The Brilliant Humans Behind the Magic
Every year, Animation Dingle comes together through a huge collective effort. Months of planning, plenty of emails, cups of coffee (and the odd pint), and a shared love of animation and storytelling.
Behind the scenes is a small but mighty core team, supported by an incredible group of volunteers, many of whom are experiencing the festival for the very first time. Together, they help shape the atmosphere, energy and warmth that Animation Dingle is known for.
This year, instead of long introductions, we’re keeping things snappy, personal and fun, a quick peek at the people who help make the festival what it is.
The Core Team
The core team works year‑round to bring Animation Dingle to life, from programming and partnerships to logistics, events and everything in between. When festival week arrives, they’re usually running on adrenaline, excitement and a shared sense of pride in what’s been built.
Below, you’ll find each team member with a few quick‑fire questions to give a flavour of who they are when they’re not juggling schedules or sprinting between venues.
The Minds Behind The Madness!
Festival Director/Co-Founder
What is your festival spirit animal?
A bumble bee, buzzing from one hive of activity to another.
What are you most excited for?
I think the Animation is Art exhibition was a very worthwhile venture and I am very proud of the show. I’m excited to see the great artists at work during the festival such as Bill Plympton, Rej Bourdages, Karey Kirkpatrick. I love the new ideas for the students including, Storytelling and Confessionals. I love the buzz and the excitement in the air the whole time and seeing people having fun.
What is the most likely thing you’ll be asked during the week of the festival?
Where does this go? Have you seen…..?
Your Animation Dingle survival tip?
Water! Stay hydrated.
One word to describe the festival?
DINGLE!
Festival Coordinator
What is your festival spirit animal?
Probably the White Rabbit from Alice In Wonderland. I’ll very likely be spotted rushing around throughout the weekend and fretting over nothing.
What are you most excited for?
Mainly for it to all kick off! It’s very exciting to see all the groups piling down to Dingle and see everyone enjoying what we’ve been working on.
What is the most likely thing you’ll be asked during the week of the festival?
Where is this venue? Seems to always be a common one!
Your Animation Dingle survival tip?
Schedule time to eat! There’s too many fun things on and if you’re not careful, you will be stuck at 11pm having eaten nothing all day.
One word to describe the festival?
Busy! But in the best way.
Administration and Guest Wellbeing
What is your festival spirit animal?
Mother Bear.
What are you most excited for?
Welcoming new and old friends.
What is the most likely thing you’ll be asked during the week of the festival?
Do you know where Maurice is?
Your Animation Dingle survival tip?
Keep calm and just breathe…
One word to describe the festival?
Vibrant.
Art Direction
What is your festival spirit animal?
Courage the Cowardly Dog, because I get so excited about certain events, but I never raise my hand to ask a question at the end.
What are you most excited for?
To meet some very talented people at the workshops and to reconnect with old friends as well.
What is the most likely thing you’ll be asked during the week of the festival?
Do you know where Maurice is?
Your Animation Dingle survival tip?
I think the best tip is to talk to everyone, whether you’re in the queue, at the pub, or in the corridors. If you see someone wearing a festival badge, chances are they draw too and have a lot in common with you.
One word to describe the festival?
Inspiring!
Social Media Coordinator
What is your festival spirit animal?
I’d like to think I embody the Roadrunner’s speed, but honestly, I’m more like Wile E. Coyote. Constantly trying to catch up and make all the events, arriving just in time.
What are you most excited for?
My favourite part of the festival is the creative bubble that manifests over the weekend. What do you mean there’s more people like me who love animation and, more importantly, love TALKING about it! And I get an extra day this year, BRING IT ON!
What is the most likely thing you’ll be asked during the week of the festival?
Where are you coming from? Is it raining outside? YES, that is why my coat is soaked…hahaha.
Your Animation Dingle survival tip?
Map out your day and figure out what you want to see and where you want to go. There are so many amazing events happening it can be a bit overwhelming, but don’t forget to enjoy every minute of it because as soon as it’s all over, you’ll miss it!
One word to describe the festival?
Joy, in every aspect!
Communications, Marketing and Business Development
What is your festival spirit animal?
Rabbit.
What are you most excited for?
I love the buzz of Thursday when everyone arrives at the festival. I am also looking forward to holding a baby lamb!
What is the most likely thing you’ll be asked during the week of the festival?
What time are they due to arrive?
Your Animation Dingle survival tip?
Have a stash of sweets for a sugar hit.
One word to describe the festival?
Welcoming.
Our Volunteers
Animation Dingle wouldn’t be Animation Dingle without its volunteers.
Each year, the festival has volunteers helping it run as smoothly as possible, from welcoming guests to running events, there is a volunteer around every corner. For the first time ever, we put out a global volunteer call, opening the doors for any and all. The immediate and overwhelming response we received blew us away. Many of this year’s volunteers are joining us for the first time, and we couldn’t be more excited to have them as part of the Animation Dingle community. So this festival, be sure to say hi to our bubbly, hardworking volunteers who work tirelessly to create a one-of-a-kind festival.
Our volunteers were already hard at work creating their festival profiles below, check them out! A very special mention to Iolanda Filipponi who has taken up the HUGE job of Volunteer Coordinator…
Our Hilarious MC's
Mark & Alan
Mark is the COO – Chief Operations Officer & Co-founder of JAM Media since it’s inception in 2002. His position makes him responsible for the smooth running of all operations and productions by the company ensuring that all productions are consistent with the world class high standard synonymous with JAM.
Alan is the CCO Chief Creative Officer & Co-founder of JAM Media and oversees the creative content conceived, animated and produced by the company. Alan is currently Executive Producer on ‘BeddyByes’ 52 x 11 for CBeebies/RTE. He was recently Executive Producer on ‘Nova Jones’ series 1 & 2 30 x 22 minutes for CBBC. Other recent credits include Executive Producer on ‘Jessy & Nessy’ – 40 x 11 for Amazon Studios and Becca’s Bunch – 52 x 11 minutes for Nickelodeon US & UK.
Behind the Scenes, In Front of the Fun!
Whether it’s a core team member who’s been part of the festival for years or a volunteer joining us for the very first time, everyone involved becomes part of the Animation Dingle story.
It’s this mix of experience, fresh energy and shared passion that gives the festival its heart and helps create a space where stories are shared, connections are made and the next generation of animators feels welcome.
We can’t wait to come together again in Dingle.
Three days. One town. A community that lifts you up.
– The Animation Dingle Team 
