Last week the School of Digital Arts (SODA) was delighted to host a masterclass talk with Dan Winch, Manchester based Producer (A Very English Scandal, Black Mirror: Beyond the Sea, Brian and Maggie). Dan spoke to BA and MA students from across SODA on highpoints of his 25 years’ experience, as an Assistant Director and Producer in Drama. 

Dan said: “Having spent much of my early career in wonderful Manchester, it was a great pleasure to visit SODA and spend time with the students. Exploring new ways to create and tell stories is key to producing, whether that be in animation, factual, reality or drama production. I really hope the students managed to take away some helpful thoughts for their exciting careers ahead”. 

Kristin Marshall, Senior Lecturer in Animation, shared ‘we’d like to thank the generosity of professional visitors like Dan, who lend their expertise and share invaluable industry experience with our students, here at SODA. We’re very fortunate to be able to welcome visitors with such a wealth of knowledge. Many thanks to Dan for coming over to kick off a run of amazing masterclass talks here at SODA. 

Dan Winch’s talk is the first of a series of professional masterclasses organised by Animation and open to all BA and MA SODA students.

This will be followed by José Prats March 03 (2025 BAFTA nominee, Short Animation director, Chicken Run), Richard Pickerskill, March 26 (Mackinnon & Saunders, Pinocchio, Frankenweenie, Corpse Bride). Malcolm Hadley, DOP, date in March tbc (Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Corpse Bride, Isle of Dogs),

Huge thanks go to Dan for his inspiring talk and masterclass which was very well attended in the SODA cinema. We’re looking forward to meeting José, Rich and Malcolm in the coming weeks.