5 Podcasts for Animators

5 Great Podcasts for Animators

• Bancroft Brothers Animation Podcast
• Animation Addicts Podcast
• Black ‘N Animated
• The Visual Storytelling Podcast
• Drawn: The Story of Animation

Can you really say you are following your passion if you’re not living, eating, and breathing your passion all day long? For many people that is true. If your passion is animation, you probably can’t get enough. Or perhaps you fancy yourself a modern renaissance individual and you like to dabble in the world of creativity. Either way, you may find these five must-hear podcasts for animators perfect for you.

1. Bancroft Brothers Animation Podcast

Tom and Tony Bancroft are animators and twin brothers. They podcast regularly, gleaning insights from their past experiences at Disney Animation, discussing current events within the animation business, and speculating on the future of the animation industry. The Bancroft Brothers feature some amazing interviews from working animators, writers, directors, and other industry insiders. Former episodes have featured guests such as Simon Otto, Shiyoon Kim, and Jihyun Park, Ken Duncan, and Chris Butler. Whether you just want a peek behind the animation curtain or you are looking for some solid podcast mentors to keep you inspired and motivated, the Bancroft Brothers Animation Podcast is the perfect addition to any podcast library.

2. Animation Addicts Podcast

Animation Addicts Podcast is the podcasting arm of the Rotoscopers web beast. As their website explains, Rotoscoping is an animation technique in which an animator traces over live-action footage. That’s an apt description of the podcast. The witty and endearing hosts, Morgan Stradling, Chelsea Robson, and Mason Smith discuss a different animation film in each episode, tracing over the nuances with their clever analysis.

3. Black ‘N Animated

Based in Los Angeles, Black ‘N Animated is a community-based organization dedicated to the diversification of the animation industry through the personal growth and development of Black talent. The podcast with the same name has been hosted by Breana Williams and Waymond Singleton since March of 2018 and already has over 30 episodes and more than 6,700 downloads. The podcast features interviews with industry insiders, advice for aspiring talent, and discussions about animated films and the animation business.

4. The Visual Storytelling Podcast

Host Chris Oatley has been working with the animation and video game industries since 2005, contributing to projects developed by Disney, Universal, Activision, Electronic Arts, Geffen Records, and Hasbro. After opening The Oatley Academy of Visual Storytelling in 2012, he began podcasting to share his expertise with aspiring animators. Podcast topics include interviews with industry insiders and tips on storyboarding, visual development, character design, screenwriting, concept art, and much more. This podcast is great if you are looking for some expert tutorials.

5. Drawn: The Story of Animation

Host Holly Fey first reached podcast fame with the award-winning “Stuff You Missed in History”. In this new podcast, Fey focuses on the world of animation, providing insights into the industry and its ‘animated’ past. Podcasts titles include: “How Cartoons Get Made,” “Bugs Bunny: Culture Guide,” “Cartoon Consumables,” and “Voices of Childhood.” This podcast shines a spotlight on the rich context from which contemporary animation now flows.

Related Resource: 15 Best Affordable Animation Degree Programs

Animation is a beloved art form cherished by the young and old alike. You don’t have to be an animator to appreciate the behind the scenes look at an evolving industry. Just bring your love of groundbreaking visual arts and inspired storytelling, and enjoy these podcasts for animators.