online Film Festival (2018)
- Best Animation for The Aunt's House (2025, Liberty Film Festival)
Paul Charisse actively supervises PhD students and leads innovative research projects funded through university innovation grants. His collaborations include partnerships with Anna Counsell and Felix Lukas Ware-Heine, and he regularly presents at conferences such as SIGGRAPH and CCI Research and Innovation Conference. He also engages in public outreach through media appearances and masterclasses, including events at Cannes Film Festival and Solent University. His work integrates academic rigor with real-world creative practice, positioning him as a key figure in contemporary animation research and education.
He is involved in several labs and creative teams centered around digital filmmaking and animation R&D at the University of Portsmouth, particularly those utilizing Unreal Engine for virtual production. These teams function as interdisciplinary innovation hubs, combining students, faculty, and industry collaborators to develop proof-of-concept films and explore new paradigms in animated storytelling.
