Hive002 - Dan Efergan

Unlock the future of storytelling with Hive: Immersive Innovation Knowhow - a free, expert-led programme for Manchester’s creatives at the cutting edge of games, immersive tech, and interactive design. These live sessions with top UK innovators will give you the tools, insights, and connections to elevate your work and shape what’s next.

This edition of the expert interview series features Dan Efergan - a Creative Director and Consultant with over 25 years’ experience exploring how technology reshapes storytelling and the creative industries. Formerly Executive Creative Director at Aardman, Dan helped guide the studio from traditional animation into games, interactivity, and R&D - leading award-winning projects such as The Tate Movie Project, World of Invention, and the BAFTA-nominated console game 11-11: Memories Retold.

Now working independently, Dan combines innovation consultancy, creative direction, and hands-on production to help organisations navigate the next wave of creative technology - from narrative design and UX to the role of AI in the storytelling process.

19th November, 13:30 – 1500 - Online Call

What Makes Dan’s Interview Essential Viewing?

The Future of Creativity: How can new technologies like AI enhance, not replace, human imagination? Dan shares a thoughtful perspective on balancing innovation with integrity - and how creators can stay adaptable without losing their artistic voice.

From Animation to Interactivity: Hear how Aardman embraced digital worlds, games, and audience participation - and what that evolution can teach studios today about innovation and risk-taking.

Holistic Creativity: Learn how strategy, design, and engineering come together in Dan’s creative practice - from big ideas to hands-on delivery - and why broad, varied experience is key to genuine innovation.

Survive and Thrive as a Creative: Dan reflects on 25 years navigating change in the media landscape - offering insight into how creatives can build sustainable, purposeful careers at the frontier of storytelling and technology.

Who Should Watch?

• Artists and storytellers exploring new creative tools and interactive forms.
• Studios and educators evolving their approaches to innovation and training.
• Technologists and strategists rethinking the relationship between creativity and code.
• Anyone asking how technology and humanity can co-create the future of art and entertainment.

Dan’s session continues Hive’s mission to share insider knowhow, spark collaboration, and help Manchester’s creative community build smarter, bolder immersive work. HIVE is organised by MITIH - MediaCity’s immersive technologies innovation hub - connecting media, skills, technology, and creativity through cutting-edge R&D, collaboration and funding.