David Sproxton, Founding Director, Aardman Animation
In your own words, briefly describe your job
''As co-owner of Aardman my role is to provide an overview and context for all the activity the studio undertakes. I also act as a sounding board for creative ideas alongside others, and in particular take a strong part in driving forward technical aspects.''
How did you get into the industry?
''How did I get into the industry... connections. Peter Lord, my business partner and I were at school together and spent a while messing around with a 16mm film camera. My father was a producer in the BBC and managed to show some of this work to a children's TV producer (Vision On) who commissioned some test work. We sold one of these sequences to him and continued to produce short animated films during our summer holidays whilst we were at college studying arts degrees (Geography and English). When we left our colleges we had a commission for further work from this producer and carried on being rather unfit for any other profession, or so it seemed to us.''
What training and/or education have you found most useful in progressing your career?
''I have no formal training in the craft I used to practice (Director of Photography) but my degree in Geography certainly helps me problem solve and see things from a wider viewpoint.''
Are there any other points / reality checks you'd like to make?
''There are many opportunities in the industry at all levels, but fundamentally it's about telling stories in a strong and enrapturing way. That's the focus. If you can be part of the process and understand more than just the role you play then you will go a long way.''
What advice would you give to someone whose career needed a kick-start?
''My best advice is don't give up. Everyone wants to be in the industry (gawd knows why!) and there's serious talent out there. Take opportunities given to you and learn as much as you can. Don't get too hung up on technique or technicalities as these will change all the time but learn how to deal with people, how to be a team player and how to articulate clearly and concisely what you want and what you are trying to do. Assume you know nothing at the start.''
What was the best career decision you ever took?
''There are so many small decisions that lead to a career but I guess, for us, taking on our first commercial was a stepping stone as making commercials has helped us fund so much of what we do. The other key decision was taking on Nick Park ("Chicken Run") who we found at the National Film and Television School where he was making his graduation film "Grand Day Out" around 1984 . Also staying in Bristol, as this kept overheads down and profits up, especially during the late 1980s.''
What has been the best piece of luck for you?
''Finding myself in San Francisco when an advertising agency was looking for a way to use Creature Comforts for a Chevron petrol campaign. That meeting led to an 8 year long campaign for us which we still produce and has generated considerable income.''
How has the industry changed since you first entered it?
''The digital revolution has affected comemrcial production considerably for us, easing process work and helping the animators by supplying video feedback for them. The core craft skills haven't changed but the way they are applied has changed quite a lot.''
''As co-owner of Aardman my role is to provide an overview and context for all the activity the studio undertakes. I also act as a sounding board for creative ideas alongside others, and in particular take a strong part in driving forward technical aspects.''
How did you get into the industry?
''How did I get into the industry... connections. Peter Lord, my business partner and I were at school together and spent a while messing around with a 16mm film camera. My father was a producer in the BBC and managed to show some of this work to a children's TV producer (Vision On) who commissioned some test work. We sold one of these sequences to him and continued to produce short animated films during our summer holidays whilst we were at college studying arts degrees (Geography and English). When we left our colleges we had a commission for further work from this producer and carried on being rather unfit for any other profession, or so it seemed to us.''
What training and/or education have you found most useful in progressing your career?
''I have no formal training in the craft I used to practice (Director of Photography) but my degree in Geography certainly helps me problem solve and see things from a wider viewpoint.''
Are there any other points / reality checks you'd like to make?
''There are many opportunities in the industry at all levels, but fundamentally it's about telling stories in a strong and enrapturing way. That's the focus. If you can be part of the process and understand more than just the role you play then you will go a long way.''
What advice would you give to someone whose career needed a kick-start?
''My best advice is don't give up. Everyone wants to be in the industry (gawd knows why!) and there's serious talent out there. Take opportunities given to you and learn as much as you can. Don't get too hung up on technique or technicalities as these will change all the time but learn how to deal with people, how to be a team player and how to articulate clearly and concisely what you want and what you are trying to do. Assume you know nothing at the start.''
What was the best career decision you ever took?
''There are so many small decisions that lead to a career but I guess, for us, taking on our first commercial was a stepping stone as making commercials has helped us fund so much of what we do. The other key decision was taking on Nick Park ("Chicken Run") who we found at the National Film and Television School where he was making his graduation film "Grand Day Out" around 1984 . Also staying in Bristol, as this kept overheads down and profits up, especially during the late 1980s.''
What has been the best piece of luck for you?
''Finding myself in San Francisco when an advertising agency was looking for a way to use Creature Comforts for a Chevron petrol campaign. That meeting led to an 8 year long campaign for us which we still produce and has generated considerable income.''
How has the industry changed since you first entered it?
''The digital revolution has affected comemrcial production considerably for us, easing process work and helping the animators by supplying video feedback for them. The core craft skills haven't changed but the way they are applied has changed quite a lot.''
