Meet Anthony McCaffery, our awesome Head of Post Production! We caught up with him for a few minutes to discuss what being head of post production involves and what he loves about animation.

How did you get into animation?

I first became interested in animation growing up. I loved the work of Ray Harryhausen in films such as Jason and the Argonauts, and later with characters such as Aardman's Morph and Wallace and Gromit. Stop-motion animation seemed like a very tactile medium, and very accessible. By using materials that could be found at home I could build sets and models. I was able to borrow a video camera and crudely shoot frames using the record/pause button and began making films as part of school art projects.

How long have you worked in the animation industry?

I studied animation at university and then moved on to working in visual effects companies, so nearly 15 years. I started in VFX thinking it would be a route into animation, but found myself becoming a VFX producer, turns out there are lots of better animators!

Visual Effects and the disclipines within animation are still distinct crafts in their own rights but in some areas they begin to overlap and now are closer than ever with some of the tools and skills that artists need.

What’s your current role and what does it involve?

I joined Brown Bag Films as Head of Post-Production. The Post-production department are actually involved throughout the whole production process. Beginning at the animatic stage, storyboard frames are cut together with the dialogue and effects, so that the story can be understood as moving pictures. This develops as the work on the shots continue.

Shots are worked on individually, and often it's only when we bring them all together in the context of the edit, that the creative team can see fully how they work together as a film.

We're also involved on the audio work, whether bringing together elements from external studios, or with our in-house audio team designing and mixing the sound for new projects from scratch.

We also 'polish' the final picture with our own VFX team grading and adding to the picture work the animation have completed.

The post team are then responsible for preparing the final picture and sound to be distributed to various markets around the world for broadcast.

What are your biggest influences/inspirations?

The work of Harryhausen still stands out, and although it's dated there's still something very real about practical models that allow the viewer to connect with the story.

Even though modern CGI can be incredibly convincing, in some cases the effects take over and storytelling is left behind.

Companies like Pixar on the other hand revolutionised the animation industry whilst using CGI. John Lassiter as a filmmaker stood out for me when I was younger, by focussing on the story. It's remarkable how they helped establishing computer animation as a serious storytelling medium as engaging as any other.

What’s your favourite tool to use and why?

In my role I don't use creative tools very often anymore. Although basic tools for animation are now incredibly accessible to those wanting to try or learn new skills. Even at home with my kids I can use apps like iMotion to create simple stop frame animation with features like 'onion-skinning' that I would have killed for when I was starting out!

What advice would you give someone considering getting into animation?

There's a fantastic opportunity for the next generation of animators, editors and sound designers and VFX artists to initially try programs and hone their skills at home.

The creative passion that drives someone to spend years learning, practising, and producing films is really important. Animation to the uninitiated can still be seen as a niche career, but it's important to know that there is a real industry out there.

Courses are often an important way to take these skills to the next level. Not necessarily just for the qualification itself, but learning to work as part of a wider team, working to someone else's brief and deadlines. All important skills when looking to make a living from your passion.

What do you like most about working in animation?

The wonder of building a world that doesn't exist still hasn't worn off. I'm still always impressed seeing artists building elements, or painting textures, and by the craft that goes into an edit to tell and bring all of those elements together.

Seeing my kids watch these programs enthralled, and entertained by them, reminds me why I first wanted to work in animation. Working in a creative studio like Brown Bag Films and seeing its approach to bringing these stories to life reminds me of that everyday!

What’s been the most challenging thing about working in animation?

Planning as part of creative process has its own challenges and there have been times when long hours have been required, but the end result often rewards the time invested!

Outside of animation what are you most passionate about?

Photography, music and my family.

Are you interested in getting into animation? Keep an eye on our Behind-the-Scenes and Tutorials pages for more interviews and #TopTips!