Paul Andrews Meets...

Who is Mel Croucher? He can be described in many ways, some of them even printable. Mel is known to many as the godfather of the UK computer games industry. He was there right at the beginning - the pioneer of multimedia - long before most people had even seen a computer, let alone knew what to do with it. Not only were the videogames produced in the early 80s by Mel's company Automata popular, but also the music often released with them garnered a cult following. As the brains behind some of the most ambitious games of the time, Mel worked with legends including Christopher Lee, Ian Dury, Frank Zappa and even the supergroup U2. This interview sees Mel take us on a tour of his early career as an architect through his journey into becoming a radio producer which somehow morphed into creating not just computer games but some of the world's first multi-media products. He talks candidly about his interviews on the BBC's Woman's Hour, his work with some of the world's biggest media icons, and even reveals his political views and his thoughts about a potential dystopian future media world. This is an unmissable, engaging and revealing interview with one of the UK games industry's leading cult figures.

Award winning international cartoonist & illustrator Mike Payne is the creator of many successful characters and concepts known all around the world. Over a billion greetings cards featuring his designs have been sold to date, and he is perhaps best known for being the creator of Tatty Teddy from the 'Me To You' concept. Mike drew the loveable charcoal bear with the blue nose under his pen name Miranda for seventeen years before moving to pastures new in 2004. This engaging interview sees Mike talk candidly about his life and career, from his time as a public servant through to concepts he is working on today. As well as discussing his creations such as Tatty Teddy and Charlie's Ark, Mike also covers his time as the resident cartoonist for Sky News, his fascinating lectures and his passion for acting. This is a rare chance to hear the world-renowned artist and much sought-after public speaker talk openly and honestly about his life and his work.