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Innovation Studio

Industry-engagement and our strong maker culture puts collaboration at the heart of everything we do.

Small Fry Animation

Supported by European Regional Development Funding (ERDF).

Founded by AUB graduate David Blanche, Small Fry Animation are a boutique studio that pride themselves on their creative design and storytelling.

Since 2016 they have quickly built a portfolio of commissioned work for documentaries and campaigns but they want to develop their own IP. Toco Toco is a fully animated, 2D series aimed at children aged 3 onwards.

Small Fry were awarded an AUB-ERDF Innovation Voucher, which supported the initial development creating scripts, concept art, promotional materials, animation tests and a pitch document. It also helped develop a production pipeline.

David Blanche says: “Through creating this package, we have secured connections with organisations such as CBeebies, Milkshake, France Televisions and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, amongst others, who are interested in working with Small Fry to develop the project further and acquire it for broadcast.

We have also initiated discussions relating to co-production and further financing of the project with production houses in order to access other international markets, tax credits and budget support.”

European Regional Development Funds

This project is supported through match-funding by the England European Regional Development Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. This fund was established by the European Union to help local areas stimulate their economic development. This investment will help to support innovation, businesses, skills and employment to improve local growth and create jobs. For more information visit www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding.

Explore the Innovation Studio

Innovation Studio, photographed by Richard Bryant. Photo of an exterior wall with two reverse-L shaped windows and three semi-circle panels visible. A person walks past towards the right.

Overview

The Innovation Studio operates as a lab for creative technologies, a nucleus for start-ups and enterprises and an industry engagement hub.
Two people stand and look at a collection of lit-up transparent boxes stacked on top of one another.

Events

A series of workshops and lectures for industry professionals to develop innovation and creative capabilities.
Animation of a pink and blue bird, watching a sunset

Projects

Take a look at some of our recent collaborative projects with external partners and businesses
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Associate Programme

Our Associate Programme offers membership of our Innovation Studio to regional businesses seeking research and development support.
People putting post its on a window

Residency Programme

Our Residency Programme offers membership of our Innovation Studio individuals, start-ups and SMEs developing new products or services.
Innovation Studio, photographed by Richard Bryant. Photo of an interior space, with several people sat working at tables. A rectangle-shaped railing is in the middle of the room.

Creative Technologies

The Innovation Studio features state-of-the-art equipment and digital resources, and the latest manufacturing technology.