Oh Willy

A winner of over 80 international awards, including the prestigious 2012 Cartoon d’Or, the 17 minute-long short film, ‘Oh Willy…’ has been released online. The release coincided with the announcement from Nexus that the short films directors, Emma De Swaef and Marc James Roels have joined their directing roster for exclusive representation in the UK and USA.

Using a range of handcrafted techniques from stop-motion animation to puppeteering mixed with live action, their work is known for a particular kind of absurd humour and tenderness.. Their distinctive homespun style is as a consequence of Emma making all of the puppets herself.

Marc & Emma have worked together as a directing duo since 2007. Emma’s career started in documentary films but it was growing up on a sheep farm that inspires and informs her work today. From a young age she used the abundance of wool in her home to craft puppets; a hobby from her youth which is now reflected in her directing style, in which she uses natural fibres to create woollen characters. Marc’s career began in the music industry, producing animated music videos, but their joint move into puppet based stop-motion animation was something that they learnt and refined together.

Chris O’Reilly, ECD and co-founder, Nexus and Nexus Interactive Arts, says “Marc & Emma are a unique talent with a creative and distinct skill-set. Their passion for their craft and imaginative approach makes them a perfect fit for Nexus and we’re thrilled to have them joining us.”

Marc and Emma, Nexus directors, say “We knew that Nexus fostered an environment where creative and technical talent thrives, and since joining we have really seen this to be true. In short we are having a great time. Amongst other projects, we are working on a short film to be released next year, and are also in the process of creating a two minute animated pitch for a TV series.”