Responding to the need for talent created by an ever-expanding production pipeline, Lighthouse Studios has appointed longtime animation consultant Michael Downey to the newly created role of Director of Talent Management for the Kilkenny-based Irish studio. The announcement was made by Lighthouse Studio General Manager Claire Finn.
Finn said: “Since launching in 2017, Lighthouse has strived to create an inclusive, diverse and open culture that inspires and empowers creativity, fueled by our shared values of Passion, Pride, Perseverance, Play, Dedication. balance and focus on people. With the appointment of Michael Downey, we are working to find talent who will not only help us produce the best in animated content, but who willfully embody our studio culture and share our collective desire to tell the stories that are just waiting to be told. to be told. .”
In his new role, Downey’s primary focus will be finding mid-to-senior level animation talent, initiating and driving a strategic and holistic top-down approach to identifying and retaining talent to work on projects. Lighthouse’s original IP development and service provider. Downey will report directly to Lighthouse’s Chief Operating Officer, Erik Speekenbrink, and will work closely with MD, Claire Finn, Chief Creative Officer, Gilly Fogg, and internal teams to understand talent needs and initiate training and development. as required. He will also work with the studio’s head of communications to oversee recruitment campaigns aimed at various audiences to attract new talent and promote existing talent and ensure that Lighthouse’s policies on fairness, diversity and inclusion are in mind when recruiting and creating campaigns. Downey will also represent Lighthouse at major industry markets, events and educational institutions.
Finn also added, “In less than five years since our launch, we have created a strong production pipeline in the rental workspace and are preparing to start building our original IP business in the years to come. to come. Talent is what makes our work great and finding and retaining high caliber talent to realize our creative visions is now a major focus for us. As such, this newly created role is essential to our continued growth, and we are delighted to welcome Michael to lead this part of our business.
“With the thriving animation business in Ireland and around the world, there is a massive need to bring in top talent to manage Lighthouse’s burgeoning production roster, and I’m delighted to be working with Claire and the entire studio team to continue building a world class studio,” Downey commented.
Prior to joining Lighthouse, Downey was the lead 2D and 3D talent scout at Dublin-based Irish animation studio Boulder Media. He worked on talent recruiting for the studio’s first 3D theatrical feature based on a Hasbro property. My little Pony. Downey also ran his own animation consultancy, working with various studios to find and recruit high profile talent in high demand in the industry. His work includes several 2D and 3D animated feature films and television series.
Downey earned a Diploma in Human Resources Management and Services from the National College of Ireland and a Postgraduate Certificate in Animation Production Management from Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology.
