Blacksquid is a narrative studio blending compelling storytelling with games designed to captivate and engage!
Play your imagination!
Blacksquid are incredibly proud to have take part in GAME CHANGER - an accelerator run by Games London for female led and under represented Games Studios. We had an awesome time being part of the cohort and loved every moment of attending SLUSH in Helsinki!
Our games are designed to immerse and entertain...our stories come alive!
'Blue Note' is a One Day style love story set in New York.
WHO ARE WE?
Blacksquid studios are a group of filmmakers and gamers who have come together to make games and tell compelling stories.
C'mon meet the team!
Jo Lewis - Director/Creative Director
Jo brings an entrepreneurial spirit to creativity, working at the intersection of film, television, and narrative games. With a passion for uniting cinematic storytelling with innovation and interactive design, Jo’s work consistently pushes the boundaries of how stories are told and experienced across multiple platforms.
Jo’s current screen projects reflect a commitment to impactful and original storytelling. These include "OWEN," a feature documentary exploring the life and legacy of wrestling icon Owen Hart, produced in collaboration with Lee Brazier (Yesterday). Another major project is "Echolalic," a feature film with Erebus Pictures (known for "Hoard" and "100 Nights of Hero") and supported by the BFI, showcasing Jo’s ability to develop compelling narratives for the big screen.
Jo’s previous credits span a wide range of acclaimed productions for major broadcasters such as ITV, Channel 4, BBC, and Discovery Channel. Jo has also contributed to films by renowned directors including Mike Leigh, Anthony Minghella, Ridley Scott, and Andrea Arnold’s Oscar-winning short "Wasp." This diverse experience has honed Jo’s skills in both documentary and dramatic storytelling, as well as in collaborating with leading creative talents.
In the world of games, Jo is the founder and Creative Director of Blacksquid Studios, where the focus is on blending narrative depth with interactive gameplay. Jo is currently producing "Blue Note," a debut narrative-driven game that has already garnered industry recognition. "Blue Note" was selected for the prestigious Games London Game Changer Accelerator and was recently showcased at SLUSH in Helsinki, highlighting its innovative approach and Jo’s vision for the future of interactive storytelling.
Through a career that bridges film, television, and games, Jo continues to champion new ways of engaging audiences, combining a love of cinematic craft with a drive to explore the possibilities of interactive media.
Alex Whittaker - Tech Director
Alex is an accomplished programmer, architect, and leader with a deep focus on data-driven game architectures. With a proven history of success on award-winning titles and a remarkable impact on over 20 million players worldwide, Alex stands out as a driving force in the gaming industry. His portfolio features acclaimed projects such as I AM PLAYR (BAFTA nominated), Championship Manager, and Republic: The Revolution, each showcasing his commitment to innovation and excellence.
Throughout his career, Alex has brought his expertise to some of the industry’s most respected studios, including the BAFTA-nominated Flavourworks, Bossa Studios, Elixir Studios, WE R Interactive, and Sony Psygnosis. His leadership and technical vision have consistently elevated teams and projects, resulting in engaging, memorable gaming experiences. Alex’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of interactive entertainment continues to inspire both colleagues and players alike.
Paul Carter - Head of Studio
A seasoned Media Consultant with over 30 years of experience spanning a wide range of sectors within the media industry. Began a career on the camera floor, gaining hands-on technical expertise and a deepunderstanding of production workflows. Progressed into the camera rental business, where leadership was demonstrated by successfully managing a thriving hire facility, building a reputation for reliability and service excellence.
In recent years, experience has expanded into the studio sector, with a particular focus on monitoring and integrating emerging technologies to enhance the quality and efficiency of services provided. Recognized as an adept manager, bringing together a wealth of industry knowledge, operational expertise, and an extensive network of professional contacts cultivated over decades.
Highly skilled at identifying new market opportunities and developing robust customer relationships that drive profitable business outcomes. Consistently demonstrates strong commercial acumen and a clear understanding of clients’ key business objectives, ensuring that solutions are tailored to meet evolving needs and deliver tangible value.
Ann de Vries - Narrative Designer
Ann is a talented writer and narrative designer with a passion for storytelling and interactive experiences. In her most recent position at Tripledot Studios, she began her journey as a contract dialogue writer for the popular game 'Piper's Pet Cafe.' Through her dedication, creativity, and keen understanding of narrative structure, Ann quickly distinguished herself within the team. Within just two years, she advanced to become the narrative design lead for the entire studio, overseeing story development and guiding the creative vision for multiple projects.
Ann draws on her diverse background in literature, technology, and art to approach the unique challenges of crafting engaging and immersive stories for games. She thrives on blending traditional storytelling techniques with innovative interactive elements, ensuring that each narrative resonates with players and enhances their gaming experience. Her commitment to pushing the boundaries of narrative design continues to inspire those around her and drive the success of the projects she leads.
Adam Rees - Games Designer
Meet Adam, a Barrister with a rich background in filmmaking and a lifelong passion for gaming. Adam’s unique blend of legal expertise and creative vision has set him apart in every field he has entered.
In 2010, Adam’s aspirations took a significant leap forward when he began working as a consultant for Blackout Classic. This opportunity allowed him to combine his diverse skills and immerse himself in the world of gaming, a field he had always been drawn to.
Adam’s dedication and innovative approach quickly made an impact. By 2016, he had risen to the position of lead designer at Blackout Entertainment, where he took on the responsibility of guiding creative direction and overseeing major projects. His leadership and multifaceted experience have been instrumental in shaping the company’s success and reputation within the industry.