Animator's Panel
Russell Peet
Russell, aged 22, started animating seven years ago by making puppet shows with rods and strings. Since then he has worked on Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep, and directed a short film for the UK film council.
He said: "I think it is great to have an animation festival in Cumbria. It is always hard for talent to find a voice outside of cities, so it is a real pleasure to be part of a festival that is celebrating animation from the Lake District."
Cadi Catlow
Cadi, aged 35, having being part of the award-winning commercial and short film-making 3 Bear Animations company, along with her two sisters, started out on her own in 2004 — working first on Harry Potter and Children of Men films.
She is now co-commander of the animation studio Rubber Rocket, specialising in world-class stop motion for commercials, series and features.
"Animation festivals are always to be encouraged and supported. It's a scattered industry and there needs to be places not only for animators to meet, exchange ideas and offer motivation and advice, but also for the public to see interesting work and learn about the diversity of animation being produced.
"Having run my own studio in Cumbria for eight years, I have a particular enthusiasm for a festival based in this area and I do hope it becomes a
regular event!"
Louise Kneath
Louise, aged 28, is a CG character animator who gained a BA (Hons) in digital animation at the University of Cumbria in 2003.
After finishing an 18-month International Animation Mentor programme she started work on CG production for Cbeebies in Manchester. She currently runs her own freelance business, Cloudscape Studios, working alongside husband, Ian, making a range of short films and advertising campaigns for clients around the world.
"Creating believable characters with emotive and entertaining performances is the most inspiring and challenging art form I could ever imagine.
"As an animator based in this wonderful part of the world it is fantastic to be involved in Cumbria's first animated short film festival!
"It is such a fun and exciting industry, filled with amazing individuals and endless possibilities. I hope this event will help to inspire other aspiring artists and animators in the area to follow their dream and never look
back," said Louise.
Four professional animators working, or having worked, in Cumbria will be brought together for the first time when they take part in a panel discussion at Animated Eden.
Taking place at the Rheged centre, at 2PM, the discussion will bring together the following - Russell Peet, a stop motion animator from Grizedale Forest; Cadi Catlow, formerly of Kirkby Stephen's 3 Bear Animations; Carlisle's Louise Kneath, of Cloudscape Studios; and Melissa Rogers, of Signal Film & Media, Barrow-in-Furness.
Melissa Rogers
After leaving University in 2000, Melissa, aged 35, joined Altrincham based company HOT Animation as a production assistant; working on their pre-school stop-motion animation shows, Bob the Builder and Pingu, working up the ranks to become an associate producer.
In 2006, Melissa then moved to London to work on the Wes Anderson film Fantastic Mr Fox. She then went on to work as a Production Manager on Tim Burton's film, Frankenweenie.
Melissa then joined Lupus Films to line produce Raymond Briggs' animation, The Snowman and The Snowdog.
Having recently moved to Barrow-in-Furness, Melissa is currently working with Signal Film & Media, helping deliver a program of digital media activities.
"Animation is all about teamwork and through the sharing of ideas and skills, traditional animation is constantly evolving — not only to work alongside, but to be enriched by modern media techniques.
"Having recently relocated to the area I'm really looking forward to meeting other local practitioners and seeing what animation is happening in Cumbria," said Melissa.
The panel talk will take place at Rheged, Redhills, Penrith at 2pm on Sunday, 8th September.
