
Malcolm Hartley
Lecturer
Animation
Department of Media, Fashion & Communications , School Of Arts And Creative Industries
Mal Hartley has worked in the UK animation industry in a variety of freelance roles over the years, as well as running his own projects. His specialisation is in 2D animation, both hand-drawn and digital.
Throughout his career, he has taught at various universities, designing and delivering course content, teaching the history of animation, and practical skills covering all aspects of digital 2D animation.
His experience and continued professional practice inform his teaching methods and content, ensuring their relevance in what is a fast-growing and competitive industry.
Areas Of Interest
- animation
- digital 2D animation
- history of animation
Overview
Mal started his professional career in animation, working at the legendary Bob Godfrey studio in London. There, he worked on the popular and award-winning children’s series 'Henry’s Cat', and on numerous commercials and short subjects, culminating in two short titles directed by the renowned political cartoonist Steve Bell.
He then worked on the cinema feature film ‘When The Wind Blows’, (directed by Jimmy Murakami at TVC, based on the book by the author and illustrator Raymond Briggs), in animation and checking roles.
Since then, as a freelance animator, director, and storyboard artist, he has worked on title sequences, idents, commercials, music videos, and promotional films.
Over the years, these have included Moshi Monsters, The Tigger Movie, The Mr Men and Little Miss, James The Cat, BBC Bite-size titles, Penny Crayon, Viz Comic and Dr Who.
He has animated at such studios as The Cartoon Network, Cosgrove Hall, Animation City, Bermuda Shorts, Ealing Animation, Fettle, King Bee, The Animation People and TVC.
Advertising brands and clients have included NatWest, Nestle, Hershey, McDonald’s, Kellogg, British Rail, The Beano, Sainsbury’s, The European Red Cross, the BBC, and UN Refugee Agency. Whereas music promos have featured Rod Stewart, Elton John, Madonna, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, and The Boy Least Likely To.
He also set up a small company with colleagues to produce educational animated films for both BBC and Channel 4 schools, as well as commercials and promotional films.
He has continued to freelance as a director, animator, designer, and storyboard artist, either alone or as part of a team, on a wide variety of projects, for himself, colleagues, clients, and other studios.
Many projects to which he has contributed have won awards or nominations. As a series director, he has nominations for a BAFTA, Japan Prize, and Royal Television Society Award.
Teaching
Publications
Browse past publications by year.
Full publications list
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