In this episode of Animated Conversations, Andy Williams sits down with Wesley Louis, the co-founder of The Line, an incredible animation studio based in London (think of them as 'The Beastie Boys of British Animation' - irreverent, individual, and always following their own creative instincts). Andy and Wes discuss the power of personal projects and how they can help animators grow their skills, develop their voice, and land new clients. Wesley shares his experience producing personal projects with The Line and why he likes to think of them as 'Soul Projects'. Through their conversation, Andy and Wesley offer valuable insights and advice for animators looking to carve their own path.

Welcome to Animated Conversations, a podcast series which delves into the world of animation through the eyes of the people who create it. In this episode, we sit down with Andy Blazdell, CEO of Celaction, the animation software used to produce hits shows like Bluey and Peppa Pig.

Andy takes us through his journey starting the company and how it was forged through the close collaboration with animators and producers like Astley Baker Davies, really tailoring the software to the specific production needs of the people making the shows. He shares how Celaction differs from other software on the market and how crucial effective communication is between software programmers, animators, and producers.

Furthermore, Andy emphasises the importance of maximising productivity and efficiency without compromising creativity. He also shares his insights on supporting emerging talent and enabling younger generations to grow and become the creators of the next big hit like Bluey.

Join your host Andy Williams for a fascinating conversation with Fraser Maclean, a renowned teacher and writer on the art of layout in animation. With years of experience working on blockbuster animated films such as Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Disney's Tarzan, Fraser shares his insights on the importance of layout and why cutting back on this is a false economy.

We delve into the state of the animation industry and the challenges of education in this field. Fraser sheds light on the principles of layout animation and how it can enhance the storytelling process in Animation.

Whether you're a seasoned animator or just starting, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in animation. Join us for an animated conversation with one of the industry's leading experts.