Join our panel of animators discussing the wide variety of options open to those with a passion for animation
The livestream for this event is available to watch here
The panel will share stories of their careers, the highs points and the tricky projects.
Our panel of animators with expertise across the spectrum include
Christine MacKay - CEO/Producer at Salamandra.uk, Animation & Design Studios in Eton and Dundee
Neil Kidney - EP/Director, Seed Animation Studio
Elmaz Ekrem - Animation Director at NERD Productions, Technical Tutor in Digital Animation at University for the Creative Arts
Will Cook - Animation Director at Blue Zoo, and member of ACCESS VFX
Christine MacKay is CEO/Producer at Salamandra.uk - an Animation and Design studio based in Eton and Dundee. Salamandra.uk works as a visual content agency for FTSE 100 companies, start-ups, Advertising and PR agencies alike, creating tailored animated content (in 2D, 3D, Stop Motion, Motion Graphics, AR and VR) and offering a full design and branding service. From children’s book illustrations to corporate explainers, training videos or epic presentations, this talented team of creatives produces unique and powerful visual productions for any platform.
Neil Kidney is a founder and director at Seed, and award winning animation studio. Over the last 15 years at the helm of Seed, he’s worked on many commercials, idents, promos and award winning short films, across many different animation disciplines. Neil values telling animated stories with personality, warmth and wit. He fills his spare time with child management, and sneaks off for an occasional bike ride.
Elmaz Ekrem is a 2D animator and film maker from London. Aside from directing and animating short films, Elmaz also has a range of commercials and content to add to her portfolio. Elmaz's film 'The Law of The Sea' has been selected to be part of the Random Acts series in partnership with Channel 4. Elmaz applies traditional 2D animation techniques to various media to create charm and character in her work. Whether it's 2D digital line or paint and paper, Elmaz pairs media and subject matter to enhance story and bring sensitivity to the animation.
Will Cook is an Animation Director at Blue Zoo Animation Studios and has been a part of the team for nearly nine years. He started out as an Animation Fixer on Tree Fu Tom and is now the Animation Director on a new television series of Paddington Bear. Previously, he has worked on shows such as Miffy Adventures Big and Small, Blue Zoo's Christmas short and Christmas with the Moonies. A member of global non-profit diversity and inclusion collaborative, ACCESS:VFX, Will actively takes part in speaking sessions and runs workshops across the UK for children and carers eager to help young talent get ahead in the creative industry.
