[FRAMED]: Hayley Thomas, Compositor, LDN

[FRAMED] exists to shine light on Framestore’s most fascinating cast of characters: its people. Presented with a probing list of questions and a demandingly short deadline, this feature puts the hopes, dreams, and desktops of our MVPs on the digital wall, for all to see. Welcome to [FRAMED].

What are you guilty of?

Fidgeting and sitting on my feet all day.

What was your last brush with danger?

A lady stepped out in front of me during a driving lesson, it was my first emergency stop — 30mph never felt so fast.

Your last brush with greatness?

I spotted Joe Lycett near Holborn station and he let me put a KFC cup in front of his face.

Your worst character fault?

Overthinking and worrying about everything too much.

If you had taken a different path, what would you be doing now?

I’d be a midwife, I was just quite squeamish when I was 16.

You’re on the run from the law, where are you headed?

A sun lounger on a beach in a really hot country, it’s the last place anyone would expect to find me.

Who’s your partner-in-crime?

My Dad - he hopped us over the fence at Witley Court when I was 8, and we got told off by security. He’s definitely given me a ‘sometimes it’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission’ attitude (we don’t trespass on English heritage sites anymore though).

What’s your favourite movie/TV show and why?

Fleabag is fantastic, I like to feel like my heart is being ripped out every now and again.

Your greatest achievement?

I won a Barbie doll in a McDonald’s colouring contest.

Most valuable skill?

I make a mean spreadsheet.

Go on, say something bragging:

My cat made enough on TikTok to cover his food bill last month.

Name your pet peeve?

People who mash the “open door” button on the train before it’s lit up!

The DREAM project would entail:

Anything that involved a certain bear who likes marmalade — I’d finally make my mum proud!

Your career highlight to date:

I painted Mjolnir back into Thor’s hand in Avengers: Endgame.The resounding cheer at that shot at the midnight screening in Odeon Leicester Square was amazing. They were definitely cheering my paint skills.

This week I learnt that:

KFC follows exactly 11 people on Twitter, 5 are the Spice Girls and the other 6 are people named “Herb”.

What’s your current view?

I’m sitting next to a window and sometimes people in the building next to me go into meeting rooms, turn the light on and leave again. In front of me is the comp floor and the kitchen is in the distance.

Give us a desk tour!

A wacom tablet, pen, computer, Nuke is open, notebook and pen, my iPad for podcasts and dailies, empty coffee cup, Framestore mug with tea and a glass of water.

What do you need to work on the daily?

A latte and a croissant. Also, a computer sometimes helps.

Framestore is, to you, in three words:

My whole career.

Best thing about your work environment?

The people! It’s so nice to be back in the office and speak to humans.

Framestore is great at:

Giving you challenges and responsibility if you ask for them.

Favourite artform?

Favourite to do, photography. Favourite to watch, stop-motion animation.

Favourite image?

I took this shot of a hyena under a full moon on the Easter weekend. It was an amazing moment.

Fictional character you’d like to hang with?

The Vicar of Dibley. I think she’d be a laugh and shares my passion for chocolate.

Happiness looks like:

My cat when he notices I’ve woken up and it’s breakfast time.

If not here, then where?

I’m not sure yet, I really do like being in London.

What do you think of too often?

What I’m going to eat next.

And not enough?

Whether that next meal should include some vegetables.

Couldn’t live without:

Nando’s Perinaise.

If you ruled the world:

Naps would be encouraged at all ages.

Hayley Thomas, you’ve been [FRAMED].