MIKE&PAYNE

MIKE&PAYNE is a London-based directing duo formed by filmmakers and animators Mike Tyler and Richard Payne. Their collaborative work spans 3D CGI, traditional 2D animation and live-action hybrids, with a focus on cinematic storytelling, stylized characters and imagined worlds. Their visual approach draws on science fiction, dark fantasy and anime, combining narrative action with graphic experimentation.

The duo directs game cinematics, promotional trailers, commercial campaigns and television title sequences. Their role extends across creative direction, visual development, motion design and narrative collaboration, adapting the visual language and production approach to each project. Their portfolio includes work for games publishers, entertainment companies and consumer brands, developed with specialist animation and production collaborators.

Animation and cinematic storytelling

For Need for Speed Unbound, they collaborated with Electronic Arts and Realtime UK on the official reveal trailer. The production combined Frostbite in-engine captures and realistic automotive environments with cel-shaded characters and graffiti-inspired motion design, set to music by A$AP Rocky. The result reflects their interest in bringing contrasting visual techniques into a shared cinematic treatment.

Their work on Marvel’s Midnight Suns included the title sequence and the prequel short Salem Sisters, made with Sun Creature for Marvel and 2K Games. These productions drew on the aesthetics of 1990s animated television. A different historical animation influence shaped Supercell’s Clashmas holiday short, which used a 1930s rubber-hose style.

Other collaborations include the Legends of Runeterra cinematics Guardians of the Ancient and Rise of the Underworlds, alongside the American Horror Stories opening sequence known as X or Howl. Across these projects, their directing practice moves between character performance, action choreography, atmospheric imagery and graphic title design.

Alongside commissioned work, the duo’s portfolio includes original and experimental shorts. Both directors also maintain individual directing practices, while the shared MIKE&PAYNE portfolio and collaborative contact channels remain available.