Puppet Masters Animation Conference - Line-Up Announced

11 - 14 November 2020 - Digital Edition

Now in its sixth year, Puppet Masters is the UK’s number one conference for animators from all backgrounds, featuring masterclass talks from leading figures in animation.  This year it will be accessed virtually through Diverge, with four events over four evenings, opening up the opportunity for a wider international audience to take part.

This is a series of free digital events to be streamed on Waterside’s brand new online hub, Diverge.

In Conversation with Georgina Hayns

Wednesday 11 November, 18:00 

Model-maker, puppet-maker and creative supervisor on some of the best-loved animation films in recent years, we meet Georgina Hayns for this discussion on her career and inspirations.

Georgina has worked with Cosgrove Hall Films, Mackinnon and Saunders and Warner Bros. She has since worked with LAIKA as Creative Supervisor and Puppet Fabricator on films such as Coraline.

Hosted by Ric Michael.

Panel: Guidance for Emerging Animators - what the industry is doing to survive

Thursday 12 November, 18:00

An essential panel discussion featuring established and emerging animators as they explore how they continue to create new work and develop their careers in challenging times for the animation sector.

With Laura Tofarides (Aardman, Junior Animator on Chuck Steel: Night of the Trampires), Sam Tipper (director of Socks), Zoe Hutber (director of Toyhood and BAFTA-nominated Short Changed), Ben Gardener and Phil Wall (director and writer of Patricia and the Witch).

Hosted by Steve Henderson, Manchester Animation Festival 

Storytelling Through Visual Images with Francesca Maxwell 

Friday 13 November, 18:00

We're delighted to welcome back Francesca following her popular and informative masterclass at our 2019 conference. In this session, she reveals key insights into her visual storytelling process.

Francesca is a Production Designer who has worked with Tim Burton, Wes Anderson and Aardman Animations. She is a tutor on NFTS Production Design Course.

Hosted by Ric Michael.

In Conversation with Phil Tippett 

Saturday 14 November, 18:00 

It's our honour to feature one of animation's most legendary figures at Puppet Masters 2020. Join us for this in-depth look at the career of a man whose work has entertained millions of people around the globe.

Phil is an Oscar and Emmy Award-winning visual effects supervisor and producer, specialising in stop motion, creature design and character animation. His career spans over 40 years, with credits including Star Wars, RoboCop and Jurassic Park. 

Hosted by Ric Michael.