Vanessa Robinson

Vanessa Robinson
Creative producer and founder
Little Moon Animation
Ireland
Pitching: The Scavengers

What is the biggest issue facing the animation industry?
Animation has become a truly global industry. There are so many animation projects happening around the world at the moment that it can often be hard to find the right talent for roles.

What is your company doing in response to this?
We are focused on building a small, dedicated team that is multifaceted to attract talent who might feel more creatively fulfilled in a collaborative environment.

Are physical animation studios essential or is working from home the future of the industry?
The future of the industry is going to be a hybrid model. It’s important to have a space for a team to come together, particularly so junior artists can learn from their mentors. But the past 18 months have demonstrated that working from home can be productive and beneficial in many ways too. Little Moon Animation is now operating a hybrid model, working with our employees in a way that suits their needs as well as ours.

How do you feel about Disney’s decision to close many of its TV channels around the world?
This decision speaks to the wider change in consumer habits. It will be interesting to see what changes will come about over the next five years as a result of Covid and the increased adoption of streaming services. While it’s always important to keep up with technology and the behaviours of audiences, it will be equally important for the industry to continue to support independent producers and regional content.

Tell us about the project you are pitching at Cartoon Forum.
The Scavengers (26×11′) is a CG sci-fi sitcom series for 8-12s. Arrow and his best-bud robot are dragged to post-apocalyptic Earth, but as their crew navigates mutant territory they realise adventure is brewing. We’re depicting a strange new world on Earth as a result of climate change, so it’s incredibly relevant for young people today. Each episode sees our scavenger crew travel to new territories, encountering new worlds and mutants where chaos and hilarity inevitably unfolds. The project has been developed with the support of Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland and also has the support of Irish broadcaster RTÉjr.