UK animation industry sees new feature development lab and leadership shifts

The Manchester Animation Festival has announced the seven projects selected for the inaugural Animation Featured lab. This seven-month development program aims to strengthen the pipeline for UK-produced animated features. Supported by the BFI National Lottery Creative Challenge Fund, Screen Scotland, and Northern Ireland Screen, the initiative provides producers with mentorship, networking, and business training. The selection process drew 98 applications from across the UK.

In the Bristol animation sector, Joanna Hepworth has transitioned to the role of Creative Director at A Productions. Following the studio’s return to independent ownership, Hepworth oversees the creative vision for various projects, including recent work for Sesame Street and upcoming productions such as ‘Hyperlight – Battle of the Guardians’ and ‘The Underglow’.