The Insight
Percipient thought-pieces and opinions from some
of
the world’s most respected industry leaders.
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The worlds of animation and VFX are joined at the hip by technology and imagination, but are we in danger of giving tech the upper hand? Tim Cumming talks to animators and VFX experts about old-school techniques, new-school technology, and the bold new talents breaking though.
Giving brands character: Why mascots work, and how to make one that lasts
From Kellogg's Tony the Tiger to Compare the Market's meerkats, Electric Theatre Collective Animation Director David Bryan unpacks the enduring appeal of brand mascots and how to create one with cultural staying power.
Culture can’t be faked: How performative DEI misses the mark
Stephen Love Jr, Co-Founder of Black-owned, Black-run production company Invisible Collective, explains how, at a time when DEI is under threat, the drive for authentic, inclusive storytelling that’s lived – not researched – is more important than ever.
Rats in a barrel: How production is eating itself
It's no secret that times are tough in production and as Chris Baker, Head of New Business at Park Village and a long-time production company rep says, it might just get tougher. But if there's one thing we can rely on, it's the ingenuity and never-say-die attitude of the production community.
The revolution will be animated: Why animation is my Molotov cocktail
With the ability to go beyond the limitations of live-action and set fire to perceived social norms, Carl Jones, Co-Founder of animation studio Martian Blueberry, explains why animation isn't just for kids.
What my autistic daughter taught me about being a CD
Adam Bodfish, ECD at McCann Birmingham, thought he understood neurodivergence – that’s until his daughter’s diagnosis. Here, he explains what he’s learned since, not just about parenting, but about managing neurodiverse staff members and making empathy a creative strategy.
If your brand’s got no game, you’re missing out
As the most successful and popular form of entertainment currently in the culture, more brands should be pressing the 'start' button when it comes to gaming, says Daniel Mauritz, SVP Partner Management at ESL FACEIT Group. And it's not just about Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto because, these days, there's no typical gamer, and no typical gaming brand.
Breaking the sound barrier: how brands can leverage audio for women’s sport
England triumphed at the weekend in the Women's Euros, but how can brands get ahead of the game when it comes to women's sport? Paul Reynolds, SVP, Global Creative Services at MassiveMusic, says it's by being more aurally audacious.
Animators, AI, and the human artistry that will keep our industry alive
LOBO Managing Director Luis Ribeiro examines why human vision remains essential as AI reshapes animation.