I am a freelance animator and writer based in
London. In 1999 I began creating cartoon strips on
computers. Then in 2008 I produced my first 2D
cut-out animation in Toonboom Studio. Immediately
my years as an actor proved invaluable to the flow
of action and comedy timing. Subsequent animations
have built on my vocal skills as an actor and
impressionist. But it is my focus as a writer on
the storyline which ensures the success of my
animations. I believe in animation serving the
story, rather than animation for its own
sake.
My principal animation software is now Toonboom
Animate Pro. I base the majority of the animation
around 2D cut-out puppets, but I also use
traditional 2D techniques for head turns and other
non-linear movements. The 3D option in Animate Pro
also allows me to build simple 3D environments -
such as the bedroom used in my recent film 'Death
and Sex' which has been submitted to the Edinburgh
International Film Festival. Poser 3D allows me to
add sequences involving 3D models - like the
rotating Earth and Space Shuttle in 'Shuttle
Farmer'. Compositing is chiefly done within Animate
Pro, but I also use Final Cut Pro for additional
effects and compositing. For highly textured
backgrounds I use Photoshop. Drawing is done
directly using a Wacom Cintiq LCD tablet.
Whether I am producing an independent animation
film, a sequence for a documentary, or an
advertisement for a commercial company, my focus is
always on the story - what is being said, or sold.
Animation is a great way to get those ideas
across.