Irish animator Lighthouse Studios hires Michael Downey to head talent management

Lighthouse Studios in Ireland has appointed long-time animation consultant Michael Downey to the newly created position of talent management director.

Michael Downey

The Kilkenny-based studio said the appointment is designed to address the need for talent created by its growing production pipeline, which includes its own projects plus service work for the likes of Apple TV+, HBO Max, Netflix and Amazon.

In his new role, Downey’s primary goal will be to source mid- to senior-level animation talent to work on Lighthouse’s original IP development and service project slates.

Downey will report to Lighthouse’s operations director Erik Speekenbrink and will work with MD Claire Finn, head of creative Gilly Fogg and internal teams to understand talent needs and initiate training and development as required.

He will also work with the studio’s communication manager to oversee recruitment campaigns to attract new talent and ensure that Lighthouse’s policies on equity, diversity and inclusion are front of mind when recruiting.

Prior to joining Lighthouse, Downey served as the lead recruiter for both 2D and 3D talent at Hasbro-owned Irish animation studio Boulder Media, based in Dublin.

Downey has also been managing his own animation consultancy, working with various studios to find and recruit sought-after, high-level industry talent. His work includes several animated features and TV series in both 2D and 3D.

Lighthouse Studios was formed in 2017 as a joint venture between animation studios Mercury Filmworks in Canada and Cartoon Saloon in Ireland.

Most recently, the studio produced El Deafo for Apple TV+, which premiered on January 7, and has created 2D animation for titles including Little Ellen on HBO Max, the upcoming Bob’s Burgers Movie, The Cuphead Show for Netflix, Amazon’s Bug Diaries and Give a Mouse a Cookie.

“With the flourishing animation business in Ireland and around the world, there is a massive need to bring high-level talent in to handle Lighthouse’s burgeoning production slate,” said Downey.