Three animation producers took part in the panel discussion chaired by Professor Paul Wells (Animation Academy, Loughborough University) about producing animation.

They were Melanie Hani, independent producer and Programme Leader for Animation and Design at the University of Sunderland, Jo Allen, producer for Aardman Animation and Jackie Edwards, producer of “Frankenstein’s cat” TV series for children.

The producer’s tasks, as they explained, are listening to the production crew and the client, developing production systems that are both efficient and cost effective, solving problems, supporting creatively the director, developing a network of contacts, hiring the appropriate staff, seeking funding, considering tax efficiency, overseeing the development to postproduction, aiming to bring the film in on a budget and within the timescale and considering legal contracts.

The stages in their work are finding an idea and considering its merchandising opportunities, target audiences, output, technique, cost of production, uniqueness and attractiveness, then researching trends and the market, raising the necessary funds, commissioning the writers, securing the rights, organising and controlling the budget, staff and schedules, allocating resources and space, meeting with the directors and clients and making sure the finished production is on budget. Finally, they deliver the production to distributors, take it to festivals or try to make a second part if the production is a series.