In this in-depth conversation, acclaimed filmmaker Adam Elliot reveals where he gets the inspiration for his absorbing and deeply moving films - and why animation is the perfect medium for his storytelling. Adam talks us through the raw real-life experiences that have inspired all his films from Harvie Krumpet to his latest feature Memoir of a Snail - and how he approaches the process of writing the scripts, creating characters, and casting the voices who’ve brought these characters to life - A-list actors Sarah Snook, Eric Bana and Kodi Smit-McPhee voice characters in Adam’s latest feature film!

Adam has eschewed Hollywood to pursue filmmaking in his own unique way - but how has he done it? And what is it about working with animation - as opposed to live action - that enables him to tell the stories he wants to share so powerfully? Memoir of a Snail took eight years to make - so how does Adam keep the enthusiasm and inspiration for his stories going for such a long period? And, with his films finding global success and resonating with audiences around the world, we’ll find out how Adam approaches writing stories with universal themes and how, when it comes to observational storytelling, the devil is always in the detail!  

This is a must-attend session for anyone looking for storytelling inspiration and ideas on how to create characters and narratives that resonate widely with international audiences. 

Adam Elliot’s bio

Adam Elliot is an Academy Award winning independent animator and visual artist based in Melbourne Australia.

His animated films are what he calls Clayographies - clay animated biographies based on the bittersweet lives of his family and friends. He has created seven animated films including, Memoir of a Snail, Mary and Max, Harvie Krumpet, Ernie Biscuit, Brother, Cousin and Uncle. They have been voiced by some of the world’s leading actors, including Sarah Snook, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jacki Weaver, Geoffrey Rush, Barry Humphries, Eric Bana, Nick Cave and Toni Collette. 

Viewed by millions of people around the world, his works have participated in over nine hundred film festivals and won over 100 awards, including the 2004 Academy award for Harvie Krumpet. He is the Official Patron for The Film Critics Circle of Australia and is a voting member for the Annual Academy Awards. He is currently promoting his new feature film Memoir of a Snail both here in Australia and abroad.

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