Manchester animators announced for Manimation 2015 lineup

Representatives of the firms behind children’s TV shows Danger Mouse and the Clangers, and games such as Batman: Arkham Knight and Call of Duty, have been announced as speakers at the upcoming Manimation event.

The third installment of Manimation, to be held in the Manchester arts centre HOME next month, will aim to inform businesses and freelancers about the the key factors for success in creative industries such as children’s animation, visual effects, interactive technology, apps, games and augmented reality.

Mole Hill, who works for Manchester-based animation firm Factory and directs the recently reimagined Clangers TV series, has been unveiled as a speaker at the event, as has CHF Entertainment’s studio head Mike Robinson.

CHF Entertainment, which has offices in Manchester and London, was founded in 2011 by the minds behind Cosgrove Hall, the production company that created British children’s TV programmes like The Wind in the Willows, Danger Mouse and Count Duckula.

Elsewhere David Barton, a producer with facial animation company Cubic Motion, will also speak at the upcoming Manimation event. Manchester firm Cubic Motion worked on the Batman: Arkham Knight game, as well as Halo 4: Spartan Ops and Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare.

The event is put together by inward investment agency MIDAS, which is part of Manchester Growth Company, and children’s content industry organisation The Children’s Media Conference.

Tim Newns, MIDAS’ chief executive, said: “Greater Manchester has long been an industry leader in animation, with a decorated and respected heritage of content creators.

“Today, Manchester has developed a talented, creative and uniquely diverse cluster of animation professionals, which makes Manimation a fantastic opportunity for regional, national and international delegates to gain industry insight and form valuable connections.”

This year’s conference, taking place on November 19, is due to coincide with the inaugural Manchester Animation Festival.