Girls Night Out: Joanna Quinn

Guest animator: JOANNA QUINN

Joanna was born in 1962 and grew up in London. She completed a foundation course in art at Goldsmiths College, University of London before studying for a BA in Graphic Design at Middlesex University. It was here that Joanna first discovered the magic of animation, quickly adapting her unique drawing abilities to produce beautifully fluid and dynamic animated passages. Her first film, Girl’s Night Out (1986), won 3 prizes at the Annecy Animation Festival in 1987 and thrust her into the international animation scene.

Joanna moved to Wales in 1985 and founded Beryl Productions shortly afterwards with her partner, producer/writer Les Mills. The couple have collaborated closely in the production of animated films, commercials and as educators ever since.

Joanna's drawing skills, humour and wonderful characterisations have made her a highly acclaimed figure in world animation. She has won many international awards, including Emmys, Baftas and Jury prizes at all the major animation festivals. Two of her films, Famous Fred (1996) and The Wife of Bath (1998), have received Oscar© nominations. Her film, Britannia, a brilliantly biting view of British Imperialism, won her the prestigious Leonardo da Vinci award and in 2014 she received the ASIFA Animation Laureate Award.

Joanna is a committed educator and is an Honorary Fellow at the Royal College of Art, London and University of Wales Newport and Honorary Doctor at the University of Wolverhampton and Middlesex University. She continues to lecture and do practical workshops at major universities, film festivals in Britain and abroad. She is also a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and is on the executive committee for short film and animation.

Joanna and Les’ new short film Affairs of the Art was released in Jan 2021.

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