In 1994, Matt Groening - the creator of The Simpsons - said

"Jane's work is among the best coming in from around the world..."

Since the day I discovered, as a kid, that I shared a birthday with Walt Disney, I understood a special affinity and identification unparalleled in my life.

As an adult I found myself as a freelance Graphic Designer, specialising in Licensed Character Merchandise, being an endorsed artist for Sesame Street, The Simpsons and Garfield. As the years ensued I paralleled a career as a professional actor, appearing in stage plays and guest roles in television, more recently enjoying a shift to voice-over. Over an intensive five year period I trained extensively in mask, European Clown, characterization and commedia del' arte before pursuing comprehensive analysis of character and script development processes whilst exploring philosophy, mythology, spirituality and the art of storytelling.

In my early 30's I hit what I whimsically describe as a premature "mid-life crisis". It enabled me to pull away from the restraints of graphic design. My need to take creative control had now become a consuming passion, even though I was yet to discover the vehicle for such passion. As synchronicity would have it, I found myself training as a 3D Animator in a new production studio. The opportunities presented were enormous, enabling me to explore an extraordinary number of roles pertaining to all areas of production including, Animation Director, Art Director, Producer, Storyboard Artist and Character Voices. I was also responsible for the adaptations of storybooks and the writing of scripts for Children's animation productions...

I was home. I created Twisted Hair in early 1998 to channel the abundant creativity now flowing...The ship had set sail...

Twisted Hair Productions is the natural, inevitable outcome of this journey ~ my dream to make a difference, be happy and live in a true creative present. My personal ideology being born of this journey dictates that I share the rediscovery of "play" and self-empowerment with both Children and Grown-ups.

Further collaborative projects

geoffrey williams

CREATIVE CONSULTANT & STORY EDITOR

Geoffrey has worked almost exclusively in the Arts for over fifteen years as a Producer, Playwright, Actor, Director, Theatre Technician, and Publicist, and recently as a Consultant in Business Planning, Marketing, Promotion, and Recreational Programming Development and Marketing in the Children's Services arena.

From 1989 to 1991 Geoffrey lived and worked in Europe where he studied Theatre Arts at Mountview Theatre School and The Actor's Institute. During this time he traveled extensively throughout Europe during which time he undertook self-funded research for two plays. Two of his works for the theatre received their world premieres in London. Geoffrey also worked extensively as a Design and Publishing Consultant to several clients in London and Paris including Royal Insurance and the advertising agency, Satchi and Satchi. Geoffrey also performed in the European Premiere of Stephen Sondheim's The Frogs, which enjoyed a sellout season in London. Five of Geoffrey's plays have received productions in Melbourne.

In 1991 Geoffrey co-founded Brother Sister Newspaper and was Arts/Magazine Editor for over twelve months. As a publicist, Geoffrey has worked independently for a number of clients including The Melbourne International Festival of the Arts, The Victorian AIDS Council, The Australian Shakespeare Company and various independent theatre practitioners. As an associate to Meredith King, Geoffrey personally managed the campaigns for The St Kilda Film Festival, Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story, visual arts exhibitions and documentaries for ABC Television.

As the director of Geoffrey Williams and Associates Pty. Ltd., Geoffrey project managed a Commonwealth funded Business and Marketing Review process for Commonwealth funded Children's Services. Geoffrey Williams has recently led his company into the high-profile field of Corporate Identity, securing contracts in both Melbourne and Sydney - where Geoffrey Williams and Associates are now based.

john higginson

VOICE & CREATIVE CONSULTANT

John Higginson is one of the most highly regarded Melbourne-based voice practitioners originating the title role in the acclaimed children's animation series - The Silver Brumby - which has been screened with considerable success in Australasia and Europe. John also provides voice-overs for a large number of corporate clients including Shell, BHP and Hewlett Packard.

Film and television credits include High Road to China, SeaChange, Stingers, Mission Impossible, Neighbours, The Damnation of Harvey McHugh, Skyways, Prisoner, Cop Shop, The Sullivans, The Other 'Arf, and Outbreak of Love. Most recently John has undertaken a director's attachment on Blue Heelers, Australia's most successful TV drama. Theatre credits include acting for Playbox, Period Pieces and La Mama, and directing Talking Heads by Alan Bennet at the E.M.H. and Self at La Mama including the very successful '98 Adelaide Fringe Festival season of Self and it's Melbourne return season.

In 1985 John was the Artistic Director of The Laughing...Stock Company, directing two plays, Mr. Foot and Chinamen for a successful season. Whilst in London from 1980 to 1983 he studied extensively and worked with some of the most respected English actors and directors. During this time he acted at the Chichester Festival under Sir Patrick Garland and also directed for the Studio Company. John also teaches Voice Over technique and Acting and is working on three long-term theatre and film projects.