(Source: Animation Magazine)
Animation Masters Summit started day two with a panel, organised in association with Animation Magazine, featuring animator, screenwriter, producer and voice actor Carl Harvey “C.H.” Greenblatt; Oscar-nominated and BAFTA-winning producer Jinko Gotoh; director, writer, character designer and voice actor Jorge R. Gutiérrez; and Emmy-nominated executive producer Sascha Paladino, with moderator Animation Magazine editor-in-chief Ramin Zahed.
The panel discussed about adapting during a pandemic, their upcoming projects and how aspiring animators can work toward their big break.
Gotoh said, “It’s a challenge adapting to the changing times, but going entirely virtual was not that difficult. We sure miss being around each other and working together but this is the time we can build sustainability.”
For Gutiérrez, the lockdown has been inspiring. “We thrived on adversity. The post covid world will be much better than the previous one,” he added.
The panel also talked about how hiring anyone from any part of the country has now become easier and possible. Paladino stated, “One can hire anyone anytime. No excuses anymore.”
Gotoh is an Oscar-nominated and BAFTA-winning producer and consultant for the animation industry. She has 25-plus years experience spanning a wide range of media, with particular emphasis on the evolution of animation and CGI. She produced last year’s Oscar-nominated feature Klaus and is currently producing the feature Escape from Hat for Neflix. Her screen credits include The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part, The Little Prince, The Illusionist, 9 and Finding Nemo.
C.H. hasboarded, written, and directed on SpongeBob SquarePants, The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy and Fish Hooks. He created and executive produced Chowder at Cartoon Networks, Harvey Beaks at Nickelodeon, and is currently overseeing the return of the Hanna-Barbera universe in Jellystone! at Warner Bros Animation, for HBO Max.
Gutiérrez is a director, writer, character designer and voice actor, known for animated feature film The Book of Life, produced by Guillermo del Toro. He is currently developing multiple unannounced projects for Netflix Animation.
Paladino is the Emmy-nominated exec producer of Disney Junior’s acclaimed new mystery-adventures series Mira, Royal Detective. He also developed and served as head writer and producer for Nickelodeon’s Ni Hao, Kai-lan. His additional writing credits include Doc McStuffins, Team Umizoomi, Wonder Pets, Winx Club, Tickety Toc, Blue’s Clues, Oobi and Sid the Science Kid.
The informative session gave away learnings to the audiences about the panelists’ exciting new feature and series projects in production, got to know their take on the new world of animation, found out their sources of inspiration, and some expert advice on how to break into the industry by showcasing your skills and talents.
