Elliot Cowan, a native of Melbourne, Australia, embarked on a remarkable journey that would take him to the untamed wilderness of Tasmania, where he would spend countless hours directing thousands of television commercials for regional television stations.
As the years went by, Cowan's wanderlust led him to the bustling streets of London, where he joined forces with the esteemed UIi Meyer animation studio. It was during this period that he began to hone his skills as an animator, working tirelessly to bring his creative vision to life.
One of his most notable accomplishments during this time was the development of the award-winning Boxhead and Roundhead shorts, which showcased his exceptional talent and dedication to the craft of animation.
Eventually, Cowan's path led him to the vibrant city of New York, where he settled down with his loving wife and child, and secured a green card, symbolizing his newfound status as a permanent resident of the United States.
In addition to his personal life, Cowan is also a devoted educator, teaching animation at various institutions, including The Pratt Institute, Mercy College, The University of the Arts, and any other establishment that welcomes grumpy yet passionate animation professors.
Cowan's latest project, The Stressful Adventures of Boxhead & Roundhead, marks his directorial debut in feature-length animation. This ambitious undertaking was a labor of love, with Cowan pouring his heart and soul into every frame, often working on it in between his teaching and freelance animation gigs.
Despite the immense challenges he faced during the production process, Cowan remains committed to his vision, believing that smaller, independent animated features like his are the key to breaking free from the constraints of the animation "hive mind" and allowing for greater creative freedom and innovation.
