Over the past couple of years we’ve been focusing on producer development in the region, as we recognise that producers are an essential part of the ecosystem, and like directors they’re developing a creative voice. 

For that reason, in summer 2024 we ran an Animation Producer Lab to support entry-level animation producers from across the south west of England. This new lab was made possible by the Screenskills Animation Skills Fund. 

 On this lab we supported 10 producers from across the region, all with a range of backgrounds from production coordination and digital management to puppet fabrication and some working outside of the industry altogether in roles with transferrable skills. They all shared a keen interest and understanding of animation.  

The lab started with an in-person day at Aardman in May, where the cohort were joined by some brilliant industry professionals (Helen Argo, Executive Producer Head of Commercials and Short Form at Aardman, and independent producers Abigail Addison & Chris Hees) who led sessions on producing across different formats, on the creative role of Producer and on financing short films. We would like to thank Aardman for their in-kind support.

“Hearing from three industry professionals gave a great insight into the different responsibilities and ways of working as a producer under different circumstances, for example in a studio environment compared with being a creative producer on multiple small-scale productions.” Participant feedback

“The lab helped me have a better understanding of what’s expected of a good Producer, whether that’s in a company or in independent projects. I learned from industry experts who are not only knowledgeable of animation but also are passionate in what they do, which is inspiring for someone like me who is still learning how to be confident about myself especially during this difficult time in our industry.”  Participant feedback

We then offered continued support for the cohort, including online workshops with leading producers and distributors, as well as 1:1 mentoring. 

We paired the 10 participants with some of the most exciting people making animation in UK & across Europe today. Their breadth of experience and zeal for the artform provided participants with an important space for focused discussion to enhance their creative practice. Our mentors were: 

ABIGAIL ADDISON – BAFTA nominated Producer,  Animate Projects (I’m Ok, The Debutante)  

AMY MORRIS – BAFTA Cymru nominated Producer, Ammo Animations (Creepy Pasta Salad)  

CHRIS HEES – BAFTA winning & Oscar nominated Producer, Bridgeway Films (Knot, The Bigger Picture, Scale)  

NIA ALAVEZOS – Writer, Director, BAFTA Cymru nominated Producer (Passenger, Spectre of the Bear) 

NIKI LINDROTH VON BAHR – Artist and BAFTA nominated Animation director, (The Burden, Something to Remember, The House)  

We also ran online roundtable sessions led by key voices within the industry, including…

The Art of Distribution:  

LUCE GROSJEAN is co-founder & CEO Miyu Distribution, specialising in international sales and distribution of high-quality animation short films since 2017.  

Luce spoke of the value in having a creative approach to distribution and how important it is to work with the right distributor to create an original strategy for your project. Each film is unique, so will benefit from distinctive ways to get it seen by audiences. She also shared many useful insights into how distribution can create a healthy and positive environment around your film once its released.  

In conversation with…  

CLAIRE JENNINGS is a valued British producer and driving force behind some of the most recognisable animated features in the last 20 years including Coraline (2009) and Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005). Her short Father & Daughter won the Academy Award for Best Short Film 2001. Claire generously sat down with us to share her immense experience of crafting relationships and working creatively to problem-solve the puzzle of each project to achieve a director’s vision.  

These conversations highlighted the importance of cohorts, peer-to-peer learning and of not existing as ‘an island’ in an industry that relies on making good connections. There’s something to be said for producers supporting producers, riding the varying rhythms of opportunity and thriving together.  

“It was truly helpful, educational and inspiring! I look forward to seeing what my cohort produces in the future.” Participant feedback

The BFI NETWORK Short Film Fund will re-open for applications in early 2025. This fund supports live action, immersive and narrative-driven animations up to 15 minutes in length. If you’re interested in applying with an animation project please make sure you read all the guidelines and refer to our handy Rough Guide to Animation Production. 

For slightly more advanced producers: take a look at the Insight Producer Toolkit 

For everyone: create a ScreenSkills account here.