JASON BISHOP

How a lockdown discovery turned into an award-winning BBC adventure

During the pandemic in 2020, I came across a rough-edged animated Welsh comedy on YouTube called The Vale. Within minutes, I was hooked. Its raw, unfiltered humour and brilliantly scrappy animation captured the essence of Valleys life in a way I’d never seen before — equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and unapologetically real.

Joining The Vale: From Fan to Animator

When the show’s creator, Adam Llewellyn, put out a call on social media for animators to help with upcoming episodes, I didn’t hesitate. After a few online exchanges, I travelled down to Cardiff to meet Adam at a venue called Kong’s, and soon after, I was on board.

I worked on a few scenes as a volunteer — not for money, but for the sheer joy of being part of something that felt genuinely different and exciting.

That work led to one unforgettable night: the premiere of The Vale’s final episodes at The Market Hall Cinema in Brynmawr, the oldest cinema in Wales. Fans came from all over the country — the queue literally wrapped around the block. Inside, the atmosphere was electric; we realised we’d been part of something that had struck a deep cultural chord.

A documentary was even made about the show and that incredible evening — you can watch it here (and spot me at around the 15-minute mark).

From The Vale to The Golden Cobra

A year or two later, Adam got in touch again with some incredible news. The Vale had caught the attention of BBC Comedy producer Paul Forde, and after an initial pilot, the BBC commissioned a full eight-part spin-off: The Golden Cobra.

Set in the same fictional Ebbw Vale universe, The Golden Cobra follows Basil, a middle-aged Indian takeaway owner, his family, and the wonderfully eccentric people around him. Naturally, when Adam asked me to join the animation team, I jumped at the opportunity.

My first assignment? The unforgettable opening scene of Episode 1 — a cheerful, Disney-like rat enjoying a bite of naan bread before being abruptly flattened by Basil’s cricket bat!

From there, I worked on several key sequences, including the “fridge from hell” inspector scene and Basil’s chaotic advertisement spot, contributing animation, rigging, and background art.

National Recognition: From YouTube to the BAFTAs

Fast forward to October 2025, and The Golden Cobra has become a major success story — winning the Royal Television Society Award for Best New Comedy, and then going on to claim not one but two BAFTAs.

It’s surreal to think back to those early volunteer days and see how far the project has come. I’m incredibly proud of the entire team, and grateful to have played a small role in this creative journey — from grassroots Welsh humour to national recognition on the BBC.

What’s Next: Season Two of The Golden Cobra

The best part? The story doesn’t end here.

Production for Season 2 of The Golden Cobra is already well underway — and it’s even more ambitious than before. This new series will feature 12 episodes, packed with fresh ideas, bold storytelling, and plenty more of that unmistakable Valleys humour.

It’s been an incredible journey so far — one that perfectly embodies why I love working in animation: the blend of art, humour, and community spirit that turns creative ideas into something truly memorable.

If you’d like to learn more about my work in animation, digital production, or collaboration opportunities, feel free to get in touch  or explore my other projects.

https://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2025/10/06/59195/golden_cobra_wins_two_bafta_cymru_awards

https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/25525181.golden-cobra-adult-comedy-animation-wins-two-baftas

https://www.bafta.org/media-centre/press-releases/winners-2025-cymru-awards