Michael Stanish and Hector Macleod team up to form independent animation studio Ground Control with plans for regional outpost in Tokyo

Michael Stanish and Hector Macleod have combined forces to launch Ground Control, an independent animation studio.

While Headquartered in London, Stanish (pictured right) plans to have a regional outpost in Tokyo, an obvious choice considering his history. Stanish started his commercials career at Silverscreen in Sydney working on Japanese TV commercials then moved to Tokyo based TYO as a line producer for their international division. Stanish said, “I love the region and the work that comes out. I want to work throughout Asia again. I’ve recently been concentrating on specific projects in London, but I have huge ambitions for not only Europe but the Asian Market too.”

The former Head of CG Production at MPC and the CEO of Glassworks have amassed their considerable 40 years experience to assemble a roster of six brilliantly unique directors.

Opening in London’s Soho in February 2014, they are creating a studio that allies the most creative imaginations with technically perfected craftsmanship. “That is the absolute key for us”, says Stanish. “Anything we do needs to achieve three things: originate from the wildest imaginations, be crafted with absolute perfection and stimulate people’s thinking. That’s how we gauge every single decision and that’s what we want to give clients access to”.

It is an ambition that has manifested in an incredible directorial roster. Their talent includes Rudiger Kaltenhauser (G-Star Art of Raw), Gmunk (Box, Tron GFX), Big Lazy Robot (Keloid & idiots), Laurent Barthelemy (Ted, Amex), Motiphe (Borrowers, Crossing Europe), and dwarf, Japan’s pre-eminent stop-motion and character directing collective – creators of Domo-kun.

Macleod elaborates on the goal to create conversation worthy films, “Michael and I started with a distinct vision. From the off, with the talent we wanted to get involved, we had the makings of something very exciting indeed. These guys are awarded, talked about and deliver at the top level. The passion to do the highest quality work is relentless”.

Indeed, with the prodigious talent already assembled and the experience of the founding partners, Ground Control has quite the launch pad for its vision. “I think we’re on a good wicket,” concludes Stanish.