Blue Zoo's AI Manifesto

Tom Box and Blue Zoo's AI Manifesto

Blue Zoo - one of the UK's leading animation companies - is tackling the challenge of AI head on.

In May 2026 Blue Zoo published their "AI Manifesto", exploring the ways in which AI could be used legitimately at Blue Zoo to enhance the production process, but preserving the integrity of human artistry.

We talked to Blue Zoo founder Tom Box last week to find out more about how Blue Zoo is using AI in an ethical, sustainable way.

Anna Lord on Animation Jobs and Careers

Animation Producer Anna Lord 

Veteran animation producer Anna Lord joined us recently for a conversation about Animation Jobs and Careers, and the current state of the animation industry. 

Anna Lord has thirty years of experience working in the animation industry; her film credits include Quest For Camelot (1998) and Spirit: Stallion of The Cimarron (2002).  

What is Anna 's advice to animators starting out in the business? Do whatever it takes to get your foot in the door. 

Shelley Page Explains How to Break Into Animation

Shelley Page Key Talent Liaison at Locksmith Animation 

Shelley Page, Key Talent and Artist Liaison at Locksmith Animation in London, joined us last week to talk about opportunities in today's animation industry.

What is Shelley Page's key advice for students just starting out? "Be flexible" and - if you find a junior position - "take it!".

Wallace & Gromit Exhib'n at V&A Until 15 Nov 2026

Here at Animation Apprentice we're recommending this excellent behind the scenes exhibition of Aardman Animation stop-motion animation at the Young V&A (formerly the Museum of Childhood) in Bethnal Green. 

For our animation students, this exhibition is a superb opportunity to explore how Aardman Animation’s characters and worlds are brought to life.

Alex Williams Character Design Reel

Above is my character design reel, cut together by Miguel Teixeira.  This is a showcase of character design work on various projects I worked on over the years. Character design is one of the most enjoyable aspects of working on an animated film. To see more about character design at Animation Apprentice, follow this link. 

2D FX Animation Course with Joey Mildenberger

2D FX animation with Joey Mildenberger

We're recommending this excellent course in hand-drawn 2D FX animation with Disney veteran Joey Mildenberger.

Joey Mildenberger is a veteran of multiple Disney hits including Hercules, Treasure Planet and Atlantis. 

Joey is an expert in 2D FX animation - any animator keen to get into the 2D FX industry pipeline would do well to purchase Joey's course - currently on sale for $30. 

You can find the course here:
https://creatureartteacher.com/product/2dfx-animation-course-joey-mildenberger/

"Bollywoof" Trailer Released

The trailer for "Bollywoof", the film I worked on at DNEG last year, has just been released. Bollywoof tells the story of an English springer spaniel who gets lost in the streets of Kolkata, and has to find his way back to his family.  Bollywoof was directed by veteran director Frederic Du Chau ("Underdog", "Racing Stripes") and was produced by Newscope Films and DNEG. Preproduction and post were done in London; animation was completed in Hyderabad. Voice talent was provided by Olivia Coleman, David Jonsson, Rhys Ifans and Ambika Mod. 

"Ray Gunn" with Brad Bird at Soho House

Brad Bird and "Ray Gunn"

Last week we had the chance to meet "Incredibles" Director Brad Bird at a pre-screening of his new movie "Ray Gunn" at Soho House last week. 

The event was organised by Netflix for AMPAS and BAFTA members, two nights before the official premiere of Ray Gunn at the London Film festival. 

After the film, director Brad Bird took questions about the making of the film and then chatted with guests over drinks in the bar at Soho House.

Taku Kishimoto and The Art of Writing for Anime

Taku Kishimoto and The Art of Writing for Anime.

This week in Tokyo we were introduced by writer Taku Kishimoto to The Art of Writing for Anime.

What is the job of a writer for anime and manga? Japanese screenwriters write original stories, working with the director and producer to come up with new material.

Anime stories have a certain structure; successful writers for anime learn to follow this structure, but at the same time they must find originality and invention within this framework.

Kazuyoshi Takeuchi and The Art of Character Design

Kazuyoshi Takeuchi

Today in Tokyo Japanese animator and character designer Kazuyoshi Takeuchi introduced students to the art of Japanese character design, exploring manga, anime and Japanese design techniques. 

Kazuyoshi Takeuchi has over 75 animation credits to his name, including the legendary "Akira", which was the foundational moment of his career.  He described it as "a great honour" to work with Akira director Katsuhiro Otomo. 

Hikaru Yajima and The Art of Manga

Manga artist Hikaru Yajima and Baton no Hoshi

Today in Tokyo manga artist  Hikaru Yajima introduced the art of manga, an art form she adopted after leaving her corporate career. 

Manga forms much of the source material for Japanese anime, part of what gives Japanese animation its unique character and flavour.  

In today's workshop students had the opportunity to draw their own manga panels, with a theme set by Hikaru Yajima. 

Shirotomo Aizawa: Japanese Art, History & Culture

Shirotomo Aizawa on Japanese Art

Today in Tokyo the composer and multimedia creator Shirotomo Aizawa introduced his audience of animators to Japanese history, art and culture.  

Shirotomo Aizawa explained that Japanese culture was historically influenced by China, but grew and developed to have its own unique cultural identity. 

The origins of manga and anime can be found in Japan's unique cultural history and identity. 

Keisuke Mori and The Art of Voice Over for Anime

Japanese anime voice actor Keisuke Mori

Japanese anime voice actor Keisuke Mori gave a talk  in Tokyo this morning about his career performing voice overs for Japanese anime.  His credits include the 2018 film Mirai.

Voice actors have to have to be able to perform a wide range of voices in order to do multiple characters. Vocal range is the key, the ability to perform in multiple different voices and styles.

Keisuke Mori explained that his voice is an instrument, one that he has learned to play over many years of practice working in anime. 

Mitsunori Murata, "Akira" and Japanese Animation

Mitsunori Murata 

Today in Tokyo we learned from master animator Mitsunori Murata about the process of making animated films in Japan. 

Mitsunori Murata has worked over 50 Japanese animation films including the legendary "Akira", released in 1988, and Ghost in The Shell. 

How are animated films made in Japan? The answer is that the process is fundamentally very similar to how things are done in the west, but with some unique Japanese features. 

Animation Apprentice Goes to Japan

Digital Hollywood University

This September Animation Apprentice is heading to Tokyo, to take a close look at the current state of Japanese animation. 

We'll be attending animation lessons in Manga and Anime at Digital Hollywood University in central Tokyo. We'll also be visiting The Answer Studio (formerly Walt Disney Animation Japan) in Ogikubo.

Eric Goldberg Created "Disney Legend"

Animation legend Eric Goldberg has been officially created a "Disney Legend" by the Walt Disney Company.

Becoming a Disney Legend means receiving the highest honor that The Walt Disney Company can give to an individual.

The award started in 1987. It celebrates people who have made a significant and lasting impact on the history and legacy of Disney animation. 

I worked under Eric's direction both on the feature film Pocahontas and later on the cartoony "Looney Tunes - Back in Action", animated in the snappy Warner Bros style.  

Why Your Short Film Needs a Title

Put your title at the front of your film

Here at Animation Apprentice our students make a lot of short films, many of which go on to win festival awards.  Yet one simple element is surprisingly often missing: an opening title.  

While some experimental pieces intentionally dive straight into the action, most short films benefit from displaying their title right at the beginning.  Here’s why your title should be at the start of your film. 

Animation Featured: Deadline 16 August 2026

Manchester Animation Festival (MAF), the UK’s largest and only Academy Award® and BAFTA‑qualifying animation festival, has just launched "Animation Featured". 

Animation Featured is a "high‑impact development accelerator designed to strengthen the UK’s feature animation pipeline and support the next generation of independent filmmakers and studios".  The deadline to apply is Sunday 16 August 2026. 

Fall Animation Class Starts 7th September 2026

Our Fall Animation Class begins on Monday 7th September 2026.

It's not too late to book a place; all you need to do is visit the main Animation Apprentice site and go through a few simple steps.

If you want to learn 3D animation to a professional level, and start your new career as an animator - your journey starts here.

Animation Apprentice Visits King Bee Animation

King Bee Animation and Martyn Niman

Animation Apprentice visited King Bee Animation last week, for a one day animation workshop introducing students to the art and craft of animation.

King Bee is located in the historic Elstree Studios in North London, notable for being the location of the original 1977 Star Wars movie.   

Alison Brown Young Comics Maestro Award 2026

Alison Brown Young Comics Maestro Award 2026 Competition

The Alison Brown Young Comics Maestro Award 2026 Competition is now open - London's Cartoon Museum is looking for the next big comic artist.  

If you're under 18, send in your very best comic strip (three pages max) to enter the competition and get your work in front of judges from The Beano, The Phoenix, and (of course) The Cartoon Museum.