Tell us a little about yourself and your career.
I am thrilled to be directing at Warner Bros. after many years working in prime time and feature animation, as I consider television my home. Both of my Emmys are for Cartoon Network productions: Camp Lazlo and Adventure Time.
Who are your inspirations in the field of animation?
I grew up on a steady diet of NFB [National Film Board of Canada] films, and I don’t know where I would be if I hadn’t seen The Big Snit by Richard Condie and Hunger/La Faim by Peter Foldes a million times. These two animated shorts showed me that animation could be hilarious, inventive, allegorical, weird, and powerful. I am blown away by the animators who create their own work outside the studio networks, like Robert Valley and Kirsten Lepore. I continuously revisit their creations to get inspired and excited. I also love so much of what I see streaming. Elizabeth Ito’s City of Ghosts is brilliant! I just have to look around at my coworkers or my students and I feel refreshed, delighted, and ready to create.
What challenges have you faced in navigating a career in animation?
I started at a time when the field was very much white and male-dominated, but after more than two decades in the L.A. animation industry, I am thrilled by the changes that are slowly happening from the inside out. While leadership at most major studios have recognized that diversity and equity in the workplace are wanting, the real push for change has come from the workers themselves—it’s been both a surprise and a relief. I love that much of the support has been generated by people just starting in the industry. There are multiple ways to communicate and work now; all the formerly guarded “industry secrets” are opening up for all to see and share. Nowadays my challenges are more creative and rewarding, and it’s a pleasure to work in a field where there’s room for everyone.
What do you hope to accomplish as an artist in the animation industry?
I would love to continue directing, teaching, and mentoring. If anyone needs another counting animation for Sesame Street, I’m your person.
What does being in the Union mean to you?
Being in the Union means belonging to a powerful community. It means that I have a place that is parallel to my job, that understands my job, that I can call when I need help, direction, or training. It also means that I have healthcare and a pension so I can retire in comfort to a craft hut with a view. I am so proud of our Union and our goals for the future!
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