14 Years of Carse & Waterman: A Journey of Evolution and Corporate Storytelling

Vintage marketing material from 2012

Once upon a time, in the magical land of Stoke-on-Trent, two aspiring animators named Daniel Waterman and Gary Carse were busy studying animation. Daniel, a dedicated Pixar fanboy, dreamt of creating the next Toy Story, while Gary, an ardent Aardman lover, envisioned animating Gromit one day.

But destiny had something else in store for them. One fateful day, during a visit to Gary's old college in Newcastle upon Tyne, they crossed paths with the illustrious director Corin Hardy. It was a chance encounter that would forever change their lives.

With Corin's guidance, Daniel and Gary embarked on a thrilling adventure in stop-motion animation. Their skills shone brightly as they breathed life into the Warriors Dance music video for the iconic band, The Prodigy. This mesmerizing creation set off a chain reaction, catapulting their passion project into something much grander.

As their reputation grew, more projects flooded in, and the dynamic duo quickly realized that managing clients and their ever-changing demands was a true art. They yearned for a more flexible and iterative approach, leading them to embrace the realm of 3D animation. This shift in focus paved the way for their collaboration with Richard and Sian Redcroft, two remarkable talents who joined their team and helped shape the company's future.

Nestled in the heart of Stoke-on-Trent, the quartet toiled tirelessly to transform their animation studio into a force to be reckoned with. Dreams of Pixar and Wallace and Gromit slowly evolved, replaced by a new aspiration—to apply the storytelling magic of their beloved animation giants to corporate clients.

Thus, the era of Corporate Storytellers emerged at Carse & Waterman. No longer mere animators, they embarked on a mission to solve creative problems, forge emotional connections, and revolutionize communication for their clients. Social media, YouTube, learning management systems, and internal comms became their storytelling playgrounds, capturing attention and inspiring engagement.

Their journey into the realm of corporate storytelling was no walk in the park. Not every company was ready to embrace their unique vision. Yet, Carse & Waterman's success stories spoke volumes, showcasing substantial returns on investment for their clients and solidifying their position as innovative pioneers.

Ever committed to staying ahead of the curve, Carse & Waterman embraced the power of technology. Unreal Engine swooped in to save the day, banishing tedious render times with its real-time rendering capabilities. Their in-house research and development team delved into the wonders of artificial intelligence, continuously seeking new ways to enhance and expand their creative offerings.

Originally conceived as a clever disguise for their student status, Carse & Waterman Productions has weathered storms, from financial crises to the wrath of COVID-19, emerging stronger than ever. Today, they stand tall as a beacon of creativity, passionately dedicated to creating a thriving work environment, delivering outstanding service, and giving back to their local community.

Their story is one of resilience, innovation, and the power of storytelling. Carse & Waterman Productions invites you to embark on their enchanting journey and witness the transformative magic they bring to the world of corporate narratives.

And if you want to dive deeper into our story, check out the Proud to be Staffs podcast, where I share our remarkable story. Available on most good and evil podcast providers or listen via this link: https://proudtobestaffs.buzzsprout.com/2101806/12007477

By Daniel

#CorporateStorytellers #AnimationMagic #UnrealEngineRevolution #AIInnovation #LivingTheDream

Previous
Previous

Stoke's Shared Prosperity Funding Announcement: Empowering Community and Heritage through Innovation