Manchester Animation Festival Launches Greater Manchester Animation Survey

Manchester Animation Festival with support from BBC's Children's and education, Media City and the MediaCity Immersive Technologies Innovation Hub, have launched a comprehensive survey mapping the entire animation scene across the Greater Manchester area.

The first-of-it's-kind survey asks companies, researchers and freelancers to share their story to help create a complete picture of the animation landscape in the region.

"When we say ‘animation’, we mean it in its broadest sense: VFX, games, cinematics, motion graphics, and creative agencies that use animation as part of their output, " MAF expalins. "This isn’t just about TV, but then again it is about TV but also Games, VFX, Motion Graphics and Research - all the ways in which our malleable and ubiquitous art form reaches all audiences and enriches all lives."

Greater Manchester has a rich history of studios producing some of the world's favourite characters and shows. But it also has what could be described as a 'hidden history' of work behind-the-scenes, of motion graphics, VFX and much more. Freelancers around the region are hard at work on their own or collaborating with national or international partners, utilising animation skills the world needs. In Greater Manchester's Universities and educational institutions researchers are working with cutting-edge technology to advance the medium and take animation to new and exciting places.

With the UK's animation industry valued at an estimated £1.7 billion, the survey seeks to quantify the North West of England's regional contribution and assess the evolving creative landscape shaped by global shifts and emerging technologies such as AI and immersive platforms, and gather critical data on turnover, employment, and creative output. The results will directly inform policy making, research, inward investment and wokforce development- cementing Greating Manchester's role as a leading creative hub within the UK's dynamic animation industry. 

“With Animation UK valuing the UK animation economy at £1.7 billion, we know animation is big business. It drives innovation, talent, and investment - yet without data, we risk being overlooked," says Dr Steve Henderson, Director, Manchester Animation Festival. "This is our moment to prove our value. By bringing together companies, freelancers, and researchers from the Games, VFX, Motion Graphics, and Animation sectors, we can collectively contribute to the picture we’re painting of the region. Together, we can build the evidence that data-driven governments and policymakers can’t ignore - and make a real difference to the fortunes of our industry.”

“The Animation community has helped toput Greater Manchester’s creative sector on the global stage for many decades" said Anthony Hatton, MITIH Programme Director "The rate of change in the  industry means we need to understand more about the short-term challenges, as well as the longer-term  opportunities, that our colleagues are facing so that we can shape the most effective interventions to help it flourish in the coming decade. We are therefore delighted to support this survey which will allow everyone’s voice to be heard.”

“MediaCity is home to BBC Children’s and Education, and we’ve been inspired by the region’s vibrant creative community, collaborating with many local partners," Patricia Hildalgo, Director of BBC Children's and Education added "As we grow our ambitions for homegrown animation—particularly through our Ignite scheme—it’s vital that we listen to the industry, starting with our own area. We’re always open to new ideas and opportunities, and I’m looking forward to the insights this survey will bring.”

Supporting the survey is world-renowned, Greater Manchester-based animation studio Mackinnon & Saunders. Known for their world-class puppet craftmanship as seen in stop-motion features such as Corpse Bride, Fantastic Mr Fox and Guillermo Del Toro's Pinocchio, as well as producing beloved children's series such as Raa Raa The Noisy Lion and Twirlywoos.

“Greater Manchester has long been a hub of imagination, innovation, and craftsmanship ​- and animation truly embodies that spirit," Ian Mackinnon, Co-founder and Creative Director/Executive Producer at Mackinnon & Saunders, adds. "For decades, world-class artists and studios have made the region their creative home, building a community that shares ideas, nurtures new voices, and pushes boundaries.

The Greater Manchester Animation Sector Survey is a vital opportunity to evidence the industry’s economic, cultural, and creative value. By taking part, individuals and organisations help shape the future of animation in the region and ensure the next generation of talent has the support they need to thrive, strengthening Greater Manchester’s position as one of the UK’s most dynamic and globally recognised centres for animation and screen innovation.​ I’d really encourage everyone, from freelancers to studios large and small, to take a few minutes to contribute. It’s our chance to tell the world what makes this region such a special and inspiring place for animation.”

The survey is annonymous and runs until Friday October 24. Results are set to be revealed during MAF's Animation Nation Forum on Wednesday 12 November at Bridgewater Hall, Manchester. It takes just 3-15 minutes to complete and you can take part here.