NEWS & EVENTS

Animation Masterclass

Speakers: Laura Tofarides and Josh Flynn

Venue: CVA516

Date: 27 November 2026

Time: 15:30-17:00

Laura Tofarides is a stop-motion director, animator, and puppet maker. She studied Animation at UWE Bristol, and Hong Kong Baptist University, then completed the Certificate in Character Animation through NFTS and Aardman Academy. She has been animating professionally since 2014 on features, shorts, commercials, TV specials & TV series with directors such as Nick Park and Wes Anderson.

Josh is the sculptor behind characters in Isle of Dogs, Robin Robin, Love Death + Robots and the Over the Garden Wall 10th anniversary special. He co-founded Sculptdouble with his identical twin brother, and together they've built puppets and models for some of the most visually striking animation of the last decade.

Laura and Josh will discuss their journeys in stop motion animation, exploring the projects & experiences which have shaped their varied careers. Laura will reflect on the lengthy five-year production of their latest short film while juggling full time work as an animator, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of creative work and how one project can inform another. Josh will share insights into his puppet-making process and animation on the film. They will give an insight into independent short film making as well as their work on some of the biggest stop motion productions in the UK.