The Shapes in Motion Podcast

Toby James is the Film and TV Organiser at Equity, the trade union for performers and creative professionals in the performing arts. Equity members are pushing for proper, collectively bargained agreements for choreographers and movement directors. In this engaging conversation, Sarah Perry and Toby James discuss the evolving role of movement directors and choreographers within the Equity trade union. They explore the challenges faced by these professionals, the importance of collective bargaining, and the need for recognition in contracts. The discussion highlights the positive changes occurring in the industry, the impact of AI, and the steps necessary for movement directors and choreographers to advocate for their rights and roles effectively. In this conversation, Toby James discusses the evolution of trade unions for movement directors and choreographers, emphasising the need for representation and empowerment within committees. He highlights the importance of collaboration across various disciplines in the performing arts and the ongoing negotiations with PACT to secure better contracts and recognition for both movement directors. The conversation also touches on the necessity of awareness and education about the roles of movement directors and choreographers in the industry.

In this episode of the Shapes in Motion podcast, Sarah Perry and Stephen Moynihan delve into the intricacies of creative processes in movement direction and choreography. They discuss the importance of research and preparation, share insights from their experiences, and explore how different mediums influence their work. The conversation highlights the need for alignment within creative teams and the challenges of navigating rejection in the creative process. They also touch on the significance of showcasing the often-hidden work of movement directors through video documentation, emphasising the collaborative nature of their craft.

In this episode, Sarah Perry chats with the amazing Elizabeth Cairns. Elizabeth is a coach, facilitator, trainer, writer and holistic therapist and has worked closely with scores of organisations and thousands of entrepreneurs. She understands just what it takes to create a thriving business and live an empowered life. They discuss the multifaceted challenges faced by creative entrepreneurs, including the struggle to balance artistic passion with business acumen. They explore the importance of understanding one's worth, the complexities of pricing in creative industries, and the necessity of creating a cohesive identity across various roles, encouraging creatives to embrace their diverse talents while navigating the industry's demands.

In this conversation, Neus Gil Cortes discusses her journey in the arts, the importance of leadership training, and the creation of her initiative, Lead and Create. She emphasises the need for vulnerability, trust, and genuine connection in leadership roles, particularly within the arts. Neus shares insights on how to empower future generations and redefine leadership in traditional hierarchies, advocating for a more inclusive and collaborative approach to artistic processes.

In this episode Sarah Perry chats with actor and motion capture performer Cheryl Burniston, discussing Cheryl's journey into the world of performance and motion capture. Cheryl emphasises the importance of finding a safe space to explore movement, researching the industry, preparing showreels and continuously learning new skills, she also highlights the collaborative nature of performance capture and the importance of building connections within the industry. Cheryl shares her experience starting a voice reel company to provide affordable options for actors and suggests training options such as Performance Capture Academy, The MoCap Vaults, and Target 3D, she also encourages reaching out to universities and studios for work and experience opportunities.

In this episode of the Shapes in Motion podcast, Stephen Moynihan and Sarah Perry delve into the world of motion capture, exploring its evolution, the skills required for performers, and the differences between motion capture and performance capture. Sarah shares her journey into the industry, the importance of preparation for actors, and the role of imagination in performance. They discuss the collaborative nature of motion capture projects and the distinct challenges faced when directing in this medium compared to traditional film and TV. The conversation also highlights the significance of understanding technology and animation in enhancing performance capture.