Morgan Francis' odyssey in animation commenced during the languid days of summer, where he would often find himself ensconced beneath a desk at the esteemed Halas & Batchelor Studios, captivated by the artistic endeavors of his mother as she meticulously painted cells with precision and finesse. Meanwhile, his stepfather, a master animator in his own right, breathed life into beloved television shows such as The Addams Family, The Jackson 5, and The Osmonds, his skilled hands moving deftly across the animation desk as he brought characters to vivid life.
In the year 1978, he embarked on his initial hands-on artistic endeavor, dedicating his skills to painting rabbits for the renowned animated film Watership Down. This experience marked the beginning of a fruitful journey that would span nearly two decades.
In 1982, he had the privilege of collaborating on another iconic project, painting hammers for the visually striking film The Wall, a Pink Floyd production. This remarkable opportunity not only honed his artistic abilities but also deepened his understanding of the filmmaking process.
Following this stint, he spent a decade honing his craft in the realm of animated commercials, operating as a freelancer and taking on a diverse range of roles. These responsibilities included serving as a background artist, layout artist, assistant animator, animator, checker, and cameraman, allowing him to develop a comprehensive skill set and versatility as an artist.
Francis, a talented individual, took a brief hiatus from his animation career to embark on a journey of self-discovery, traveling to the land down under, Australia, where he honed his skills as a gardener, cultivating a deeper connection with nature.
Upon his return, Francis rejoined the world of animation, bringing his unique perspective and expertise to the creation of several beloved children's television shows. His impressive portfolio includes the critically acclaimed series "The Animals of Farthing Wood", "Noah's Island", "Pond Life", and "Wiggly Park", all produced by the esteemed animation studio Telemagination.
Throughout his illustrious career, he held various pivotal roles, including production coordinator, production manager, and technical director, at the esteemed Telemagination, where he played a crucial part in spearheading the company's transition from traditional film-based production methods to the cutting-edge realm of digital production.
Francis has had the privilege of assuming the role of technical director on a pair of Oscar-nominated short films, Jolly Roger and The Squire's Tale, which have garnered widespread recognition and acclaim within the industry.
In addition to his work on these esteemed projects, Francis has also lent his expertise as a producer to The Lampies, a popular television series broadcast on CBBC, catering to a youthful audience.
Furthermore, Francis has served as a technical advisor on the beloved British sitcom, Mr Bean, which has been a staple of ITV programming for many years, bringing his technical prowess to the production team and contributing to the show's enduring success.
Francis embarked on a groundbreaking journey in 1998 by establishing Spider Eye, a production company that would go on to make a significant impact in the industry by producing high-quality commercials and short films. As the years progressed, Francis's company continued to flourish, earning recognition for its exceptional work in the form of prestigious accolades such as the Oscar and BAFTA awards.
One of the most notable achievements of Spider Eye was its involvement in the production of films like Father & Daughter and War Game, which would go on to win numerous awards and solidify Francis's reputation as a talented and innovative filmmaker. Additionally, Francis's company also produced a range of successful TV series, including the critically acclaimed shows Monkey Dust, The Cramp Twins, and Horrid Henry, which showcased the company's versatility and ability to adapt to different genres and formats.
Through his work at Spider Eye, Francis demonstrated his ability to push the boundaries of storytelling and visual creativity, earning him a reputation as a master of his craft. His dedication to his craft and his passion for innovative storytelling have made him a respected figure in the industry, and his work continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.
Francis, a multi-talented individual, spearheaded the creative direction of the popular television series, Jungle Junction, for Playhouse Disney/Disney Junior, a stint that spanned from 2010 to 2013.
Francis has consistently showcased his remarkable adaptability and profound proficiency in the realm of animation, effortlessly transitioning between diverse endeavors, including yet not limited to, the creation of captivating commercials, the production of breathtaking feature films, and the development of engaging television series.
