Animating North Devon - Building Creative Pathways into Film & Animation

Connect with local creative talent & industry to help build sustainable opportunities in animation, film & screen culture across the region.

Animating North Devon

Join us in person for Animating North Devon - Building Creative Pathways into Film & Animation! This event is perfect if you're curious about meeting fellow creatives and wish to learn from local pros, and explore opportunities to kickstart your journey in this exciting industry. Whether you're a beginner or looking to expand your network, come along and find out more about what's happening in the area.

Delivered by Devon Film Office in partnership with North Devon Council and collaborating with Yellow Mouse Studios / Animating Devon CIC, Blackbeam Cinematic, John Sellings (Freelance film & VFX) and Lily Bennett (Filmmaker / NFTS Graduate).

EVENT OUTLINE

This event is intended as an initial “taster” and community-building session designed to:

• Strengthen the animation and film community in North Devon
• Connect with industry and development opportunities
• Build relationships and explore how North Devon can establish its own sustainable and connected screen community

The event would also act as a listening session to better understand the needs, ambitions, and opportunities within the North Devon creative community. So bring your ideas, projects and passion for screen culture with you.

Welcome drinks will be available on arrival.

About the speakaers:

Claire Horrocks, Manager of Devon Film Office who support film and TV production activity in Devon, at any stage, size and ambition.

Working closely with the county’s local authorities they help you navigate the process, from initial enquiries and location scouting, to preparing the ground for a successful shoot.

Devon Film Office support the skill development of local crew and emerging talent and is working towards a better connect Devon where screen culture can thrive.

Dan Willers, Creative Director of Yellow Mouse Studios, a creative full service animation and illustration studio also working in augmented reality projects based in Devon. Animating Devon CIC is a space for individuals and businesses based in Devon through regular meet-ups, networking and project sharing.

Alastair Leslie, founder of Blackbeam Cinematic creates powerful audio‑visual experiences that transform spaces, connect communities, and bring stories to life through immersive projection, light, and sound. Based in North Devon and working nationally, Blackbeam Cinematic works with leading cultural organisations, heritage sites, festivals and brand agencies including Glastonbury, BFI and Creative England.

John Sellings is a senior compositor/VFX supervisor in London and North Devon. He is well-known for his credits on major features and television, including Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning and The Crown. He also leads on Love where you Live in Ilfracombe bringing the fcommunity together through workshops, sessions and creative skills development.

Lily Bennett is a North Devon Filmmaker and NFTS Graduate who has recently been commissioned by Exeter Phoenix for her recent project Crooked, which she has written and directed and which she has just completing filming in North Devon this month.