His role includes overseeing the LRC team at department and project level, providing technical and artistic leadership across projects and managing clients’ day-to-day production needs.

Neill previously held senior roles at MPC and Cinesite, working on projects including Jungle Book, Skyfall and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

“Jon’s combined industry experience, technical ability and trained eye is a great addition to the team as we grow from strength to strength,” said Axis Animation co-founder and head of 3D Graham McKenna.

“His supervisory skills coupled with knowledge in a diverse range of execution techniques is another step forward in raising the bar in both our short and long form projects.”

Neill added “It’s great to have the opportunity to be working and living back in my home country.  Working at Axis Animation is very exciting as it will allow me to be part of an expanding company that is exploring existing and new formats involving CGI.”

Some of Axis’ recent projects include Doctor Who for the BBC and Shaun the Sheep the Movie. Its clients include Saatchi & Saatchi, AKQA, Microsoft Studios, Warner Bros., BBC and MTV.