Spire Animation Studios is a new studio with some ambitious plans for combining high end features with realtime tech, but to do this they've assembled an all-star team of creatives. Michael Surrey, Creative Director of Story and Animation, is one of those all-stars, and the first of a few conversations with Spire creatives we'll have over the coming weeks.

Michael's career started out in 2D animation in classics like 'Beauty and The Beast', 'Aladdin' and 'The Lion King', and then 3D animation with projects like 'Tangled' and 'The Croods' before switching to the Story department. Now at Spire, he's tasked with helping shape Spire's initial projects, which include 'Trouble' from Danny McBride. I'm sure you'll enjoy walking through Michael's career and then our discussion about Spire.

Join me for this in depth conversation with Linda Simensky, discussing her incredible career, including adventures as an exec at Nick, Cartoon Network, PBS and her new gig at Duolingo as Head of Animation and Scripted Content at Duolingo.

If you could create a character design masterclass without any visuals, this would be it. Joe Moshier shares a wealth of knowledge about his process along with his path to becoming one of the best character designers in the business today. You've seen his work in films including The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Emporer's New Groove, Bolt, the Dragons films, Boss Baby and recently Sony Pictures Animation wonderful Vivo. He's also just finished work as the character lead on Sony's upcoming 'Across the Spider-verse'. Join me in this in depth discussion and ensure you share it with anyone interested in a career in character design!

Carlos Zaragoza's journey to production design in animation started out as a youngster in Madrid, and wove through fine art and live action, including working on Guillermo del Toro's Pan's Labyrinth. We walk through his entire career including key films, and touching on how sees the role of production design.

Carlos has recently been nominated for an Annie for his work as production designer on the Sony Pictures Animation film Vivo, a beautiful Lin Manuel Miranda musical directed by Kirk DeMicco. Vivo is a delightful feast of colour and texture expertly crafted to deliver the vibrant characters and great story. I know you'll love this conversation, so jump in!

Genevieve won an Emmy as a producer for Amazon's first preschool show, Tumbleleaf. Join me as we walk through her career as a writer, creator, producer, songwriter and voice actor, including her fascinating back story and great 'breaking into the industry' story. We also talk about her latest project, the music driven Star Forest. Enjoy!

Ken's career spans more than two decades in the cutting edge confines of PDI and DreamWorks Animation. Ken was there for Antz, the Shrek films, Monsters vs Aliens and much much more. We talk about his career and touch on the evolution of visual effects within the animation industry, including pushing the limits at DreamWorks on Shrek, the Golden Gate Bridge destruction in Monsters Vs Aliens and the clouds in Puss In Boots. Ken was very generous with his time so enjoy!