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.