New Animation Studio In Soho Promises Amazing Spectacles

Amazing Spectacles, a new independently-run animation studio, has opened its doors in Soho.
The company, which is the brainchild of Animator Martin Allan, Executive Producer Hilary Macdonald and Animation Producer Jules Pye, has already completed several projects including commercials for Zip Firelighters and Sony PSP.
The animation studio, backed by Prime Focus, grew from the existing talent in Prime Focus' 3D Studio and the identification of a change in the market. Hilary Macdonald, Executive Producer at Amazing Spectacles, said: "Increasingly, the animation work we were winning called for a more director-led, conceptually-creative approach. So, we decided to create a dedicated animation studio to address our clients needs. We've brought together a hugely talented team of animation specialists with experience in all areas of production, from commercials, shorts and virals to features and series work. Our breadth of experience allows us to offer all animation techniques and styles, from 3D CGI, 2D and flash to hadn-drawn, puppeteering and stop-frame animation."
Martin Allan's career before Prime Focus included a nine-year stint in the 2D and 3D animation departments at Hibbert Ralph Animation where he worked on a variety of campaigns for brands such as Kelloggs, Argos and Heinz. From here, Martin freelanced at Double Negative, Passion, and Loose Moose. Martin's credits include commercials for Samsung and Woolworths, indents for BBC Two, Five, ITV and the complete on-air branding package for Al Jazeera's children's channel, Baraem. In addition to Martin, the initial roster of directors at Amazing Spectacles includes respected Animation Directors Martyn Pick, Susi Wilkinson and Eoin Clarke and there's a commitment in place to grow this roster further over the next few months.
Executive Producer Hilary Macdonald joined Prime Focus in 2008 and was soon appointed Head of the 3D department. She's produced many award-winning commercials and channel identities as well as overseeing launches for brands including Nokia and Nat Geo Wild.
Before Prime Focus, Hilary worked at Kemistry as a Project Director, specialising in branding and design for all media platforms. Jules Pye, Producer at Amazing Spectacles, started her career at 20th Century Fox before working as a Producer at Uli Meyer Studios and Senior Producer at Bermuda Shorts. She's produced commercials, indents, title sequences, digital media and web-based projects for clients including Disney, Warner Bros, BBC and Pepsi.
Overseeing the company will be Managing Director Daniel Sapiano, who as Joint Managing Director of Prime Focus' commercials division in the UK, is responsible for overseeing the business and sales strategies of all the UK companies under the Prime Focus umbrella working in the advertising sector.
Martin Allan, Director at Amazing Spectacles, said: "Amazing Spectacles is its own company, but having the backing of Prime Focus means we'll be able to draw on its global resources as and when we need to.
"We have some commercials work under our belt already and a slate of exciting and diverse projects coming up. We're looking forward to a fantastic first year."
(KMcA)