Tom Van Waveren has been announced as Manimation’s keynote speaker as the full programme for Manchester’s animation and content creation conference has been revealed.

Now in its fifth year, Manimation will take place at Auto Trader, 1 Tony Wilson Place, on Thursday 16 November.

Van Waveren is CEO and Creative Director at CAKE, as well as Vice-Chair of Animation in Europe. He has been nominated three times for a daytime Emmy. Tom began his career in animation at Nelvana in 1996 as Director of its London office.

In 1999, Tom moved to Copenhagen to head up Egmont Imagination as its President. Since 2006, he has been responsible for scouting, development and the executive production of all CAKE content. CAKE was voted Investor/Distributor of the Year at Cartoon Forum 2016.

He joins Helen Brunsdon, Director, Animation UK, Phil Chalk Managing Director, Factory and Nick Clarkson, PR & Marketing, Merge Game plus many more at the event.

Manimation is designed to inform companies and freelancers about key factors for business success in working in animation across a variety of fields including: visual FX, commercials, corporate, interactive, games, apps and virtual reality.

The event is organised by The Children’s Media Conference, the UK’s premier organisation for the children’s content industries with 15 years’ experience of media-related conference and learning events.  It is co-funded by Creative Skillset. Manimation also coincides with the last day of the Manchester Animation Festival which celebrates animated art.

Greg Childs, Editorial Director, The Children’s Media Conference, said: “This year’s Manimation programme will explore some of the key determinants of success in the business of animation. From big policy questions – such as how Brexit will impact skills, funding and deals – to innovative technology as we examine animation pipelines and Virtual Reality.  As with all CMC events, creativity is on the agenda too. We’ll explore the North West’s latest brilliant animated content, and consider the resurgent games industry in the region. And if you’re wondering how to tell stories in VR – look no further – Manimation covers that too!

“Manimation is also a great chance to meet commissioning executives and companies likely to be searching for writers, animators and other freelance talent.  It’s accessible, friendly and conveniently located right next door to the Manchester Animation Festival. Places are still available and we recommend delegates register to avoid disappointment.”

Tim Newns, chief executive officer, MIDAS, Manchester’s inward investment agency, said: “Greater Manchester has a long-established reputation as an industry leader in animation and children’s content, with a decorated and respected heritage of content creation. The region has produced award-winning titles for over 40 years, through iconic companies such as Cosgrove Hall, who produced The Wind in The Willows and Factory, who produced the Clangers.

“Manchester is a great location to showcase such a creative and uniquely diverse cluster of animation professionals and companies and also includes the internationally renowned Studio Liddell, MacKinnon and Saunders and Brown Bag Films. Manimation offers an engaging programme and provides invaluable collaborative opportunities between industry peers and we hope to see a large industry presence at the event.”

Manimation will be taking place at Auto Trader, 1 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester, M15 4FN. 

Manimation passes cost £70 + VAT.

To register visit: www.thechildrensmediaconference.com/manimation-2017

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here