Barry JC Purves has been involved with stop-motion animation for 45 years, animating and directing on such classic children's TV series as The Wind in the Willows, Rupert Bear, Toby's Travelling Circus, Twirlywoos, and most recently The Sound Collector. Barry has made his own Oscar- and BAFTA-nominated films, such as Next, Screen Play, Rigoletto, Achilles, Gilbert and Sullivan, Plume, Tchaikovsky - an Elegy, and No Ordinary Joe - all full of rather darker themes, inventive storytelling and unique performances. He was also significantly involved with Mars Attacks! and King Kong. He has taught and given workshops around the world, written several books on animation, and there is a DVD compilation of his films. Reflecting the theatrical nature of his films, Purves has directed and designed over fifty plays, and is currently Head of Design at the Altrincham Garrick. He also has his own weekly, mainly classical music radio show, Bedtime with Barry. Purves is the recipient of several honorary doctorates and lifetime achievement awards and hopes there's still more creativity to come!