All Lit Up! A Podcast for the Creative Industries

Emmy winning Foley artist Ellen Heuer talks performance, animation, and the emotional cost of a career spent making movies sound real. Ever wondered who makes the sound of a kiss, a footstep, or a spaceship snack floating in zero gravity? On this episode of All Lit Up , host Gilly Fogg is joined by Ellen Heuer, an award-winning Foley artist with over 45 years of experience bringing Hollywood's big...

In S2 E01 of the All Lit Up! podcast, we're chatting to animation legend, Tom Bancroft, about how challenges can lead to opportunities; the importance of self assessment; and his drive to make sure "young Tommy" gets his hopes and dreams met. Tom lays out how frustrations can drive growth and fuel passion projects - though not always without a cost. Gilly and Tom also discuss how breaking into the...

In Episode 12 of the All Lit Up! podcast, we're chatting to Georgina Hayns about the world of stop-motion and the types of people who are drawn to work in the sector. Plus we hear why Georina chose the 1930s classic, The Mascot , for her short film selection. Watch The Mascot here! Georgina Hayns. Director of Character Fabrication Georgina Hayns has served as a puppet creator and creative director...

Designer, showrunner and cartoonist, Lisa Hanawalt, discusses the making of BoJack Horseman and Tuca & Bertie, from designing a whole surreal animal universe to suddenly running a writers’ room for the first time, and learning how to deal with "joke-per-minute" notes. If you haven't already seen Lisa's latest work, we recommend you head straight to Netflix for Long Story Short, the highly anti...

Emily Brundige and Gilly Fogg discuss the power of self belief, the meaning of 'Li'l Toughy', and how community building and crowdfunding can hold the key to success - when deployed thoughfully. Plus we hear Emily's short film choice, the 2019 short film Goldie - written and directed by Emily and which was later adapted into a series on Apple TV+. Goldie A giant girl feels out of scale in her colo...

In Episode 9 of All Lit Up! we're chatting with Posy Simmonds, long-time cartoonist for The Guardian and a major figure in British comics who has influenced generations of artists. Posy's landmark characters include reworkings of female characters from 19th century literature Gemma Bovery and Tamara Drewe , both of which began as serialised cartoons published by The Guardian and were later publish...

Join Maggie Kang and Chris Applehans for a no-holds barred telling of what it took to make the smash hit of 2025, the glorious KPop Demon Hunters, which has just this week been nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards! Maggie and Chris share the steps they took to push their film forward, when they had to push back instead, and how an idea pitched over brunch became a multi-millio...

In Episode 7 of All Lit Up! we're talking with Candy Guard, creator of the iconic Pond Life. Find out what inspired Candy to move from fine art into animation, why she's inspired by female friendships, and how the transition to digital is really going for her. Plus - a hint at a menopausal Dolly? We can't wait for that! In each episode of All Lit Up! we ask our guests to recommend a short film to...

In episode 6 of All Lit Up! we're talking to MICHAEL ROSE, cofounder of Magic Light Pictures. the studio behind THE GRUFFALO and CHICO AND RITA. Join Michael and Gilly as they discuss finding the perfect IP to adapt and how to go about securing the rights. Plus, hear Michael and Gilly discuss the Nick Park Oscar winning short, Creature Comforts . Creature Comforts Nick Park's 1989 Academy Award® w...

In episode 5 of All Lit Up! we're chatting with Kevin Lima, director of the Disney classics Tarzan and A Goofy Movie. Find out what advice Glenn Close gave Kevin and how it changed his life; how he asks for what he wants (and knows he can handle); and why he fought for Amy Adams. Plus, Kevin and Gilly have a conversation on the short clip from Enchanted , 'Happy Little Working Song'. Please note:...

In Episode 4, Sarah Wallendjack shares PBS's open-door policy for creative pitches and what it is that the team looks for - other than a great story, of course! Plus, a departure from our usual short film discussion, as Sarah and Gilly take a look at the story-led gaming app, Florence. Florence At 25, Florence Yeoh feels a little stuck. Her life is an endless routine of work, sleep, and spending t...

Ian Mackinnon & Peter Saunders discuss building their world-famous stop motion studio out of necessity, how a soup spoon transformed the Corpse Bride, and their long-established relationship with Tim Burton. Plus, not one but TWO short film choices - we are spoiled with this one! Harvey Krumpet Harvey Krumpet is the 2004 Academy Award winning short film by Adam Elliott and the biography of a m...

Brenda Chapman tells the incredible story of her life and career to date, from being roped into directing her first major studio feature to how becoming a mother led her to create the Academy Award winning feature, BRAVE. Featuring a Discussion on the Frédéric Back short, The Man Who Planted Trees. The Man who Planted Trees The Man who Planted Trees is the 1988 Academy Award winning story of a she...

Steve Levy talks gross cartoons, comfort television, fan theories and his favourite short film, 'Rejected', by Don Hertzfeldt. Rejected 'Rejected' is Don Hertzfeldt's 2001 Academy Award nominee for Best Animated Short Film, featuring a collection of animated television commercials that were rejected because of their creator's failing grip on sanity. Watch REJECTED here! About Steve Levy Steve Levy...