Member Article

North East creative industry gets animated

A talented animator is investing in creative industry in his native North East to bring London services to the region. Mark Jobe, originally from Newcastle, made his name in the world of animation when working in mainland Europe on Christmas Carol: The Movie, starring Nicolas Cage and Kate Winslet.

The 30 year-old initially moved back to the North East for a short studio contract but decided to put down roots after being astounded by the potential of the region’s burgeoning creative industry. Now he has set up his own company - Quay Animation Studio at Mushroom Works, in Newcastle’s Ouseburn Valley and is one of only a handful outside of London to specialise in animatics. These moving storyboards, featuring bespoke music and dialogue, are used by the creative industry - especially advertising companies - to help visualise projects.

Mark has been flooded with enquiries and commissions for projects and he attributes much of his success to his mentor, Judith Falla from Business Link in Tyne and Wear.

He said: “When someone first suggested I set up my own company I thought they were crazy! In the past I’ve found business and creativity often conflict, with one stifling the other. “But with Judith’s constant support, logical approach and inspiration I’ve improved everything from my time and production management to business confidence and focus. I’ve become much more business orientated while remaining the creative force behind the company and I’m really excited about my future in the North East.”

Quay Animation has a core team of six people who are experts in a range of areas, including illustration, concept design and music videos as well as animation and animatics.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .