FSTVS - The Executive Sessions – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Today's guest is Kate O'Connor. Kate is best known to the animation industry as the founder and Executive Chair of Animation UK. Kate is also a senior consultant in the wider creative industries, collaborating with private and public-sector clients throughout the UK, Ireland, and internationally. Julian and Kate discuss how she got started in the industry and what led her to her role at Animation UK, the perceived skills gap in the animation sector, how the UK's animation industry can remain competitive in the current global climate, how UK animation can still work with European partners, the changing landscape of how children consume content and what it might mean for traditional production models, and some timely and sage advice from Kate's expansive career to date. This episode is brought to you by the power of Liberi Consulting and Film London.

Today's guest is Alix Wiseman. Alix is Senior Vice President of Distribution and Acquisitions at 9 Story Media Group and Alix has also spent time at Aardman Animations and Channel 4. In this wonderfully diverse chat, Alix discusses her path into animation, how she and her team likes to operate when they look for new shows, the impact of new media and AI on the content landscape, and what the future might hold for our industry. A very intelligent chat with a wonderfully warm and super smart human being. This episode is brought to you by the power of Liberi Consulting and Film London.

Bestriding oceans, genres, and animation techniques, Allison Abbate is one of the most prolific Animated Feature Producers of the past few decades. The Little Mermaid, The Iron Giant, The Rescuers Down Under, Tom & Jerry as well as being the long time Tim Burton collaborator on Frankenweenie, Fantastic Mr Fox and The Corpse Bride, Allison's resume is impressive. Have a listen as Allison chats to Julian about how she started in the industry, what drives her still and take notes on her tips for getting the most out of your career. A huge thanks to Allison for her time, to Julian Scott of Film London, for hosting, Janet Balmforth at Liberi Consulting for all the organising and planning, and to Odilia Sickinghe for editing expertise.

Super Happy Magic Chat! Tom Beattie, ladies and gents! From Pot Noodle, to U2, to working with Rowan Atkinson, to his eclectic collection of fancy yet affordable eyewear, this week Julian gets to talk to MD of Tiger Aspect Kids about his career in kids media and how he progressed through the ranks at Tiger Aspect to become one of the most respected Execs working today. To make matters worse, he's also one of the nicest people in the industry. Grab a cuppa and settle in for a wonderful chat with Tom Beattie. As always, massive thanks to Julian Scott at Film London Animation for hosting, Janet Balmforth at Liberi Consulting for organising, and Odilia Sickinghe for edit expertise.

With Cartoon Business taking place this week in Brussels, what better time to talk to one of European animations best known (and loved) faces but least known human, Vanessa Chapman. With a career that started at The Mirror newspaper and BBC Radio, Vanessa then moved into kids tv while at ITV. Sidelines in fire eating, rally driving and bob sledding notwithstanding, Vanessa has gone on to be come one of the most recognisable faces in international kids television, now consulting with companies and European bodies at an Executive level. Let's see how much Julian can find out about this most enigmatic of Execs.

A lotl to get through in this episode! Julian’s guest this week is the always inspiring, technology pushing, groundbreaking, cliché defying, Dan Fill of Dark Slope Studios in Toronto. Dan and his team have been rewriting how we conceive, produce and engage with entertainment for 7 years now but it’s also Dan’s career prior to Dark Slope that Julian digs into a little more, as well as exploring his penchant for a particular Mexican paedomorphic salamander. So, grab a mug of something hot, or alcoholic, sit back, relax and let Dan Fill inspire you to push your own boundaries. Please subscribe, like, share, give feedback, suggestions, fashion advice, musical suggestions, to aloha@fstvs.net My thanks and gratitude, as always, to Julian Scott at Film London for hosting, Janet Balmforth at Liberi Consulting for organising, and Odilia Sickinghe for audio editing and advice.

"The value of listening" Given the chosen medium, I couldn't agree more with our guest in this episode, Neil Court. And, given Neil's career trajectory, there is no-one we should be listening more closely to! Early in his journalistic career Neil took an opportunity offered and didn't look back. That calculated and opportunistic risk taking has marked his career ever since, taking him from Managing Director of Nelvana, to founding Decode Entertainment, which became DHX Media, which became Wildbrain! Neil has since gone on to be Executive Chairman at 9 Story Media, as well as Chairman of entertainment company, Peacock Alley Entertainment. A busy man, we are extremely grateful to Neil for taking the time to talk to us. Please subscribe, like, share, subscribe, and then give fashion advice, film suggestions, and recipes, to aloha@fstvs.net My thanks and gratitude, as always, to Julian Scott at Film London for hosting, Janet Balmforth at Liberi Consulting for organising, and Odilia Sickinghe for audio editing and advice.

"To talk about kids' content is a joy" Louise Bucknole’s career journey has taken her to almost all the major broadcasters – BBC, ITV, Disney and Sky – but it’s her current role, as Senior Vice President of Kids & Family, Paramount UK & Ireland (Milkshake! Channel 5 & Nickelodeon), that sees her playing a hugely influential role in entertaining and educating another generation of kids – a role she clearly relishes. Louise gives some lovely insights into her own career path and offers sage advice to those just starting out, as well as insights into what she feels makes a great show. We also find out about some of the classic shows of Louise’s youth that first inspired her and what that means when it comes to how she commissions shows these days. Grab your tea or coffee and settle in for an hour with Louise Bucknole and Julian Scott.

"Stay curious." The man in the white suit has spoken! Lionel Marty is one of the most recognisable faces in kids distribution. From his time at Tele Images in the 90's to launching the distribution arm of France Animation through Moonscoop, to setting up his own, super successful, Paris based distribution company, APC Kids. But there's another side to Lionel and the Marty family that might not be as well known. A different type of 'entertainment' that might delight you. Join Julian as he dances through Lionel's career and sings his praises at each turn and twist, Lionel more than anyone shows that with the right attitude, you most certainly Cancan. OK, I'll stop now. Enjoy this fun and enlightening episode and don't forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE!

Learning from the best! From Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network to PBS, and now as the Head of Character Development and Scripted Content at Duolingo, Linda Simensky’s career is a true masterclass in seizing opportunities and knowing when to take a step back in order to move forward and continue doing what she loves. With a passion for animation that started at a young age, Linda has carried that enthusiasm into every executive role she's taken on. Not only has she been a fierce advocate for the audience, but she’s also been a powerful voice for women in the industry. So grab your favourite beverage and enjoy Julian’s conversation with Linda Simensky.