I am an emerging illustrator, gathering ideas, stirring up stories and gleaning the craft of picture book making.
Before I had children I began in animation making short films, bits for TV and commercials. Then motherhood took my life into a whole new dimension, my energy became reallocated to the epic juggle that is managing small people whilst keeping the wolf from the door.
These days my little ones are becoming more independent and i am gathering up the strands of my working life, and knitting them into a new career.
I was born Sandra Ensby, but now emerging mid life with the wind in my hair I am Cecily Salt. It’s an amalgam of my granny’s name with a bit of married name (Salter), a new title for a new era.
A few career highlights
RSA Student Design Awards
1992 whilst studying Animation at West Surrey College of Art & Design, I won the animation category for a film called SOAP about the perils of not using eco friendly washing powder. It featured on a World Wildlife Fund compilation of environmental shorts, Ecotoons.
Film BAFTA Nomination 2003
Channel 4 commissioned Wedding Espresso – Short animated film I designed and created.
I didn’t actually win a Bafta, but it was a pretty good party!
Royal College of Art
Placement with Phillips Research Labs, Research into Agent Based Interactive Drama. I subsequently made Ladies Excuse-Me! – Interactive Animation, a Playful branching story drawn in a fluid animation style (in Macromedia Director). Video Positive, Manchester 1997, Best Interactive Student Work.
Animation, A World History V3
I am mentioned (Sandra Ensby) in this compendium noted for the channel4 commissions I made while at Sherbet Animation Studios, namely Fast Spin Fling and Wedding Espresso.
Fast Spin Fling – Best short film Avança 2001, Special Mention, Sienna Short Film Festival 2001.
Girls in Love – Granada Kids
Jacqueline Wilsons books were adapted for Children’s Television Series using animation mixed with the live action –
I worked closely with the screenwriter and directors to devise and deliver animated elements for each episode.
Poetry Films
The Royal Oak a Random Acts, commissioned by Channel4 2012 – Animated Poetry film with poet Benedict Newbery
Purbeck Film Festival 2013 –shortlist.
Ludlow Open 2013 – screened The Royal Oak as part of a rural
contemporary showcase.
Filmpoem, Dunbar 2013 opening flm
Cul de Sac – Animated Poetry flm with Benedict Newbery 2008
Zebra Poerty Film festival – shortlisted 2008
24th International Short Film Festival, Berlin
It was shortlisted for the Purbeck Short Film Festival 2009
See The Voice: VISIBLE VERSE 10th Anniversary Celebration & Festival,
Vancouver, Canada.
October 2010 Poesifestival Oslo
British Animation Award
Short film made for Amnesty International called Measles – co-director with Yasmeen Ismail and
written by Lisle Turner. British Animation Award 2008, Public Choice. Best of British
Animation Awards 7 DVD
screened at the Secret Policeman’s Ball in the Albert Hall – won audience choice at the British Animation Awards