A Creative Spark Ignited in Childhood
Johnny Fraser-Allen’s lifelong passion for fantasy was ignited at the age of five when his cousin introduced him to The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, and the board game HeroQuest—all in a single evening. This trifecta of storytelling, visual artistry, and imagination set the stage for what would become a career dedicated to world-building. Growing up in the late ’80s, surrounded by the era’s creature-feature action figures and practical effects blockbusters, Johnny dreamed of creating his own fantastical worlds.
Early Creative Aspirations
Johnny’s early aspirations centered on directing films, believing that overseeing a story’s visual and narrative elements was the ultimate creative endeavor. As a teenager, he made home movies filled with creatures and scrappy production values, showcasing a budding ability to weave narratives through art and design. His true passion, however, lay in the meticulous craft of world-building—creating immersive environments and characters that transport audiences to entirely new realms.
Breaking into Weta Workshop
Despite struggling in traditional art classes, Johnny built an impressive portfolio of creature designs during his high school years. This portfolio caught the attention of Richard Taylor at Weta Workshop, landing him a role in the miniatures department for King Kong. While initially told that his conceptual skills needed refinement, Johnny seized the opportunity to grow, learning from some of the world’s best designers. His dedication soon earned him a spot on the design team for The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian and, later, Spielberg’s Tintin.
Collaborating with Legends on The Hobbit
Working on The Hobbit was a career milestone for Johnny, but it came with two vastly different experiences. Under Guillermo del Toro’s direction, the project was a whirlwind of creativity and innovation, with Johnny’s designs resonating deeply with the director’s vision. Weekly brainstorming sessions with del Toro and legendary artists like Alan Lee and John Howe provided a masterclass in storytelling and design. However, when Peter Jackson took over the project, Johnny’s contributions became more limited, inspiring him to channel his creative energy into a personal project that had been quietly growing in the background—The Gloaming.
The Birth of The Gloaming
The Gloaming began as a passion project—a creative outlet for Johnny to design and sculpt his own world. Inspired by the fantastical characters and environments he grew up loving, Johnny poured his energy into creating a fully immersive tabletop gaming experience. This shift marked a turning point in his career, as he transitioned from full-time film design to building The Gloaming while taking select film projects that aligned with his artistic vision.
A Return to Tabletop Gaming
Johnny’s work in the film industry was pivotal, but he found the ultimate expression of world-building in tabletop gaming. His passion for creating terrain and characters led to the launch of Tabletop Troubadour Games and the groundbreaking terrain project Hagglethorn Hollow. These ventures allowed Johnny to fully immerse himself in the creative process, combining storytelling with hands-on craftsmanship. Tabletop gaming became a medium where Johnny could bring entire worlds to life without the constraints of traditional filmmaking.
Collaborations with Spielberg, Jim Henson, and More
Johnny’s film career includes collaborations with some of the most iconic names in the industry. From designing Spielberg’s The BFG to working with the Jim Henson Company on The Portable Door, Johnny has continually blended his passion for storytelling with his unmatched eye for design. These projects further cemented his reputation as a master world-builder and visual storyteller.
Looking Ahead: Expanding The Gloaming
Today, Johnny’s primary focus is on expanding The Gloaming through Dungeons & Dragons books and other tabletop projects. With his unique artistic style and dedication to immersive storytelling, Johnny continues to push the boundaries of what tabletop gaming can offer. His journey from childhood dreams to building fantastical worlds has not only defined his career but also inspired countless others to explore the magic of imagination.