Elliott’s an animated actor

From the set of Harry Potter to animation studies at Teesside - Elliott Francis manages to combine his passion for both.

Elliott has had parts in all the Harry Potter films; in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince he was part of the Slug Gang.

Why have you chosen to study as well as act? I am loving my time at Teesside. I find it supports my career aspirations and is helping me progress in the acting industry. A lot of actors turn their hands to different things to gain other skills. For me, the networking opportunities at Teesside are really important – making contacts with students on other courses could be helpful for future projects. Why did you choose animation? I chose the BA (Hons) Computer Animation course because it ties in with acting, and gives me another string to my bow. Compositing and visual effects make me more employable in the film and television industry and understanding how people move through space helps with my acting.’

What other acting roles have you undertaken? I was errand boy in Little Dorrit, a soldier in Atonement and John in Super Goths. I also acted alongside Nicholas Lyndehurst in After You’ve Gone.

I’m currently working on One Night in Turin, produced by Northern Film and Media, playing the part of an Italian footballer, but find the fake tan hard to get rid of after filming.’ Another project in the pipeline is a one off period dramas commissioned for ITV1 in 2010, Joe Maddison’s War. It has not been fully casted yet but producers envisage it starring Robson Green. Both projects are based in the North East.

How do you combine your studies with acting? I get plenty of support from my family. My dad even built me a light-box at home to help with my animation in-course assessment. They support me as much as they can. I find University work is different to school, at University it is my own responsibility to fit in my work and manage my time.

Find out more about Elliott

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