Hiya.
I'm Robert Glassford, also known as Mr Kaplin.
I'm a Scottish-born, London-based director, animator and storyteller.
I've always been interested in finding simple, unexpected ways to tell stories. Give me a strong character, a slightly odd idea and a bit of dark humour, and I'm usually pretty happy.
My work moves between commercial animation and personal filmmaking. Sometimes it's colourful characters doing ridiculous things. Sometimes it's about the more complicated, uncomfortable parts of being human.
I like both.
Company
Commercial Direction
I've been lucky enough to work with some brilliant people and brands, including LEGO, Sky, Disney, British Airways, Ericsson and MTV.
I work with agencies, production companies and creative teams to develop films with personality, humour and a clear idea at their heart.
I love finding the simplest way to communicate something, whether that's through character, movement, design or an unexpected visual twist.
For me, the best work doesn't just look good. It makes you feel something.
How I Work
I come from a background in animation and design, but I've always been more interested in the story than the tools used to tell it.
I like stripping things back, finding the personality in simple shapes and giving even the smallest idea a bit of character.
Sometimes the best solution is something beautifully simple. Sometimes it's something completely ridiculous.
Either way, I try to make work that feels human.
Original Films
Alongside commercial projects, I make my own films.
I'm drawn to stories about people, relationships, behaviour and all the strange little things that make us human.
My animated short What Does It Feel Like to Have ADHD? grew out of a personal experience and a desire to explain something complicated in a way that felt accessible, playful and honest.
It reminded me why I love storytelling in the first place.
I'm continuing to develop original short films and longer-form narrative projects, often exploring humour, emotion and the darker side of everyday life.
Selected Clients
LEGO, Sky, Disney, British Airways, Ericsson and MTV.
Contact
Representation
UK — Jelly London
Australia & New Zealand — Yukfoo Animation
Let's Make Something.
I'm always happy to hear about interesting commercial projects, independent films and creative collaborations.
If you've got an idea, get in touch.
Jobs
I am always looking for talented motion designers interested in freelance or collaboration so if you are skilled in Cinema 4D, Realflow, Vray, redshift or Octane then please do get in touch.
To enquire about positions please email rob@mrkaplin.com with your portfolio and contact details.