Animating Baltimore's Heart: Corey Whidby's Artistic Journey

Greetings to 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, presented by your host, Rob Lee. Today I chatted with Corey Whidby, a Baltimore native renowned for his captivating animated web series, Charm Street. As an accomplished animator with over a decade of experience, Corey's devotion lies in crafting distinctive and genuine narratives that deeply connect with viewers. With a rich history in animation since 2009, he has honed his skills to become a masterful storyteller, bringing to life the essence of Charm Street and infusing authenticity into every frame.

In this talk, we navigate through:

• How Corey Whidby translates his Baltimore upbringing into the vibrant narratives of Charm Street, delving into the series' local influences and universal themes.
• Corey's perspective on storytelling authenticity, unpacking his methods for crafting characters that bridge relatability and uniqueness, and how this approach enhances the show's connection with viewers.
• Take a behind-the-scenes look at Corey's creative journey, from jotting down initial ideas to the spontaneous magic of recording sessions, revealing how his commitment to natural dialogue shapes the show's dynamic energy.
• Uncover Corey's iterative animation process, uncovering the methods he employs to continuously refine his style, fostering a captivating and visually polished viewing experience.
• Join the discussion about Corey's visionary aspiration to create an iconic show that stands the test of time, and delve into the factors that contribute to Charm Street's potential for becoming a lasting cultural touchstone.

Corey shares his experiences growing up in Baltimore and how they inform his work. He talks about the importance of authenticity in storytelling and how he incorporates his own experiences into the show. Corey also discusses his creative process, from writing to animation, and his goal of creating a show that resonates with audiences for years to come.

Check out Charm Street here.

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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

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