The Mysterious Traveller

Many thanks to Barry Purves who prompted me to send my CV and contact Factory Transmedia, a studio on the outskirts of Manchester, where the animated series of both Strange Hill High and Toby's Travelling Circus are created (Barry is the director of the latter). I was soon called by the Strange Hill team and was asked whether I fancied a week in the art department. At the time I was trying to pack up a tent whilst flailing in the rain like a confused eel, so I can only hope that I didn't sound too disgruntled when I answered the unknown number.  ' Yes, of course I can come up '... I replied in a bizarre squeaky voice. I was overwhelmed by the opportunity, but determined to end the conversation with a relatively convincing tone of masculinity. So after sounding like Brad Garrett it was confirmed that I would head up to Manchester.  'Strange Hill High  is a children's series for the CBBC   created using animation technique combining puppets, Japa...

Phew! I always knew that August and September would be incredibly busy months for me, but this is outrageous! I have been actually turning down projects to pursue studio experience and the like. But regardless of the bigger picture, I still think projects like a music video can be far-fetched (with the exception of 55 BPM When the Transient Happens ) simply because of my limited home studio. Nonetheless, I am forever grateful, and flattered, that people have asked if I wanted to front an animated campaign. In fact, my good friend David Ward asked if I could animate a short 'fitness' clip to help promote the social media side of a leisure centre. I think I might get Barney involved with that one, he's been doing sod all for months... Finding a free day to actually animate is the problem at the moment as I usually have to catch up with paper work, finish sculpting, illustrating and also rearranging my Star Wars figurines (I'm totally joking)...(but not really)....

8 years ago… The snow-capped plains of the northern hemisphere glistened before him as he stood magnificently, guarding his flock and watching the pale yellow sunrise. Tommy closed his eyes and breathed in the cold fresh air, soothing his throat like a menthol lozinger, and yet this man was as fit as a fiddle. The herd of elk plodded slowly about him seeking what little grass this terrain had to offer. Tommy leant heavily upon his crook, admiring the scene. Unfortunately the icy permafrost disagreed with the extra weight and sent the crook flying out of the Elkboy’s grasp. Curses! cried Tommy, flailing like a goon as he landed in the crisp layer of snow. Suddenly the sunlight was shrouded by a gathering mist, which soon became plumes of dark cloud massing upon the horizon. As the menacing cloud swirled closer it reminded Tommy of only one film where (in the following moments) a huge space craft would pierce the darkness and centre its laser cannon over the nearest landmark. But ...