From Screen to Stage, My Writing Journey – Part 2

JULY 15TH 2026

Hollywood.

Hollywood was always at the back of my mind, but after graduating with a BA (Hons) in Animation, London was closer than LA. I moved into an apartment with a couple of friends, and then we had to find jobs!

At this time, there was no internet, no digital portfolios, no YouTube channels… I walked the streets of London with a portfolio in one hand, and a VHS video of my third-year film in the other.

Animation.

It took about six weeks to get my first animation job in a small studio where everyone did a bit of everything. I was so nervous, so scared I’d mess up, so worried I’d say or do the wrong thing. My hand shook so much the first time I painted a cel – it was hard not to paint over the lines.

But the one thing about working in animation, people were willing to help. If you showed interest, asked questions and … were happy to make tea or coffee (I knew my kitchen skills would come in handy), people would be willing to share their knowledge.  

I was like a sponge, wanting to learn and do the best job possible. I couldn’t believe I was getting paid to do something I loved. The first time I saw a TV ad I’d worked on, it was like – “OMG! O-M-G … I did that!” Well, me and a whole team – but I was so thrilled.

Unfortunately, all good things come to an end, and as a freelancer I found myself out of work. Christmas was around the corner. Bills had to be paid, and most animation studios closed over the festive season.  

Then an opportunity arose, and I found myself standing on a milk crate in the auditorium of the Palace Theatre, followspotting on a West End show called Les Misérables.

Theatre.

Working in theatre is a-m-a-z-i-n-g. There is something about being involved in live entertainment that – until you’ve worked on a show or event is hard to explain. Getting a job on Les Mis was fate, or universes colliding, or the fact my cousin was leaving and she asked me if I wanted her job!

I saw the show in the afternoon, said yes … and that evening the Chief LX rang me up. I had to admit I knew nothing about theatre. He assured me they’d train me on a followspot, and offered me the job.  

What is followspotting? When an actor walks onto a stage, you sometimes see a “spotlight” come on and follow them. It’s not a spotlight – it’s a followspot. 

I know people go to drama colleges, study theatre at universities, are lucky enough to go to performing arts academies … and there I was, with a degree in animation trying to get to grips with a cue sheet, wearing cans (headphones and a mic), taking visual cues, listening for my cues from whoever was calling the book, making sights out of fuse wire and duct tape.

 Sometimes taking an unexpected opportunity can open doors you’ve never thought of, and working in theatre had never been on my radar.

It was a different world.          

- Jane

Fiction Rebellion Heroine