The USW alumni who worked on Oscar and BAFTA-winning animation Pinocchio

Two graduates of the University of South Wales have shared their experiences of working on Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio, winner of the Oscar and BAFTA for Best Animated Feature Film.

Tim Allen and Jody Meredith, who both studied Stop Motion Animation at the University and graduated in 1998 and 1995 respectively, were Senior Animators on the Netflix movie, hailed by critics as a ‘superbly strange’ take on the classic tale of the fabled wooden boy.

Pinocchio also picked up the Golden Globe for Best Animated Motion Picture, and five Annie awards – honouring excellence in the field of animation – including Best Picture and Best Direction.

Speaking about the success of the film, Tim – who has worked on some of the biggest animation productions in the world during his 23-year-career – said: “This, more than any other films I’ve been a part of, really felt as if it was worthy of an Oscar and BAFTA.

"With Guillermo as the director, I knew it was going to be dark and have a very philosophical twist on the story, much like the original books which were written long before the 1940 Disney film.

“I had seen some of the sculpts in their early stages and thought that the visual design was absolutely stunning. I knew then that I would be so proud to animate this film. It explores the notion that we cannot have life without loss; that we should make the most of the time we have – something everyone can relate to as we have all lost people, particularly in these last few difficult years.

“In every way, it ticks the box for being my favourite film. Everyone involved was incredible; I was doing really interesting creative work, and it has all the magic ingredients – that bit of magic, that soul that makes a film really connect with people.”

Tim is currently in the last stages of working on Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget – the much-anticipated sequel to the first Chicken Run movie which was released in 2000. As part of his work as a mentor, he travels the world delivering masterclasses and animation workshops, encouraging the next generation of animators.

“When I was 18 and a lost art student, trying to decide what I wanted to do, I knew that I had a 40 to 50 year career ahead of me, and it made sense that I try to pursue something I would enjoy,” said Tim.

“Now, all these years later, I still appreciate what I do and I’m so happy that I made the decision to study Stop Motion Animation at the (then) University of Glamorgan. That was the beginning of the life I have now; it’s where my journey began.”

Jody Meredith, who is originally from Caerphilly, says his time at university was essential in preparing him for the animation industry.

“Through animation training basics and accessing an internship with the help from my lecturers, I was offered a position straight from university at an animation studio who employed me on the strength of my course work,” said Jody.

“Without the help and support from my lecturers – Graham Griffiths, Chris Webster and Pete Hodges – I wouldn't be where I am today. It was actually a reference from Graham that allowed me to obtain a visa to travel to the US to work on Pinnochio.

“It was very exciting to be involved with a stop motion version of Pinocchio, especially one directed by Guillermo del Toro. The tone of the movie was very different to previous versions of the tale, which I found intriguing.

“It’s quite overwhelming, to be honest, to have worked on an Oscar and BAFTA-winning film. It's a huge achievement for stop motion animation.”

Jody is also currently working on Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, and will be animating the next Wallace and Gromit movie, which will debut on Netflix in 2024.

His advice for anyone hoping to enter the animation industry would be: “Showreels and portfolio are vital to get into this industry, alongside enthusiasm and persistence.

“Get in any way you can, such as an internship; network and be willing to travel, and your determination and hard work will pay off. Animation materials are so easy and affordable now, and anyone can have a professional animation set up at home. But Animation courses such as those at USW and the Aardman Academy offer major professional opportunities to train in preparedness for the industry.”

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