Michael Cusack's journey began in Manchester, UK, where he spent the first eleven years of his life before relocating to Adelaide, South Australia. This pivotal move marked the start of his creative path, as he would soon discover his passion for drama and screen studies at Salisbury Teachers College. It was during his time at the esteemed institution that he crossed paths with his future business partner, Richard Chataway. Together, they crafted a 26-minute clay animated film for their thesis, a project that would later garner recognition from the South Australian Film Corporation. The organization, impressed by the duo's talent, offered them the opportunity to establish their first animation department. This marked the beginning of a successful collaboration, as they received their first AFI Award for the animated short "Waltzing Matilda". In 1985, Cusack and Chataway decided to take the leap and launch their own company, Anifex, which has since grown into a renowned animation studio with an international reputation for producing some of Australia's finest animation. Over the course of his illustrious career, Michael Cusack has accumulated numerous local and overseas awards, solidifying his position as a master of his craft. With over 30 years of experience directing animation, he has established himself as a stalwart in the industry, leaving a lasting impact on the world of animation.
