People

Kate O'Connor

Executive Chair, Animation UK

Kate is a senior consultant in creative industries, working with a wide range of private and public-sector clients in the UK and internationally. Kate is Executive Chair of Animation UK, part of the UK Screen Alliance, and represents the sector to the government level, developing business, export, and skills-related policies to support the industry’s growth.

Phil Dobree

CEO, Jellyfish Pictures

Phil setup Jellyfish Pictures in 2001 and has successfully helped transform it into a globally respected VFX and animation studio. Phil has a unique insight into the VFX and Animation industries, having been in the industry for more than 20 years.

Ruth Fielding

Joint MD, Lupus Films

Ruth Fielding is joint MD of Lupus Films, and an award-winning creative producer with over 20 years’ experience in the animation industry. Ruth has produced TV series and films for all the major UK broadcasters through Lupus Films, as well as leading co-productions with France, Ireland, India, Denmark and Wales.

Oli Hyatt MBE

MD, BlueZoo

Oli Hyatt MBE set up Blue-Zoo in 2000 straight from university and over the following 16 years he has slowly grown the studio into one of the largest character animation studios in Europe. Oli was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday honours list for services to Children’s TV and Animation, as well as picking up BAFTA Production Company  of the year for Blue-Zoo.

Jamie Badminton

Creative Director and Senior Producer, Karrot Entertainment

Jamie Badminton is the BAFTA and Emmy-winning Producer and Creative Director of Karrot. As a Co-Founder of the studio, currently celebrating its 15th birthday, Jamie leads the long-serving team in creating fresh opportunities for new talent via Karrot’s exciting upcoming original series commissions.

Sean Clarke

MD, Aardman Animations

Sean Clarke is a senior entertainment executive who has been at Aardman for over 20 years and headed the Sales and Marketing division of the studio for over a decade. Sean’s principal areas of expertise include leading senior management teams; strategic planning; financing and brand development; integrated marketing campaigns across movie, TV and digital platforms; and brand extensions into consumer products and location entertainment.

Duncan Fraser

Head of Production, A Productions

Duncan Fraser is the Head of Production at A Productions and has over 20 years of experience in the animation industry. As Head of Production, he is now responsible for the set-up, development and implementation of all of the production pipelines across the studio, as well as staff recruitment and development.

Tracy Liddell

Joint MD and Producer, Studio Liddell

Tracy Liddell is the Joint MD and Producer at Studio Liddell. She is experienced in managing a wide range of commercial projects, including 2D and 3D specials; game cutscenes and trailers; immersive and VR work; and IP developments. As a member of the CMC Advisory Committee, Tracy participates in education/industry projects and she was involved with the Animation Apprenticeship Standards Employer Trailblazer Group.

Deborah Thorpe

Founder, Kelebek Media

Deborah Thorpe is the Founder of Kelebek Media and Co-Founder of asos.com. As an Executive Producer and creative entrepreneur, Deborah has broad experience across 30 years in the industry, with a reasonably rare blend of creative and commercial skills. After buying Pixar’s first short film for Channel 4, she worked in their animation department for many years, as well as in comedy, drama and light entertainment.

Britt Gardiner

Chief Financial Officer, Locksmith Animation

Britt has over 25 years of expertise from working in the global media and entertainment sector, being an experienced finance director and a Fellow Chartered Accountant having qualified at PWC. Britt joined Locksmith Animation, the UK’s only dedicated high-end CG animation studio, as Chief Financial officer in 2015. 

Barney Goodland

Associate Producer, Magic Light Pictures

Barney joined Magic Light Pictures in 2008, and has overseen aspects of production and delivery on all the company’s films. He been responsible for Magic Light’s digital initiatives, helping to set up an award winning social community and develop a range of apps, including BAFTA-nominated AR experience, Gruffalo Spotter.

Jon Rennie

Managing Director, Cloth Cat Animation 

Jon began his career in computer games before moving to filmmaking. From there he began to work in animation and is now Managing Director of Cloth Cat Animation (Series Animation)  2D and CG animation company based in Cardiff, UK, and Thud Media (Games and Interactive). Their work can be seen on CBeebies, Disney, Cartoon Network, Netflix, S4C, CCTV, ABC Australia and many more channels worldwide.

Richard Gordon

MD and CFO, JAM Media

Richard Gordon is the MD and CFO at JAM Media. He is responsible for the studio’s operations and productions. Richard is currently engaged as a series producer on series 2 of Nova Jones for CBBC and as an animation producer on the upcoming 2D series Isadora Moon for Sky Kids.

Ralph Kamp

Founder & CEO, Timeless Films Limited

Ralph Kamp is a producer and entrepreneur with over 40 years of experience in the film production & distribution business. Starting his career with Monty Python, he then launched and built several companies, including his own family business, Timeless Films. Ralph has also developed, produced and distributed multiple animated feature films, including Valiant, Space Chimps, The Miracle Maker, Monster Family 1&2, Rock Dog 1,2&3, Animals United, Dragon Rider, Extinct and the musical, Scrooge: A Christmas Carol.

Tim Searle

Director & Producer, Tim Searle Animation Ltd

Sueann Rochester

Co-Founder and CEO, Wild Child Animation

Sueann Rochester is the Co-Founder and CEO of Wild Child Animation, bringing extensive experience in storytelling for clients. Her notable works include producing BAFTA and EMMY-nominated series and the BAFTA-winning “The Brilliant World of Tom Gates” for Sky Kids. Sueann began her career in hands-on production but now leverages her 20 years of experience to guide Wild Child Animation’s strategic direction as CEO. Sueann is also an active board member for Animation Scotland, advocating for emerging talent, innovation, and the global recognition of Scottish animation.

Ed Galton

CEO, CAKE Entertainment

Ed is MD and Chief Commercial Officer, and a shareholder at CAKE. Ed oversees all commercial operations of the business and the day-to-day running of the company. Ed is Exec Producer on a number of kids’ shows including the Emmy-nominated Angelo Rules, and Exec Producer on CBeebies’ pioneering animated series Pablo, created, written and voiced by autistic talent.