Animation, motion graphics, vfx and video content for BAFTA, Emmy and RTS award winning TV, film, live events, social media, cinema advertising and more
From dream to screen
Head in the Clouds is an animation, graphics and CGI studio delivering world-class content for TV, film, animation, social media, advertising and events. However wild and wonderful the idea in your head, we want to hear it - and help bring it to life on screen.
We work with dreamers, creatives, storytellers, and people with a passion for pushing the boundaries. And we are here too if you've just got a message to tell, a product to sell and need that sprinkle of creative magic.
At the helm, CG artist John Whittington, a passionate creative with over 20 years' experience working in TV, film, advertising and events. Creating CGI, graphics and animation for BAFTA, Emmy and RTS award winning programmes across the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Sky.
A love of animation from an early age has led to a wonderfully diverse career involving zombies (Shed of the Dead), ice cream (Ben & Jerry’s) and the perennially side-tracked Postman Pat (Postman Pat SDS).
He can work from concept to delivery and has a network of illustrators, producers, camera ops, composers and digital artists that can be assembled no matter the size of project.
He has the best job in the world, has the most fun, and is really good! But don’t just take his word for it…
“Working with John has been an absolute pleasure from start to finish. His exceptional animation has truly brought my products to life, creating a magical atmosphere that perfectly captures the essence of what I envisioned and more.
John’s attention to detail is outstanding every shot, transition, and element is created with care and creativity. He listens closely, adapts effortlessly to your needs, and always focuses on what’s most important to you.
Beyond his incredible skill and professionalism, John is simply a wonderful person to work with. His positive attitude, calm manner, and with a genuine passion for what he does.
John has a true talent someone you can trust completely to exceeding expectations every time. I couldn’t recommend him highly enough.
Skilled and brilliant…!”
Tracey Dutton, Managing & Artistic Director - Lavinia Stamps
“For more than five years, we've collaborated with John at Head In The Clouds on numerous projects, particularly on Sky's hit comedy series, Brassic. John consistently delivered fantastic graphic sequences that visually brought to life the gang's elaborate criminal schemes. We were always eager to see his creative interpretations of our briefs.
John is truly talented, original, and creative, with a great sense of humour—an essential quality for working on Brassic!”
Becci Blood, Studio Manager - DIFX
“Working with John at Head In The Clouds has been unbelievable. He’s a genuinely brilliant animator and has helped us bring some of our most ambitious ideas to life. When we worked with him on Greene King, he transformed Bury St Edmunds back to the 1800s and even made it snow and he did it all with an incredibly fast turnaround. He’s also supported us on full animation projects for other clients, and we’re always so, so happy with what he delivers.
John makes the magic happen every time.”
Sam Teale, Founder & Director - Sam Teale Productions
“John is an absolute dream to work with, he’s fast and incredibly talented in all aspects of animation, from special fx, or simple animated messages, to mind blowing 3D character work! He’s amazing under pressure and cares deeply about his work, always surprising us with little tricks and touches that we never expected, and that always make the final product even better than we ever imagined! He’s amazing at turning the simplest of assets into something truly epic and particularly skilled at bringing fun and character into everything he does.
We’ve worked together for many years now, and I couldn’t recommend him highly enough.”
Dave Barrow, Director - Seal Films
“You know how some people just get that vision you've got in your head? I'm constantly amazed at how John can listen to my ideas on a film and magic them up into reality. My favourite bit of any project is clicking that screener link to see what he has conjured up next - and I'm always absolutely blown away.
John has a rare talent for listening, for really understanding what you are trying to create on screen. And then using that amazing imagination of his to not only bring it to life - but make it 100 times better than you ever imagined.
I've worked with John for 15 years, across TV and film and commercial projects. We worked together on the BAFTA Award winning My Life: Me, My Dad & His Kidney for CBBC among many other things. And every time, it is his animation or graphics that really make a film pop and add those moments of wonder.
When we started working on our first independent documentary film, The Corinthians: We Were The Champions John was the first person I called to bring the vision to life. Not only did he create some world-class animation, he worked with us to build a whole world around the film, from cinema posters to invites, TV listings to logos.
But, most of all he brought the magic. I can still remember gasping at one scene he sent me. And that was just the rough cut!
On top of that he's a genuinely great guy - jumping on board to work on our projects for Women's Aid and others. He's first on my speed dial for any project.”
Helen Tither, Director - Films Not Words
