Episodes

  • 010: ‘Thriving as a Creative: Business, Balance & Worth with Elizabeth Cairns’
    Feb 26 2025

    In this episode, Sarah Perry chats with the amazing Elizabeth Cairns. Elizabeth is a coach, facilitator, trainer, writer and holistic therapist and has worked closely with scores of organisations and thousands of entrepreneurs. She understands just what it takes to create a thriving business and live an empowered life. They discuss the multifaceted challenges faced by creative entrepreneurs, including the struggle to balance artistic passion with business acumen. They explore the importance of understanding one's worth, the complexities of pricing in creative industries, and the necessity of creating a cohesive identity across various roles, encouraging creatives to embrace their diverse talents while navigating the industry's demands.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    48 mins
  • 009: 'Lead & Create: Redefining Leadership in the Arts with Neus Gil Cortes'
    Feb 12 2025
    In this conversation, Neus Gil Cortes discusses her journey in the arts, the importance of leadership training, and the creation of her initiative, Lead and Create. She emphasises the need for vulnerability, trust, and genuine connection in leadership roles, particularly within the arts. Neus shares insights on how to empower future generations and redefine leadership in traditional hierarchies, advocating for a more inclusive and collaborative approach to artistic processes.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    35 mins
  • 008: ‘In Motion: Cheryl Burniston’s Journey into the World of Motion Capture’
    Jan 29 2025
    In this episode Sarah Perry chats with actor and motion capture performer Cheryl Burniston, discussing Cheryl's journey into the world of performance and motion capture. Cheryl emphasises the importance of finding a safe space to explore movement, researching the industry, preparing showreels and continuously learning new skills, she also highlights the collaborative nature of performance capture and the importance of building connections within the industry. Cheryl shares her experience starting a voice reel company to provide affordable options for actors and suggests training options such as Performance Capture Academy, The MoCap Vaults, and Target 3D, she also encourages reaching out to universities and studios for work and experience opportunities.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    39 mins
  • 007: 'Mastering Motion Capture: Performance, Preparation and Imagination'
    Jan 15 2025
    In this episode of the Shapes in Motion podcast, Stephen Moynihan and Sarah Perry delve into the world of motion capture, exploring its evolution, the skills required for performers, and the differences between motion capture and performance capture. Sarah shares her journey into the industry, the importance of preparation for actors, and the role of imagination in performance. They discuss the collaborative nature of motion capture projects and the distinct challenges faced when directing in this medium compared to traditional film and TV. The conversation also highlights the significance of understanding technology and animation in enhancing performance capture.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    36 mins
  • 006: 'Be well, create well - wellbeing for actors and creatives'
    Jan 1 2025
    In this episode, Sarah Perry and Stephen Moynihan discuss the critical importance of wellbeing for actors, creatives, and freelancers in the arts. They explore the responsibilities of movement directors in supporting the mental and physical health of performers, the challenges faced by freelancers in maintaining a work-life balance, and practical strategies for fostering a supportive environment on set. The discussion emphasises the need for self-care, the role of movement in wellbeing, and the collaborative effort required to create a healthier industry.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    41 mins
  • 005: 'Character Animation: Stuart Messinger on Performance, Storytelling, and Believability'
    Dec 18 2024

    In this episode, Sarah Perry chats with animator, animation educator and former VFX production manager Stuart Messinger discussing the animator's journey, highlighting education, performance and character movement. Stuart shares his path from storytelling fascination to industry success, emphasising connections, preparation and key skills for animators. They explore believability, collaboration, physicalisation and the role of props, music and backstory in character portrayal. Stuart offers insights into balancing technicality with authenticity and reflects on his creative projects.


    Stuart's film credits include: ‘Valiant’, Tim Burton’s ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’, ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’, Roland Emmerich’s ’10,000BC’, ‘The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian’ and Aardman Animations stop motion feature film 'The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists' directed by the brilliant Peter Lord!


    Stuart is currently the course leader for Aardman Academy at Aardman.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • 004: ‘Finding your unique style and niche as a movement director’
    Dec 4 2024
    In this episode, Sarah Perry and Stephen Moynihan discuss how to get into the movement direction industry. They share their personal journeys and offer advice for emerging movement directors. They emphasise the importance of understanding performers and building a network of relationships. They also discuss the value of ongoing education and the need to find one's own unique style and niche in the industry. The conversation concludes with the recommendation to live life authentically and follow one's passions.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    34 mins
  • 003: ‘The origin and evolution of Shapes in Motion’
    Nov 27 2024
    In this final introductory episode Stephen Moynihan speaks to Sarah Perry, founder and creative director of Shapes in Moton, about the company’s origin and evolution. Shapes in Motion is a company that offers workshops and training in movement and performance to professional actors, movers, dancers, animators and creatives. It was formally established in 2010, but had been operating informally since 2006. Shapes in Motion has fostered a strong sense of community and support among its members. The podcast is a natural extension of this community, providing a platform to share experiences and insights from practitioners in the field.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    23 mins