Cowabunga! Animator wows students with masterclass and industry talk

An animator who has worked on a number of children’s TV series including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles visited the College’s Southend Campus to speak to students on the BA (Hons) Digital Animation course.

For the last 25 years Andy Wyatt has worked as an animator, writer, director, producer, educator and storyboard artist.

Andy, a former foundation diploma student of South Essex College, began his animation career as assistant to the late John Halas where he learned his craft. He has since worked for an array of companies such as Aardam Animation and Walt Disney Studios.

Andy came back to hold a masterclass software workshop for BA (Hons) Digital Animation students and conducted a presentation where he shared his industry experience and gave the eager students hints and tips on how to work their way up the creative ladder before ending with a Q&A session.

Andy has worked on a range of TV series on the BBC and has also directed the animation on a number of animation series including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Grizzly Tales for Gruesome Kids. He created the adult series Beastly Behaviour and directed the animation on three BAFTA nominated TV shows.

Tutor Tammy Ellis, who organised the visit, said: “It’s great to see past students who are now well respected industry professionals share their knowledge and give masterclasses to inspire the next generation of animators.”

To find out more about degree programmes at the College, visit www.southessex.ac.uk/university