FANS of film animation can help discover the next Nick Park or Tim Burton at Quad this month.

Cinemagoers are also invited to vote for their favourite new pieces as part of the British Animation Awards 2010.

With more than 35 films to choose from, Public Choice 2010 offers audiences a feast of films from the nation's most talented animators and they will be asked to choose their favourite contributions in three categories: Advertisements, music videos and films.

The increased popularity of Public Choice means the 2010 awards will be aired at 27 different venues across the country with Quad chosen as the only East Midlands venue.

Among those hoping to catch viewers' hearts in the film category is Welsh animator Rhiannon Evans, whose film Heartstrings asks: "If falling in love means being tied together, what happens when you discover the length of string?"

Evans will be up against other entrants including Swiss-born Rafael Sommerhalder, shortlisted for his film about missed opportunity, and Manchester animator Philip Bacon for his film Yellow Belly End, about a man who meticulously records the deaths from an enormous cliff edge.

Also competing for honours are award-winning animator Matthew Walker for his film Little Face, about a man in his 30s who returns home to his parents only to be confronted by his imaginary childhood friend Little Face; talented siblings the Brothers Mcleod for Codswallop – "a subconscious drift through despair, frustration and joy" based on a series of postcards sent from a film-maker to his son; and Steve Irwin for Black Dog's Progress, which follows the life of a black dog as he struggles to stay alive.

In addition, cinemagoers will be able to see Simon Tofield's humorous animation Simon's Cat, which has already been a huge hit on You Tube.

In the music video category Coldplay, Midfield General and Gravenhurst are among those shortlisted.

Meanwhile meerkats meet multinationals in the advertisement category with nominations for comparethemarket.com, Coke Zero, Nokia, Hershey and Domestos.

"The Public Choice awards allow the film-loving public to have a say about which animations have captured their imaginations," says BAA director Jayne Pilling.

"We've put together a shortlist which reflects the best and most innovative talent that the British animation industry has to offer".

Held every two years, the BAAs are the most prestigious awards in animation and they celebrate and recognise British animation talent across all mediums with past winners including Nick Park, Tim Burton and David Shrigley.

The screenings at Quad in Derby take place tomorrow and on February 16 and 23, all at 6.30pm.

Call 01332 290606 or go to www.derbyquad.co.uk for details.