They’ve done it...
Blackburn animation firm gets off the drawing board
Wednesday 7th May
An innovative scheme for start up businesses has helped a Blackburn entrepreneur to bring his 3D animation company to life.
After leaving university, John Bell knew he had the idea and talent to launch his own business - but he didn't have enough money to get started.
Now he has launched his design and animation firm, Hyperion FX, thanks to a £4,000 loan arranged through Business Investment Deals, a No Limits project that supports start up companies.
The money has enabled John to buy vital computer equipment and the latest 3D Studio Max software to be able to run his business and compete with larger rivals.
He can now offer a wide range of services such as storyboarding, designing and animating characters for computer games, web pages or television and creating 3D ‘virtual' prototypes of new products.
Explaining what he does, John said: "A good example is a company that makes water fountains. I can show what the finished result might look like by using software to simulate the water, create 3D features and set it against a realistic background.
"I'm also keen to focus on the character animation side of the business, designing 3D characters, buildings and vehicles for games. I've got lots of ideas."
John said the idea for his business came out of a lifelong love of art and films.
He said: "While I was studying at university I saw some of the work other companies were putting out and felt there was a gap in the market that I could fill.
"I had already invested in a couple of computers, but needed extra machines and software to go into business.
"I found out about BID through Bootstrap in Blackburn, an organisation that helps people set up businesses, and they helped me to produce a business plan and apply for the loan.
"It was the lucky break I needed to be able to set up my business."
