#177 Moe Honan - Garry Talks: Film

In this episode of "Garry Talks Film," host Garry interviews Moe Honan, founder and CEO of Moetion Films. Moe shares her journey from science student to leading animation producer, offering insights into the creative and business challenges of animation, including voice directing, international co-productions, and financing. The conversation explores the impact of streaming, the role of public broadcasters, and the ethical dilemmas posed by AI in storytelling. Moe also gives practical advice for aspiring filmmakers, emphasising the importance of industry relationships, continuous learning, and the enduring value of human creativity in animation.   Support this podcast by joining our tribe today at www.GarryTalks.com - Please follow Garry Talks on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.  Please follow GKMedia.ie on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and TikTok.  Most importantly – please subscribe to this Podcast.   Episode Introduction (00:00:00) Moe Honan shares a personal anecdote; episode and guest are introduced, with a focus on Moe’s career and animation. Early Influences and Education (00:00:49) Moe discusses her teenage inspirations, university choices, and the value of imperfection in art. Podcast and Guest Welcome (00:01:26) Podcast branding, sponsor mentions, and formal welcome to Moe Honan. University and Career Beginnings (00:01:56) Moe’s transition from science to arts, her motivations, and early university experiences. Living Abroad and Early Career Shifts (00:06:24) Moe's time in Germany and Vienna, cultural influences, and returning to Galway. Impact of Personal Loss (00:08:04) Moe describes her father’s sudden passing and its effect on her career direction. Entry into Media and Radio (00:10:50) Moe’s media studies, first jobs in radio, and the skills she gained from audio work. Voice Directing and Animation Process (00:12:24) Moe explains voice directing, casting, and the workflow of animation versus dubbing. Voice Acting and ADR in Animation (00:16:03) Details on ADR, post-production, and the technicalities of syncing voices in animation. Sound Design and Animation Production (00:18:00) The importance of sound design in animation and the complexity of building audio worlds. Producing ‘Niko and the Magic Reindeer’ (00:18:19) Moe discusses the production timeline, development, and challenges of making the film. Co-Productions and Industry Challenges (00:21:44) The complexities, risks, and relationship management in international co-productions. Founding Motion Films (00:26:23) Moe shares the origins of Moetion Films and her previous experience at Magma Films. Transition from Radio to Animation (00:28:00) Moe’s move from radio to documentaries, then to animation, and her evolving career goals. Becoming a Producer and Creative Leadership (00:29:09) Moe’s path to producing, the necessity of handling business, and the role of creative producers. Starting a Production Company (00:30:40) Moe’s motivations for founding her own company after Magma Films closed. Cash Flow and Business Strategy (00:32:19) How Moe managed early cash flow, balanced service work, and focused on IP development. First Feature and Building a Portfolio (00:34:18) Moe’s persistence with her first feature, “Two by Two,” and the challenges of independent production. COVID-19 and Film Release Challenges (00:35:19) The impact of the pandemic on film releases and the importance of theatrical runs. Streamers and Animation Industry Trends (00:36:20) How streaming platforms have shifted their focus away from animation and the implications for the industry. Public Broadcasting and Children’s Content (00:38:32) The role of public broadcasters in supporting diverse and local content for children. AI in Animation and Copyright Concerns (00:41:41) Moe’s perspective on AI as both a tool and a threat, especially regarding copyright and ethics. Storytelling and Human Imperfection (00:45:03) Moe’s views on what makes storytelling compelling, the value of imperfection, and concerns about AI-generated stories. Current Industry Landscape and Future Projects (00:47:35) Moe discusses ongoing projects, industry challenges, and the need for innovation in financing and marketing. Marketing and Audience Reach (00:51:01) The growing importance of marketing in film production and the need for earlier, better-funded promotion. Policy, Funding, and Regional Support (00:54:50) The necessity of ongoing dialogue with policymakers, regional funding issues, and the role of industry organisations. Advice for Aspiring Animation Producers/Directors (00:58:33) Moe’s practical advice: read, watch, attend markets, and learn from industry events to build a career in animation. Episode Wrap-Up (01:00:54) Closing thanks, well-wishes, and sponsor acknowledgments.