FSTVS - The Executive Sessions

“One minute you’re making cartoons in Kilkenny, the next you’re chatting with Quentin Tarantino over champagne.” This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Paul Young of Cartoon Saloon — producer, director, co-founder, accidental salesman, and possibly the only man in animation whose career began with Greek beach caricatures and illegal late-night sandwich sales. Paul chats to Julian about building Cartoon Saloon from a scrappy Kilkenny startup into one of the most admired studios in the world, why some of the best industry deals happen after midnight, and how a studio can still make world-class animation while letting people go home at 5pm. It’s a funny, honest and quietly inspiring conversation about creativity, persistence, and making beautiful 2D films in a 3D world. Perfect listening for anyone recovering from Animation Dingle this weekend — or anyone who’s ever wondered how sandwiches, cartoons, Oscar nominations and beatboxing somehow end up in the same career. With immense thanks to Paul for his time and candidness and, as always, to the fantastic Julian Scott for hosting and the rock that is Janet Balmforth at Liberi Consulting.

"You've got to be a bit obsessed with it." This episode's guest is a dynast of the animation world; a man who started out at age 4 as the voice of Tiny Tim in an animated Christmas Carol but then threw it all away and ran off to Oxford University to become a lawyer! But the spell had been cast and in 1987 he found himself back in the industry and working on Who Framed Roger Rabbit. He then went on, ironically given his career path, to work at Disney/MGM in Florida to work on ‘Roller Coaster Rabbit. But then the dark side took him again and back to law and the House of Commons he went, only to return triumphantly once more to Warner Brothers Animation and this time he stayed, going on to work at many of the big studios and some huge films such as The Lion King, The Iron Giant, the last three Harry Potter films, and The Chronicles of Narnia. Since then he has split his time between education at Escape Studios and continuing to work on animated projects. Julians guest today is Alex Williams.

“The death of Optimus Prime had a big impact” This week's guest is Alexi Wheeler. Maybe best known for his time as VP Production Development at Nickelodeon where he launched International Shorts Program which was, as Alexi states, “a strong avenue for incredible work and lasting relationships,” pairing, as it did, emerging creators with studios ready to bring fresh ideas to life, or perhaps his role as as Head of Animated Series for Netflix EMEA during its explosive expansion into kids’ animation - what he describes as “the rocket ship trajectory”, where creativity could come from anywhere. His team commissioned a lot in a short period, helping define Netflix’s global kids and family slate at the time. Now running his own production development studio, Wheel In Motion in collaboration with SuperProd, Alexi is once again getting hands on with the creative process. We hope you enjoy this fun and funny episode and encourage you to share the podcast with your friends, family, colleagues and pets. As always, our eternal gratitude to Janet Balmforth at Liberi Consulting and host extraordinaire, Julian Scott.

"A special BAFTA Award for a 25 year legacy in children's media and the social and cultural impact." Ladies and gentlemen, as a special early Christmas present for you all, I give you Tom Box, Adam Shaw, and Oli Hyatt MBE, of Blue Zoo Animation Studio. While I am sure Tom, Adam, and Oli would be the first to acknowledge that everyone who has passed through the doors of Blue Zoo over the first 25 years has played a part in where they are now, we only had room for the 3 of them, so everyone else will have to wait. This is a hugely entertaining discourse about the journey of the studio and the chaps themselves, from their earliest days at Bournemouth University and bringing the company into existence, very much like a student band being formed, through the sometimes tough learning experiences along the way, to yesterday's wonderful recognition by BAFTA of all that they have achieved as a studio and as individuals. You don't need any more set up from me, just grab a glass of something Christmassy, sit back, and enjoy this extra special episode with some exceptional humans. As always, we cannot make this podcast without Janet Balmforth at Liberi Consulting and the hosting duties of the erudite and well classy, Julian Scott. Thank you both.

“Sometimes the detours are where you learn the most and that are the most exciting parts of your life.” A truer word was rarely spoken, especially when it comes to career journey's in the media industry. And the journey of today's guest, Denitsa Yordanova, is nothing if not filled with exiting detours. From studying for a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematical Economics and International Relations at Colgate University and then an MBA from Stanford Business School in the US, you might be fooled into thinking Denitsa was life in pure finance but after internships at Merril Lynch, Bloomberg, and then Cinepolis in Mexico, an opportunity at Guardian Media Group in London arose and Denitsa moved continents and industries! After a stint at Endemol Shine, where she bridged the gap between commercial and creative, and another Master's Degree, this time in Media, Programming and Curating Film, Denitsa found a home at the British Film Institute as UK Global Screen Fund and International Funds. Quite the journey and, as you will hear, quite the woman! With my thanks as always to Denitsa for her time, Julian Scott for hosting and Janet Balmforth for making the whole thing possible and kicking me when I need it. And to you, for tuning in. Please remember to subscribe for all new episodes as they drop and recommend to friends. If you'd like details of how you can sponsor the podcast, drop me a line at [email protected]

"That truth shines through. That honesty shines through. And that's what animation is." In a special 'timely' edition this week Julian speaks to Dr Steve Henderson, CEO, Director and Co-Founder of The Manchester Animation Festival. We've dragged Steve away from his computer at the most crucial time of year for him, just a few days out from the start of this year's festival. And boy is it worth it! Not only do we get the origin story of MAF itself but also Doctor Steve, the man. And then as a bonus we also get the origin story of Skwigly Magazine! What an episode. Steve talks about trying to get the work life balance right and how his family and personal life are so intrinsically linked, it's hard to see the difference at times. Julian asks about Steve's thoughts on AI (trigger warning, he doesn't hold back) and how he and his wife and co-Director of the festival, Jen Hall, make decisions on curating the films that are shown and the panels that are staged. Fascinating stuff from a fascinating man. For more info and tickets (still available!) on MAF, which starts on Sunday 9th November, go to manchesteranimationfestival.co.uk For more on Skwigly Animation Magazine, so to skwigly.co.uk And for details of NORTHWESTIVUS on the evening of Wednesday 12th November alongside MAF, go to fstvs.net/events/northwestivus-2/ With eternal gratitude, as always, to Janet Balmforth at libericonsulting.com/ and Julian Scott for wonderful hosting duties linkedin.com/in/julian-scott-b363405/

"Let animation excellence begin!" Today's guest is the wonderfully warm and generous, Luke Jurevicius, owner and CEO of Vishus Productions in South Australia and Pune, India. Luke is a multi-award winning creative garnering accolades for Figaro Pho, The New Adventures of Figaro Pho, Peleda and Junction to name a few. In this fascinating chat Julian discovers the inspiration behind some of Luke's best know work, the passions that drive him, why he likes to doodle on dinner guests and why playing the bass guitar and fly fishing are so important to him, though not at the same time. Grab a brew, plug in and be prepared to be taken on a wonderful journey to the land of Aus. With thanks to Julian Scott at Film London for hosting so wonderfully and Janet Balmforth for organising so brilliantly. It doesn't happen without you. And feel free to drop us a line at [email protected] with guest suggestions or to find out more about our sponsorship packages. See you at the next FESTIVUS event!

"Sometimes you just have to get out of your own way!" Today's guest is the delightful Karen Miller. Karen is currently the President at The Hidden Pigeon Company - a great name and you can find out the reason behind it later in the podcast - but her whole CV reads like a who's who of A-list broadcasters and studios - Disney, Cyber Group, Warner Brothers, NBC Universal... I could go on. Karen has also traversed the worlds of publishing, consumer products, production, commissioning and acquisitions, channel management, merchandising, licensing, hang gliding, Michelin starred cooking, brain surgery... OK, maybe not the last few. A fascinating chat with a fascinating woman about a fascinating career. Fascinating. Enjoy, subscribe, share, like, eat, sleep. If you'd like to sponsor the podcast then drop me a line at [email protected]

"From the mailroom to the boardroom!" This week's guest is Bob Higgins. Currently the President of Trustbridge Entertainment and for bringing the likes of Maisy back to our screens, Bob's career has encompassed roles at WildBrain, Fremantle Media, Cartoon Network and Boat Rocker Media to name just a few. He's worked on such well loved shows as Katie & Mim-Mim, Dino Ranch, Foster's Home For Imaginary Friends, Ben 10, Camp Lazlo and many, many more. He's even had a brush with a certain Ricky Gervais! This is a lovely dive into Bob's career and there's a lot to learn from Bob's approach - particularly when it comes to utilising one's mother to best effect! Enjoy. With thanks to Janet Balmforth at Liberi Consulting and Julian Scott at Film London.

"People can shine wherever they are." And none shine more brightly than our guest in this episode, Sueann Rochester, CEO and co-founder of Wild Child Animation in Sterling, Scotland. Not only is Sueann an exceptional producer, working on BAFTA and EMMY nominated shows like "Dennis & Gnasher", and BAFTA award WINNING "The Brilliant World of Tom Gates", she is also a powerful voice for Women in Animation, Scottish Animation and, as you will hear in this chat, a keen proponent and advocate of yoga - her Cannes yoga sessions are something of an institution (I really should make it along one day). As you will hear in Julian's conversation with Sueann, she is as passionate about the people and crew she works with as she is the projects themselves and the industry in general. It's likely one of the reasons Wild Child Animation is a thriving studio and such a wonderful place to work. I hope you enjoy listening to Sueann and Julian, and please do share these podcasts with friends and colleagues and subscribe for future episodes.

"Don't hesitate to enter the thing you're drawn to." As you will hear in this latest episode, those are words that Mary Coleman has certainly lived by and benefited from. Early beginnings in theatre led Mary to spend 8 years at The Magic Theatre in San Francisco before joining PIXAR Animation in 1999 as a Creative Executive. Almost 23 years later and having worked on almost too many PIXAR movies to name - Monsters Inc., Finding Nemo, The Incredibles 1 & 2, WALL-E, Toy Story (2-4), Brave, Inside Out, Finding Dory, Coco, Onward, Soul, Luca, Turning Red - Mary joined Locksmith Animation as their Chief Creative Officer. Enjoy Mary's insights into how her skills learned in theatre were transferable to the world of animated features and how she gets the best out of creative teams. Also, do you know what a dramaturg is? Do you want to? Listen in and find out. As ever, please subscribe, like, and share the podcast with friends and colleagues and feel free to brows the library of previous guests, including another PIXAR legend, Kelsey Mann.

"I'll get excited... when the money's in the bank account." Wise words, from a wise dad. But did today's guest take heed? Find out when Andrew Kavanagh, owner of Kavaleer Productions joins Julian for a very rambling and wonderful chat about everything from using art as a defence in school, to drawing caricatures on an almost daily basis, to Irish animation's origins, to karaoke (recurring theme?), to starting his studio with Gary Timpson, to his ADHD diagnosis, to creating beloved shows like Kiva Can Do!, Alva's World and Wildernuts. Like I said, it's a wild and rambling chat that delights at every turn, so sit back and relax as Julian chats with Andrew Kavanagh. As always, a huge thanks not only to Andrew but also to Julian Scott for hosting (filmlondon.org/animation), Janet Balmforth at Liberi Consulting for her amazing planning and organising skills (libericonsulting.com) and to Odilia Sickinghe for her editorial skills on this episode (linkedin.com/in/odiliasickinghe/) This podcast wouldn't be possible without their help or without you listening. Thank you! See you at the next festivus event (fstvs.net/events)

"Don't work with people you wouldn't have dinner with." I genuinely don't know where to start with introducing this episode's guest - Eryk Casemiro. Eryk's resumé reads like a Hollywood script... a young hopeful kid packs up his stuff and heads to LA in search of his dream, and finds himself serving soda's to Hollywood's stars when a chance encounter on a gameshow is the unexpected break he needs, and boy does he grab it with both hands and run! After that it's just a litany of A-list names and shows - Lorne Michaels, Saturday Night Live, the Waynes World movie, Rugrats, Cartoon Network, Coolabi, YouTube, Zodiak Kids and Nickelodeon, where Eryk was EVP Global Series Content. This episode is already a firm favourite of mine, as I am sure it will be for you too. Prepare to be beguiled by Eryk's warmth, passion, and compassion. Please enjoy. ROLL CREDITS!

"ALL OR NOTHING!" Now a multi-award winning VFX Supervisor at Industrial Light and Magic in London, having worked on projects like Lost Ollie for Netflix, Black Mirror, The Mandalorian, Mission Impossible 2 and Ultraman: Rising, to name but a few, Hayden Jone's film career didn't start in a conventional place - a degree in Automotive and Industrial Design at Coventry University. So, what path did Hayden's career take to get him to the lauded place in which he currently resides. And did he have fun along the way? Join Julian Scott who had this enlightening and hugely enjoyable chat with him.

"Any day you can make a kid laugh, that's a pretty good day." And if anyone knows that it's Terry Kalagian! Terry's resumé reads like a who's who of big names - Cartoon Network, Mattel, Atomic Cartoons, Rainmaker, Marvel and now Gaumont, where Terry is President of Global Animation for Kids and Family. Terry takes Julian on a journey through her early days in research and how that helped shape and influence the executive she would become as she moved across into content acquisitions and co-productions. Terry's advice and 'rules' are extremely salient, just don't ask her to order your dinner in French! Enjoy your time with Julian and Terry Kalagian.

"Slow down and take people on the journey with you." Great advice for everyone at various times in our lives and careers. Even more poignant when it's quoted by Crosby Clyse, MD of DNeg in London, and you've listened to his journey. A journey that takes him from playing piano in the hills of Appalachia to Pixar in California and thence to London and DNeg! Quite the journey. Crosby is eloquent, inspiring, and very candid as he talks to Julian. It's a lovely listen, so take Crosby's own advice and "slow down" for an hour and wonder where your own journey might take you.

“People like me don’t end up with the career that I have.” With a lead in line like that, you know you're in for an interesting career chat! Ryan Delaney is Production Executive at Warner Brothers Pictures Animation and worked on the LEGO films, Men In Black, Tom and Jerry and Acme v Coyote but it's his career path from East End boy to West End darling (citation needed) that is most fascinating. A path that is best summed up by Ryan's own advice to you all, "Be ambitious.". Please subscribe, like, and send love.

Learning from the best! From Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network to PBS, and now as the Head of Character Development and Scripted Content at Duolingo, Linda Simensky’s career is a true masterclass in seizing opportunities and knowing when to take a step back in order to move forward and continue doing what she loves. With a passion for animation that started at a young age, Linda has carried that enthusiasm into every executive role she's taken on. Not only has she been a fierce advocate for the audience, but she’s also been a powerful voice for women in the industry. So grab your favourite beverage and enjoy Julian’s conversation with Linda Simensky.

"Stay curious." The man in the white suit has spoken! Lionel Marty is one of the most recognisable faces in kids distribution. From his time at Tele Images in the 90's to launching the distribution arm of France Animation through Moonscoop, to setting up his own, super successful, Paris based distribution company, APC Kids. But there's another side to Lionel and the Marty family that might not be as well known. A different type of 'entertainment' that might delight you. Join Julian as he dances through Lionel's career and sings his praises at each turn and twist, Lionel more than anyone shows that with the right attitude, you most certainly Cancan. OK, I'll stop now. Enjoy this fun and enlightening episode and don't forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE!

"To talk about kids' content is a joy" Louise Bucknole’s career journey has taken her to almost all the major broadcasters – BBC, ITV, Disney and Sky – but it’s her current role, as Senior Vice President of Kids & Family, Paramount UK & Ireland (Milkshake! Channel 5 & Nickelodeon), that sees her playing a hugely influential role in entertaining and educating another generation of kids – a role she clearly relishes. Louise gives some lovely insights into her own career path and offers sage advice to those just starting out, as well as insights into what she feels makes a great show. We also find out about some of the classic shows of Louise’s youth that first inspired her and what that means when it comes to how she commissions shows these days. Grab your tea or coffee and settle in for an hour with Louise Bucknole and Julian Scott.

"The value of listening" Given the chosen medium, I couldn't agree more with our guest in this episode, Neil Court. And, given Neil's career trajectory, there is no-one we should be listening more closely to! Early in his journalistic career Neil took an opportunity offered and didn't look back. That calculated and opportunistic risk taking has marked his career ever since, taking him from Managing Director of Nelvana, to founding Decode Entertainment, which became DHX Media, which became Wildbrain! Neil has since gone on to be Executive Chairman at 9 Story Media, as well as Chairman of entertainment company, Peacock Alley Entertainment. A busy man, we are extremely grateful to Neil for taking the time to talk to us. Please subscribe, like, share, subscribe, and then give fashion advice, film suggestions, and recipes, to [email protected] My thanks and gratitude, as always, to Julian Scott at Film London for hosting, Janet Balmforth at Liberi Consulting for organising, and Odilia Sickinghe for audio editing and advice.

A lotl to get through in this episode! Julian’s guest this week is the always inspiring, technology pushing, groundbreaking, cliché defying, Dan Fill of Dark Slope Studios in Toronto. Dan and his team have been rewriting how we conceive, produce and engage with entertainment for 7 years now but it’s also Dan’s career prior to Dark Slope that Julian digs into a little more, as well as exploring his penchant for a particular Mexican paedomorphic salamander. So, grab a mug of something hot, or alcoholic, sit back, relax and let Dan Fill inspire you to push your own boundaries. Please subscribe, like, share, give feedback, suggestions, fashion advice, musical suggestions, to [email protected] My thanks and gratitude, as always, to Julian Scott at Film London for hosting, Janet Balmforth at Liberi Consulting for organising, and Odilia Sickinghe for audio editing and advice.

With Cartoon Business taking place this week in Brussels, what better time to talk to one of European animations best known (and loved) faces but least known human, Vanessa Chapman. With a career that started at The Mirror newspaper and BBC Radio, Vanessa then moved into kids tv while at ITV. Sidelines in fire eating, rally driving and bob sledding notwithstanding, Vanessa has gone on to be come one of the most recognisable faces in international kids television, now consulting with companies and European bodies at an Executive level. Let's see how much Julian can find out about this most enigmatic of Execs.

Super Happy Magic Chat! Tom Beattie, ladies and gents! From Pot Noodle, to U2, to working with Rowan Atkinson, to his eclectic collection of fancy yet affordable eyewear, this week Julian gets to talk to MD of Tiger Aspect Kids about his career in kids media and how he progressed through the ranks at Tiger Aspect to become one of the most respected Execs working today. To make matters worse, he's also one of the nicest people in the industry. Grab a cuppa and settle in for a wonderful chat with Tom Beattie. As always, massive thanks to Julian Scott at Film London Animation for hosting, Janet Balmforth at Liberi Consulting for organising, and Odilia Sickinghe for edit expertise.

Bestriding oceans, genres, and animation techniques, Allison Abbate is one of the most prolific Animated Feature Producers of the past few decades. The Little Mermaid, The Iron Giant, The Rescuers Down Under, Tom & Jerry as well as being the long time Tim Burton collaborator on Frankenweenie, Fantastic Mr Fox and The Corpse Bride, Allison's resume is impressive. Have a listen as Allison chats to Julian about how she started in the industry, what drives her still and take notes on her tips for getting the most out of your career. A huge thanks to Allison for her time, to Julian Scott of Film London, for hosting, Janet Balmforth at Liberi Consulting for all the organising and planning, and to Odilia Sickinghe for editing expertise.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, SpongeBob: Sponge on the Run, Sherlock Gnomes, The Paw Patrol Movie! He's worked on them all! Get to know Ramsay McBean and hear how his globetrotting early days informs how he engages with projects and with teams. A fascinating insight into a fascinating man and, without wishing to go all 'click baity' on you, listen out for some of the best career advice towards the end of the podcast. Enjoy.

It's... the incomparable Marion Edwards! With a career that has taken her to Telemagination, Dreamworks, HiT/Mattel and, more recently Gutsy Animation, Marion's career path in animation was anything but set at the start. The classiest person in kids TV* gives us a glimpse behind the serenity that is shown to the world and hints at the incredible hard work that has gone into making it all look so easy. Marion gives us an insight into, and tips on, how to build and maintain successful co-production relationships and some great advice for those starting out in the industry today. A wonderful episode with a wonderful human. Enjoy. *My own awards.

In this episode Julian chats to the director of the highest grossing animated film… OF... ALL... TIME, Kelsey Mann. Kelsey discusses his early passion for movies in Minnesota, where he grew up, and how that took him on a path, though not always direct, to Warner Brothers and Pixar and there through the ranks to direct his own movie. We discover the knock-backs and rejections in Kelsey’s career that only made him more determined and focused and that he credits for ultimately helping him to where he is now – a record-breaking director. He also sheds light on what makes good leaders and how to help further your career when you think you’ve hit a wall. Kelsey is wonderfully warm, generous and very honest about his journey and there is a lot to be learned from this chat. I’ll be asking him back for another episode as there is so much more that we didn’t get to cover but this is a great episode, so enjoy your time with the Mann of the Moment (sorry Kelsey). With thanks to Julian Scott, Janet Balmforth and Odilia Sickinghe.

Bonjour et bienvenue dans un autre épisode Today’s guest is Philippe Alessandri. A gentleman whose whole life seems to have been immersed in media, from being a teenage TV presenter and creating his own comic strips, to senior roles in some of Europe’s largest animation studios, to now running his own, Watch Next Media, in France and Italy. As if that wasn’t enough, Philippe is also the Chairman of the Animation in Europe federation. A busy man to whom we are very grateful for giving his time and his insights. À toi, Julian.

A lovely and engaging conversation between two old friends this week as Julian Scott chats with Nancy Kanter, owner of Available Light Pictures. Nancy talks about her time at Disney, Netflix, and Sesame Workshop and Julian tries to shamelessly namedrop on Nancy's behalf. Nancy looks to the future of kids TV entertainment and how it has changed over her illustrious career. Warm, charming, and wonderfully positive, this is a very inspiring episode. Enjoy.

A lively chat with Andrew Baker, CEO of Cantilever Media and producer of The Amazing Maurice, one of the most successful independent animated films of recent years. Julian chats to Andrew about his interesting entry into the animation industry and where that path then led him. They discuss how rights are secured for projects, how Andrew financed some of his shows ,and what might be next for an Executive with boundless energy and enthusiasm. Buckle up, it's a fun ride.

A wonderful chat this week with Helen Brunsdon. Feel the energy, passion and positivity from one of the UK's leading animation Execs. Julian digs into Helen's journey in the animation industry and how she channels her passion into mentoring, fighting for funding and infrastructure for skills and talent enhancement and how that then leads to exec producing short films . And we haven't even got to her roles in helping set up Animation UK and in running The British Animation Awards for the past 6 years! Sit back, excuse some dodgy audio, and lose yourself in the wonderful world of Helen Brunsdon - a true force for good.

In this episode Julian chats to Nico Lockhart, Director of Wildbrain's Digital Studios. We learn that animation wasn't Nico's first career choice, how he continues to adapt his approach and role to a constantly changing area of the industry, how he and Wildbrain look for new IP, and what he's rustling up for dinner tonight. A very tasty treat all round.

Today's guest is Alix Wiseman. Alix is Senior Vice President of Distribution and Acquisitions at 9 Story Media Group and Alix has also spent time at Aardman Animations and Channel 4. In this wonderfully diverse chat, Alix discusses her path into animation, how she and her team likes to operate when they look for new shows, the impact of new media and AI on the content landscape, and what the future might hold for our industry. A very intelligent chat with a wonderfully warm and super smart human being. This episode is brought to you by the power of Liberi Consulting and Film London.

Today's guest is Kate O'Connor. Kate is best known to the animation industry as the founder and Executive Chair of Animation UK. Kate is also a senior consultant in the wider creative industries, collaborating with private and public-sector clients throughout the UK, Ireland, and internationally. Julian and Kate discuss how she got started in the industry and what led her to her role at Animation UK, the perceived skills gap in the animation sector, how the UK's animation industry can remain competitive in the current global climate, how UK animation can still work with European partners, the changing landscape of how children consume content and what it might mean for traditional production models, and some timely and sage advice from Kate's expansive career to date. This episode is brought to you by the power of Liberi Consulting and Film London.