Programme manager Ian Andrews and Foundation course leader Graham Lawlor warmly welcomed former Foundation student Drew Roper for our third "FEED" night of 2013/14. Following successfully working on well known projects like The Fantastic Mr Fox, Franklenweenie and Shaun the sheep at the famous Aardman Studios, Drew decided to go it alone and founded his own animation company in 2009 based in Birmingham called Yamination.
Drew gave a passionate and informative talk about his animation work and the various challenges that people face when setting up a creative industries company. He has worked with top companies including Coca-Cola and Cravendale and is also engaged in creating his first full length animated feature film.His company has gone from strength to strength and now employs 10 people.
As well as clips from his animated features Drew spoke in detail about obtaining funding for his various projects and gave very practical business planning advice, highlighting the crucial part played by networking and promoting yourself
As ever with our guest speakers any students who brought work with them and wanted practical advice Drew was only too pleased to stay after the talk and discuss possible careers with individuals and small groups.
OUTLINE would like to extend a huge thank you to Drew for his time, his passion and his offer for students to visit him at his studio.
