Celebrating the magic of games and animation at Animex

Insight into the worlds of games and animation was shared by industry experts from across the world at Teesside University’s Animex Festival this week.

Thousands of people attended this year’s Animex annual international festival, held over five days at Teesside University and Middlesbrough Town Hall.

Now in its 24th year, Animex celebrates the very best of animation, VFX and games, with this year’s line-up of industry speakers including professionals who have worked on global titles such as Barbie, Beauty and the Beast, and Dune.

Unique, behind-the-scenes insight was also provided by guest experts who have worked on well-known franchises, from acclaimed HBO show The Last of Us, to Netflix series Wereworld, along with much-loved children’s animated characters such as Bob the Builder and Raa Raa the Noisy Lion.

Headline sponsor for this year’s Animex was games studio Double Eleven, which has a long-standing relationship with Teesside University and has provided numerous internship and employment opportunities to students and graduates.

Additional sponsors for this year’s event included Wacom, PROTOGÉ, Rockstar Games and Epic Games.

Alongside an array of guest speakers, Animex also included special screenings, workshops and exhibitions.

Teesside University students also had an opportunity to showcase their work, with a range of screenings, portfolio workshops and networking opportunities.

BA (Hons) Computer Games Animation graduate Matthew Lake, who works as a technical animator at Fallen Leaf, was among Teesside University graduates who got involved as volunteers to run workshops or give industry talks.

Matthew said: “I started coming to Animex when I was 16, almost a decade ago, and some of the talks back then really inspired me to become a games developer and animator. If I could inspire someone in the same way, that would make my world.

“I got my first industry job back in 2017 from the Animex mixer event, so I think it’s important to give back to the event that got me to where I am today.” Among the thousands of Animex visitors was Matthew Durham, who was with a group of students from Franklin College in Grimsby.

He said: “I aspire to work as a games developer or programmer, and I wanted to come along to find out more about the industry.

“There was some great advice given at the talks on what the various jobs in the gaming industry involve and how to prepare for a career in the industry.”

Teesside University student Marisol Amil, who is completing a foundation degree in concept art, said: “I have always been interested in what goes into making games, and I always watch behind the scenes videos, so I really enjoyed hearing the talks and getting that insight into the industry.”

Marisol, who is originally from Miami, added: “It was the University’s reputation which made me want to study at Teesside. Plus, the campus is gorgeous.”

Hailing this year’s Animex event a huge success, Dr Jo Noble, Principal Lecturer, External Events, at the University’s School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies, said: “Teesside University has an exceptional reputation globally for animation, games and VFX, and we’re always delighted to welcome guest speakers and audience members from across the globe to Animex.

“Since its launch in 2000, Animex has continued to go from strength to strength, attracting a wide audience and an exceptional array of world-renowned guest speakers.”

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