STEVE LAWSON
Lecturer – BA (Hons) Animations, BA (Hons) Illustration for Commercial Application
Qualifications – MA Directing Animation (National Film & Television School), BA (Hons) Fine Art (Oxford Brookes University)
Steve is a multi-award-winning animation director, animator, story artist and writer based in York. Active in the UK film, television and animation industries, Steve has worked on projects for Nickelodeon, BBC Studios, Nexus, Universal, Lego, Hasbro, BFI, Channel 4 and more.
Steve’s specialist skills in storytelling and stop-motion animation were honed from 2019-2021 on the renowned National Film & Television School’s Directing Animation MA. Steve’s grad film, Build Me Up, played globally and won a range of awards – including an MPSE Golden Reel – before finally finding its online home on the popular Sci-Fi YouTube Channel DUST. Steve is currently developing several properties based on the film.
In June 2023, Steve became a member of BAFTA’s Connect programme, in recognition of his potential and contributions thus far within film and television. One of the only regional animation directors on the programme, Steve has used the opportunity to grow his network, attend lectures and develop new ideas and collaborations.
Steve’s teaching ethos at NSOA largely centres around storytelling and connection as a fundamental both in animation and in life. He has enjoyed supporting students across the faculty, as well as providing 1-to-1 support to MA students, who benefit from his industry experience, connections, practical guidance and MA-level theory.
A lifelong lover of the art of stop-motion, Steve has also been fortunate to develop relationships with studios such as Mackinnon & Saunders and Aardman, and welcomes the steady increase of NSOA student (and staff) interest in stop-motion and storytelling.
Professional Activity:
BAFTA Connect 2023 – ongoing
Annual CILECT Film Prize juror – 2023-present
Multiple series and shorts are in active development
Awards for Build Me Up:
MPSE Golden Reel – Verna Fields Award, 2022. Supervising sound editor Grace Wong. 7 x other intl. awards, including Best Animation & Best Music. Festival plays included Premier Plans, Spark, Montreal, Animation Dingle, CICFF, & Martha’s Vineyard. Online premiere: DUST, via YouTube.
Steve has also advised on story for BAFTA, BIFA and Annie award-winning short films.
Steve will exhibit as part of NSOA’s 2025 Northern Festival of Illustration, and screen his film Build Me Up as part of the animation programme.
https://www.srlawson.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-lawson-80360799/