GWR Animation Commission Announcement
Published August 1, 2025
As part of their Railway 200 celebrations, GWR and Exeter Phoenix have launched two exciting animation commissions, calling for recent graduates to create a vibrant, animated film capturing a GWR journey through time - celebrating not only the rich heritage of the brand, but also the freedom, fun, and opportunity that rail travel continues to offer today. Following an incredible response we’re excited to announce our two new commissions:
Himanshu Gorantala and Keisha Philia Ibrahim
Himanshu Gorantala and Keisha Philia Ibrahim are Computer Animation Art & Design graduates at Bournemouth University, blending technical skill with a deep passion for visual storytelling. As aspiring filmmakers, they craft striking 3D artworks with a strong stylistic flair, drawing inspiration from the films they love and the stories they yearn to tell.
Their work reflects a keen eye for composition, mood, and narrative depth, whether through character design, environment art, or experimental animation. United by a shared ambition to create their own films, they explore the intersection of artistry and technology, pushing the boundaries of digital expression.
With a foundation in animation and a filmmaker’s mindset, Himanshu and Keisha are poised to bring their unique visions to life—on screen and beyond.
Their GWR Animation Commission will be an exciting, adventurous and heartfelt film about a young couple traveling to Bath.
Sam Maxwell
Sam Maxwell is a 2D animator and video editor based in Bristol. He works across commercials, branded content, and short films, often blending digital and analogue techniques to bring texture and authenticity to his work. With a background in motion design, editing, and compositing, Sam is always exploring new styles and visual approaches.
'Time Well Spent' is a mixed-media short that reflects on the quiet productivity of travel.
A working professional boards a GWR train, intending to catch up on tasks. But as the journey unfolds, structured work gives way to spontaneous doodling, inspired by the rhythm of the train and the passing landscape. Boats, bridges, and coastlines seep into the sketches, blending real scenery with animated imagery.
Combining live action, stop motion, and 2D hand-drawn elements, the film explores the idea that movement itself can be meaningful, and that sometimes, doing nothing is exactly what needs to be done.