Sad Man Studio is a creative studio producing animation and visual arts, founded by Samuel Leighton-Dore (artist, writer) & Bradley Tennant (designer, producer).
We produce original, creator-driven animation for film & TV, partnering with established local & international co-production companies who share a love for authored and emotional stories.
We produce ambitious visual artworks for exhibition and acquisition, partnering with curators and community sectors seeking work that engages with heart and humour.
ANIMATION (News)
Screen Australia announces development funding for 29 projects
“Screen Australia has announced 23 feature films and six television dramas that will share in story development funding. Among the funded projects is Willy, the latest animation series from Ludo Studio, the production company behind world-wide phenomenon Bluey…"
Animating the Gold Coast at HOTA
What if the 1960s Gold Coast Meter Maids origin story was a queer heist, one which saw a group of misfit friends rob the rich to protect beach-goers from parking fines?
In 2024, Samuel was proud to be announced as one of the five Gold Coast artists to participate in HOTA Gallery’s ArtKeeper program. Samuel will be creating development materials for Birds of Paradise, an animated short film reimagining of the Meter Maids origin story, told from the perspective of non-dominant voices in 1960s Gold Coast. Drawing on HOTA’s extensive archives, Samuel aims to develop a rich, vibrant work of historical fiction that celebrates the Gold Coast’s unique history through a camp, critical and comedic lens.
ART (News)
Exhibition: Looking Back There Were Signs Opens At Tweed Regional Gallery
“Gold Coast artist Samuel Leighton-Dore opens his solo exhibition Looking Back There Were Signs. The exhibition includes his signature ceramic works alongside animation, and explores his adult diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, and the ways in which new diagnoses can recontextualise old ideas of self.”
SHORTS
SENSITIVE GYM BROS (2023)
SGB is an animated short about big beefy men discussing big scary feelings the only way they know how: through gym and weightlifting terminology. Speaking almost exclusively in tortured metaphor, our Aussie meatheads tenderize each other with unexpected earnestness and well-intentioned but often misguided advice.
