[FRAMED]: Murray Butler, Framestore Executive Creative Director and Framestore Pictures Director, 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?
Looking at all of the past Framed answers to help me answer this.
What was your last brush with danger?
Following David Hay down a mountain (well, a large hill) in Zagreb on a mountain bike.
Your last brush with greatness?
It was a long time ago, but when George Michael mistook me for William Bartlett and shook my hand before being led away.
Your worst character fault?
It has been said that I’m pretty tight (I disagree of course).
If you had taken a different path, what would you be doing now?
Something with words as I like to write.
You’re on the run from the law, where are you headed?
An island in Croatia, but I can’t tell you which one, of course.
Who’s your partner-in-crime?
My wife Maryanne.
Fantasy cellmate?
Alan Titchmarsh, Jules Hudson, any member of the cast of Love Island — or a combo!
Your greatest achievement?
Opening Framestore in New York with a small crew was very exciting.
Most valuable skill?
Creative diplomacy.
Go on, say something bragging:
I have a US passport now.
Name your vice/pet peeve?
Escape to the country (see cellmate).
The DREAM project would entail:
Getting to make something longer than 2 minutes. That’s in my hands I guess.
Your career highlight to date:
Shooting at the UN General Assembly Hall was special.
This week I learnt that:
I’m making the same mistakes I made ten years ago. Must try harder.
Give us a desk tour
It’s my grandfather’s old desk. I have an EIZO somewhere else (the cloakroom), but it looks nicer here… so it’s a little staged.
What do you need to work, on the daily?
The usual: tea, a few laughs, music, and bad sports radio. The news is… too much.
Framestore is, to you, in three words:
Still the best.
Best thing about your work environment?
It’s a beautiful area of London — and you can buy judge wigs opposite. That’s pretty special.
Framestore is great at
Innovation, nurturing talent, and consistent excellence.
Favourite artform?
Music or literature. Depending on the day.
Favourite image?
I always liked:
Fictional character you’d like to hang with?
Philip Marlowe as played by Elliot Gould.
Happiness looks like:
A pint of Adnams on a long English summer night.
If not here, then where?
I still love Brooklyn.
What do you think of too often?
Bitcoin (thanks Steve Drew).
And not enough?
Absent friends.
Couldn’t live without:
Red wine. Charlton Athletic. I’m a sucker for punishment.
If you ruled the world:
I will be a benevolent leader. Just don’t question my decisions.
Murray Butler, you’ve been [FRAMED].
