A Walsall-based stop motion filmmaker has received a £5,000 grant from Walsall Business Support to scale up animation and storytelling workshops for children.
Leo Wright is an award-winning stop motion animator and cartoonist. In 2024 he founded Leo Wright Studios, which specialises in branding, illustration, animation and cartoons.
In January Leo began running workshops for schools and youth groups to offer children aged from six to 12 years old the opportunity to try stop motion animation and learn to draw fun cartoons.
The £5,000 grant from Walsall Business Support will enable Leo to scale up his workshops and roll them out to more children. It has supported the purchase of three multiplane cameras that will be used in the workshops by children to create three-dimensional scenes for animations and to help Leo with demonstrations.
The funding will also help Leo to pay for an advert, made by a local filmmaker and editor, to market his workshops.
Leo said: “There’s nothing better than inspiring children and getting them excited about something I’m passionate about.
“My animation workshops not only engage young people in hands-on learning but also build up their confidence and encourage self-expression. Participants develop key skills including teamwork, problem-solving and creative thinking, all while having fun and exercising their imaginations.
“The workshops can be tailored to meet the specific needs of schools and groups, aligning with the national curriculum or fitting chosen themes or key stage areas.
“I am looking forward to rolling out more workshops and welcome more schools and community groups to get in touch to find out more.”
As well as helping with the running and marketing of workshops, the grant will aid Leo with local venue hire for summer clubs and enable him to create a companion book to offer children at the end of workshops so they can leave with a small animation of their own and continue their learning at home.
Formed by leading local business figures to distribute funds collected from the legacy of Walsall Chamber of Commerce, Walsall Business Support provides grants to applicants who want funding for projects to enhance business life in the borough.
Walsall Business Support board member Rob Colbourne OBE said: “We are thrilled to provide Leo with this funding.
“As well as delivering workshops that bring great educational benefits to local children, Leo is a real flagbearer for Walsall and the Black Country. His films set in the area have won awards and represented us on a global stage at international film festivals.
“His films educate children about our region, celebrate its rich industrial heritage and give them a real sense of pride.”
Walsall Business Support can provide grants and a free training needs analysis to businesses looking to generate growth, create employment or shape training opportunities for the borough of Walsall. Using an online application form on the WBS website, bids for financial support can be submitted by businesses needing investment in a new project or a company wanting to improve skills.
To apply for a grant, please visit walsallbusinesssupport.co.uk/apply-now/.
Further details on Leo Wright Studios and his children’s workshops can be found at leowrightstudios.com.