
Animation Industry Podcast
Welcome to AIP, the Animation Industry Podcast!
Here you'll find interviews from today's top leadaers in the animation industry on topics like:
*the best way to pitch a show
*how to successfully market your work online
*what kind of skills will get your dream job
*and more!
Who's running this podcast?
My name is Terry, and I'm a stop motion animator. I'm soaking up as much knowledge about the animation industry as I can, and sharing what I learn along the way.
For more information about this podcast, visit https://terryibele.com/animation-industry-podcast/
Latest episodes

Apr 21, 2020 • 1h 24min
Episode 62: Stop Motion Director Jamie Caliri And How He Created Dragonframe With His Brother
This episode features Director Jamie Caliri, who shares how he created Dragonframe Stop Motion Software.
You’ll also learn:
*Insights into Jamie’s career as a music video director
*How he and his brother manage to stay ahead of the curve with Dragonframe
*His best advice for following your dreams
More about Jamie:
Jamie Caliri is one of the creators of Dragonframe software, the foremost stop motion software on the market. He is also a multiple award winning director, winning an Emmy, and three Annies for his work in music videos and commercials.
*Check out Jamie's work on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/jamiecaliri
*Check out Dragonframe Stop Motion Software: https://www.dragonframe.com/
*Learn more about this podcast: https://terryibele.com/animation-industry-podcast/

Apr 15, 2020 • 1h 40min
Episode 61: Animation Writer James Walsh & The Successful Story Formula For Animated Shows
This episode features James Walsh, a writer for children’s animated TV shows. James shares his journey into writing and how he landed a role on the smash hit Hey Dugee.
You’ll also learn:
*3 things that will help you develop judgment for writing
*How to make yourself invaluable as a writer (it has nothing to do with writing)
*The ultimate answer to what makes a good writer?
More about James Walsh:
James Walsh is a writer for animation who currently lives and works out of Scotland. He is part of the freelance writing team for the super smash hit preschool show Hey Duggee, which airs on the BBC in the UK and Nick Jr in the US, plus it has nearly 1 billion views on YouTube.
James began writing for children’s TV animation back in 2015 and has also worked as a development writer, helping studios shape their series ideas and create killer pitch bibles.
Follow James on Twitter: https://twitter.com/walshpjames
Check out the BBC Writersroom: https://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/

Apr 8, 2020 • 1h 4min
Episode 60: 3D Animator Gemal Plummer On What It Takes To Get Hired In CG
This episode features Toronto CG Animator Gemal Plummer who shares what it takes to get hired as a CG character animator.
You’ll also learn:
*3 super tips that will speed up your workflow
*An overview of which studios in Toronto work in CG
*Which non-animation activities can help you improve your animation
[SPONSORED MESSAGE] This episode is sponsored by The Animation Box.
The Animation Box is an online learning platform specialized in teaching 3D Character Animation. They currently have a special deal on their Cartoon Mechanics Masterclass where you will learn step by step how to animate a cartoon-stylized shot from blocking to spline in Autodesk Maya.
The Masterclass is a 20+hr video course full of unique lectures, tips and tricks and workflow methods that are used in the feature film industry. You'll also get access to unique Character Rigs for Maya that can be used to create your personal shots.
They also offer Mentorship training and more workshops are coming in the near future.
Check them out at https://www.theanimationbox.com/
~~
More about Gemal:
Gemal Plummer is a Toronto-based CG animator. He studied animation at Seneca College and has since worked at some of the top animation studios in Toronto including Industrial Brothers, Cuppa Coffee, Guru, and Jam Filled.
*Follow Gemal on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gemal67/
*Check out Gemal’s reel and character animations on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user6034897

Mar 31, 2020 • 47min
Episode 59: Stop Motion Animator Amber Padgett On How To Quit Your Job & Animate For A Living
This episode features Amber Padgett, a stop motion director, animator, and fabricator who shares how to quit your job and follow your ultimate dream.
You’ll also learn:
*How Amber went from working at a grocery store to some of the top stop motion studios in the US
*How to make uncomfortable comfortable to push yourself to new heights
*How Amber carved out a niche for herself in outdoor stop motion
More about Amber:
Amber is a stop motion director, fabricator, and animator working out of LA. She’s worked on projects at Open the Portal, Stoopid Buddies, and FullScreen studios.
*Check out Amber’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heavysweaterproductions/
*Check out Amber’s website: http://www.heavysweaterproductions.com/

Mar 24, 2020 • 1h 1min
Episode 58: The Sketch Effect Founder William Warren Shares His Journey into B2B Animation
This episode features The Sketch Effect Founder William Warren, who shares what the B2B animation industry is like.
You’ll also learn:
*The top 3 things that set you apart from other animation applicants
*How The Sketch Effect grew without any traditional marketing
*What skills you need to make it in the B2B animation side of things
More about William Warren:
William is an entrepreneur, illustrator, marketer and writer who has spent his career using visuals to help communicate ideas in an effective and enjoyable way. William is the Founder and CEO of The Sketch Effect, a Visual Communication agency that helps make ideas understandable and actionable through animation, live event sketching and graphic design. The Sketch Effect’s client list includes top-tier brands such as Marriott, Walmart, Microsoft, Chick-fil-A, P&G, and Delta in addition to premier consultancies including Boston Consulting Group, Bain (bain and co), Ernst & Young and Accenture. The Sketch Effect has sketched for thought leaders such as Steve Wozniak, Brene Brown, Malala Yousafzai, Sheryl Sandberg, Peyton Manning, and more. William lives in Atlanta, GA with his wife Monica and young kids, Liam and Gracie.
Visit The Sketch Effect's website: https://thesketcheffect.com/
Follow The Sketch Effect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesketcheffect/?hl=en

Mar 17, 2020 • 1h 6min
Episode 57: Stop Motion Animator Adam Taylor On How To Get Hired For Stop Motion
This episode features Adam Taylor on how to get hired as a stop motion animator.
You’ll also learn:
*How to become known for a specific animation technique
*How to ensure you have a constant flow of gigs lined up
*A list of all the stop motion studios in the USA
More about Adam Taylor:
Adam Taylor has an MFA in stop-motion from Falmouth University. He is currently a freelance stop motion animator and has worked on the Shivering Truth Seasons 1 and 2. Besides animation, Adam is a husband and family man.
*Follow Adam on Instagram: @adamtaylor_animator
*Follow Adam’s wife, Erin Taylor on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erintaylorillustrator/
*Check out Adam’s work on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/adamtaylorart

Mar 10, 2020 • 1h 20min
Episode 56: 2D Animator Josh Pinker On How Networking With Studios Actually Works
This episode features 2D animator Josh Pinker on how to network properly in the animation industry (so everyone knows who you are). He also shares how he developed his latest e-book Your Animated Journey, a self-help guide to getting hired and working your way up as an animator.
You’ll also learn:
*How to use LinkedIn’s algorithm to get a job
*The three not-so-talked about things that will get you hired (hint: they having nothing to do with your animation skills)
*Why Canada is a better opportunity than the US if you want to be a 2D Animator
More about Josh Pinker:
Originally from New Jersey, Josh Pinker graduated from Lesley University with a degree in animation. Since then he’s worked on more than a dozen TV shows including Teen Titans Go, My Little Pony, UniKitty, Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood, Corner Gas, and the Cyanic and Happiness shorts. He is currently animating on Big Blue at Guru Studio in Toronto.
*Support the kickstarter for Josh’s e-book Your Animated Journey: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/your-animated-journey-e-book#/
*Follow Josh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatkidpinker/
*Check out Josh’s website: https://www.pinkerart.com/

Mar 4, 2020 • 1h 14min
Episode 55: UK Stop Motion Animator Trevor Hardy On How He Directed The Feature Film "Strike"
This episode features Trevor Hardy, a Stop Motion Animator and Director from the UK. In this chat, he shares how he ended up directing the stop motion feature film Strike, and what it’s like to make a living in the industry.
You’ll also learn:
*What the stop motion industry is like in the UK (and it might surprise you)
*What it really takes to pursue stop motion as a full-time career
*The nitty-gritty details of how the feature film Strike was developed
More about Trevor Hardy:
Trevor Hardy has been a stop motion animator/director for over 20 years. He is the owner of PigBird Stop Motion Studio and his credits include Watermill Farm: A series of short plasticine farm animal adventures for Nickelodeon’s Nick Jr channel, and Pushkin: Bafta shortlisted animation about an old lady who cannot find her beloved cat and which has won many awards both in the UK and internationally. Recently Trevor finished directing ‘STRIKE’ a 90 minute stop-motion feature film, currently enjoying it’s cinema release in the UK, France and America.
*Watch the trailer for Strike here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_M9mom2ZWo&t=
*Check out Trevor’s studio here: https://www.pigbirdstop-motionstudio.com/

Feb 25, 2020 • 1h 7min
Episode 54: Mathias Richard Horhager On How To Become a Kid's TV Show Director
This episode features Filipino-Canadian Creator, Director, Writer and Filmmaker Mathias Richard Horhager on how to become a kid’s TV show director.
You’ll also learn:
*The secret ingredients to producing a hit episode
*Which part of the show to spend the most time in as a director
*How to create a mentality that always pushes you forward in your career
More about M.R. Horhager:
M.R. Horhager is a Filipino-Canadian creator, director, writer and filmmaker from Toronto, Ontario with a decade of experience in the animation industry. His work includes directing the award-winning series “Dot.” produced by the Jim Henson Company, working with Sesame Workshop as a director on “Prankster Planet”, and his current role as Director and Creative Producer on Nickelodeon’s “Blues Clues & You” reboot.
His past director credits also include the pre-school series “Chirp”, and the Christmas special "The Curse of Clara: A Holiday Tale", which won a 2017 Canadian Screen Award for "Best Animated Program or Series".
In addition to his work in broadcast TV, M.R. Horhager is also a prolific creator of original animated content, with multiple projects in various stages of development. He has also written, directed and produced several short films, with many that have appeared in international festivals, including "Extreme Nuts" (2010), "Ball'oons" (2011), "I Hate You Red Light" (2012), "Ringo" (2012), and "Kafka’s Little Fable" (2016). In 2017, he was invited to pitch one of his original projects, “The Distinguished Dinosaurs”, at the acclaimed Annecy International Animated Film Festival.
M.R. Horhager’s varied experience has given him the opportunity to work on shows and develop content that span from the pre-school demographic up to adult. In addition to his many projects, his newest venture in 2020 is leveraging his strong storytelling ability as a TV writer.
*Follow Mathias on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrhorhager/
*Follow Mathias on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MRHorhager

Feb 19, 2020 • 47min
Episode 53: Blue Sky Senior Lighting TDs Michael And Jasmine On How To Become A CG Lighting Artist
This episode of the Animation Industry Podcast features two prominent Blue Sky Studios Lighting Artists - Jasmine Katatikarn and Michael Tanzillo - who also run the Academy of Animation Art. In this chat, they share how to become a CG lighting artist in today’s industry.
You’ll also learn:
*What to include in your portfolio when applying for jobs
*The simple goal that will light a scene well no matter what
*The ins and outs of working as a CG lighting artist at a major studio
More about Jasmine Katatikarn and Michael Tanzillo:
Jasmine is currently a Senior Lighting Technical Director at Blue Sky Studios. Her lighting credits include Ferdinand, Peanuts, Rio 2, Epic, Ice Age: Continental Drift, Rio, Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, Ghost Town, and The Nanny Diaries.
Mike is currently a Senior Lighting TD at Blue Sky Studios. His lighting credits include Rio 2, Epic, Ice Age: Continental Drift, Rio, Scrat’s Continental Crack-up, Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, Peanuts and Ferdinand.
*Get your free copy of "Three Expert Insider Secrets for
a Successful Demo Reel": https://academyofanimatedart.com/