Animation Articulation: Ricky Santana

How's your weekend, guys? I had a blast--it was TOYCON here in the Philippines! Much happiness. Very toys. So wow. But other than that, we're going to be kicking it with another cool animator, Ricky Santana!

P.S. He worked in the Wild Thornberries. Who doesn't love Nigel!?!?!?

Hi, Ricky! How did you get so cool--I mean, start in the animation industry?

In 1989, I was privileged to be among a batch of artists coming from outside the industry that was trained to become animators. This was at Fil-Cartoons, Inc., a Hanna-Barbera subsidiary at the time. At one point, I was also elected by my fellow animators to be the Animation Department Representative, a position that entailed being the channel between the department and management. In 1994, I left for the United States.

Wow, all that in just five years! What would you say is your greatest achievement?

I am at present a Storyboard Artist and Retakes Director on one of the most popular and enduring characters, Dora the Explorer. I have been on this show since 2001, and I think that the length of tenure in itself is already quite an achievement because of the animation industry's volatility. In the late 1990's, I was also fortunate to be a partner in a small animation studio based in Los Angeles, called Reeldraw Animation,  that took in subcontract work from the likes of Warner Bros., Clasky-Csupo and DIC Entertainment. The studio lasted only two years but I am proud to have helped provide jobs, even it were just freelance, to other Filipino artists at a time when the industry was at one of its lowest points.

Were there any obstacles?

Being a minority in America is always a challenge. To gain respect from peers in the animation center of the world has not been an easy task.

So what are the shows you've done?

In the Philippines, I did animation on a lot of Hannah-Barbera shows like The Smurfs, Captain Planet and Johnny Quest. In my early years in the US, I was a Directing Animator in a CD-Rom company called 7th Level and worked on games for characters such as Ace Ventura and Timon and Pumba. When I had my own studio, I was really ecstatic to have animated for commercials that featured Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner, and also Tom and Jerry. I also did storyboards for The Wild Thornberries. This was also an opportunity to diversify so I did designs, timing and slugging for various shows such as The Avengers and Clifford the Big Red Dog. At Nickelodeon, it was Dora the Explorer, and now the new series, Dora and Friends, which I'm proud to say is taking shape with the collaboration with Snipple Animation in the Philippines.

What can you say about the animation industry in the Philippines? 

The early to mid-90's is what I consider the golden years of animation in the Philippines. The industry had been severely affected by the transition from traditional to digital, and also by the resurgence of Korean studios. Now for the first time in a long while, a major American company, Nickelodeon, is again putting its trust on the talent of Filipino animators by way of Dora and Friends. I am confident that with the right combination of proper management and homegrown creative skills, the second coming of this golden age is just around the corner.

Any advice for the people who want to get into Animation?

In this digital age, traditional skills are still very important. It is the foundation that ultimately defines an artist in the industry. Also, as much as it is great to excel on one department, to diversify is what can help you in the long run. Learn what you can!

That was awesome, Ricky! Thank you! Hope to talk to you again real soon! 

Animation Articulation: Eddie Soriano

Hi guys, guess who I just spoke to recently? Eddie Soriano, animator of those crazy cool cartoons we all grew to love. My personal favorite is CatDog--that one was insanely funny!

Hi, Eddie! How did you start in the animation industry?

It happened by accident. I was working with a group of artists (painters) way back late 80′s. I saw them preparing their resumes to apply for Fil-Cartoons: Hanna-Barbera (center-page ad in the paper). I totally had no clue of what that company was. I just went with the flow and did what others were doing. I applied, and of the number of people who applied (from our company), 2 were called in. I was one of the 2, was trained, and got the job.

Wow, that's a pretty cool story. What are your greatest achievement in animation?

Every show I've worked at is an achievement. But the greatest achievement of all is being recognized. Promotion from an ordinary animator into a full-fledged director of some globally known cartoon shows. Got a recognition award for working on "Arthur", winning an Emmy. One of the shows I directed won the Leo Awards for "Best animated TV series".

I'd say those are pretty big achievements in animation. Were there any obstacles?

The only obstacle I've experienced and I know that most animation artists are still experiencing, is work stability. Animation job just like any other showbiz gig--they're are mostly contractual. Worrying starts to happen when your contract is nearing it's end.

Shows you've done?

Oh, a few of them are the following:

1. Disney's Jungle Cubs
2. Mighty Ducks
3. Atomic Betty
4. Captain Flamingo
5. Animaniacs
6. Yvon of the Yukon
7. D' Myna League
8. Corduroy
9. Savage Dragon
10. Peter Rabbit
11. Strawberry Shortcake
12. Blaze
13. Catdog
14. Kid vs. Kat
15. Voltron
16. Rescue Bots
17. 1001 Nights

Oh, and I've also done some Canadian commercials; Esso, Alberta Milk, Purex Tissue... and a couple of MTV videos.

That's cool. What can you say about the animation industry in the Philippines?

Animation industry in the Philippines is strong and can continue to become one of the world's leaders in animation. The Philippines is the birthplace of some world-class animators. The Philippines is also known for delivering quality animation. It is always the first choice of overseas studios looking to farm out work. English as a second language is an advantage.... we get the cartoon gags, communication is never an issue, Filipinos are hard-workers and of course, talented. While some animation studios have already engaged in locally produced projects, the government and local networks must continue to support the industry to boost it's animated productions with the goal of being self-reliance, not always leaning for service work from other western studios.

Wow, that's big. Do you have any advice for people who want to get into Animation?

Never give up things that you love doing. If you like animation, don’t stop practicing. I must admit, it’s hard to get in if you don’t have the connections and if you are not good enough. The trick is be good and always update your portfolio. Talk to the people in the industry. Browse studio websites and see what’s happening around you. Don’t be afraid to step forward and present yourself.

Thanks Eddie! Hope to talk to you again real soon!

If you guys want to check out Eddie at IMDB, here's the link: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4596707/

Animation Articulation: Wincat Alcala

Hi guys! Hope you had a great weekend. I know I did. I got this short interview with the guy who did all my favorites--Batman, The Brave and the Bold, Anastasia, Yogi Bear, Scooby Doo--and SO. MUCH. MORE. Check out my interview with Wincat Alcala.

Hi, Wincat! How did you start in the animation industry?

I started in the industry as an assistant animator or inbetweener back in 1985. The company's name was Burbank Animation, an Australian company based in Manila. I was fortunate to pass the test and I was immediately hired and trained under the supervision of Ms. Janice Venezuela Tolentino. The very first show I worked on as an inbetweener was called "Where Did I Come From?" Then, from there, I just worked my way up as a clean-up artist and finally became an animator after a year.

Wow, that was pretty fast--all in a year. What would you consider as your greatest achievement in animation?

Well, for me, I look at my 29 years of experience as an achievement. Because in this industry, the level of competition is very high, people come and go, I'm just thankful that I'm still here and doing the thing I love most. 

29 years! I’m sure you encountered a lot of obstacles. Could you tell us some of those? 

The obstacle was learning and embracing the new technology. Coming from a traditional background, it was really hard for me to wrap my mind around the concept of digital drawing. I had to re-tool myself and learn the programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Toonboom and Flash Animation in order to survive the rapidly changing industry.

Could you tell us some of the shows you've worked on?

Fox TV Animation as Storyboard Artist/Assistant Director for Family Guy

Warner Bros. Animation as storyboard artist for Batman, The Brave and the Bold

Nickelodeon as Storyboard Artist/ X-sheet Timer for Dora, The Explorer, Director for Danny Phantom and Fairly Odd Parents.

Stan Lee Media as animator for 7th Portal, The Accuser, Backstreet Boys

Zoom Cartoons as Character Animator / Storyboard Artist for The Agent, Roswell Conspiracy, Binny Skitch, Pigs Next Door.

7th Level Inc. as Animator/ Director/ Storyboard Artist/ Character Designer for Coldblooded, Agent 7 , Timon and Pumbaa, Gamebreak, Li’l Howie’s Great Word Adventure,

Battle Beast, The Universe To According Virgil’s Reality, Kid’s World.

Fil Cartoons Inc. as Animator/ Animation Director

for Scooby Doo, Paddington Bear, Snorks, Smurfs, Pirates of the Dark Water, Dreamstone, Police Academy, The Addams Family, Timeless Tales and Jonny Quest.

Optifex Animation International as Animator for Flinstones Kids, Yogi Bear, The Jetsons, Dino’s Dilemma.

Burbank Animation as Inbetweener, Animator for Where Did I Come From?, Defenders of the Earth, My Little Pony, Gem.

Freelance Character Animator for Anastasia, The Beautician and the Beast, Bartok the Magnificent.

What can you say about the Animation industry in the Philippines?

The animation industry in the Philippines is still very young. We have so many talented animators but the industry is very small. My dream is for the industry to become a strong one--one that will create jobs for the Filipino animators. I want it to become one of the leading animation service providers and also, producer of original shows to local and foreign market.

Thanks, Wincat! Before we go, do you have any advice for people who want to get into Animation?

I would say, get a sketchbook and do a lot of figure drawings, male and female. Draw from life, like people in the mall walking, sitting, running and etc. Draw different animals and study their movements. Learn to draw environments too, from interior rooms to landscapes. Basically, DRAW EVERYDAY! Don't stop learning new tricks and be a versatile artist.

Links:

• http://www.wincatalcala.com
• http://www.wincatalcala.blogspot.com
• http://www.youtube.com/user/WincatAlcala
• http://www.wincatalcala.blogspot.com
• http://www.juandelaruisers.net

Testimonial

"First and foremost, I would like to thank everyone in Animation & Beyond  for giving me the privilege of working for them as an Intern. It has been such a pleasure, I am very honored to have met such kind and warm people.

Their vision of introducing education in an extraordinary way is what I believe would be the key to this next generation's future. As we all know, kids these days mostly have a handheld consoles and won't even bother to read books and such. What better way to spark the interest of the young ones with cute lovable characters like Candy and Dave,  to teach them not only things that are written and read but also the essential things in life. Even I have learned a few things here and there in regard to my animation course.     

I would highly recommend Beyond Notebooks as an avant-garde company that has surely a lot more innovation to bring in store."

 -Krisha Que

https://www.facebook.com/AnimationandBeyond/posts/10152546439718338

Animation Articulation: Cash Imutan

Hey guys, it's us again, from Animation and Beyond. This is our first post for our blog--we're gonna be interviewing animators who've made it out there as inspiration to all y'all who are starting out.

Today we're going to be talking to Cash Imutan, who's worked with a lot of the cartoons we grew up with--Johnny Bravo, Johnny Quest, The Powerpuff girls, The Mask--and a lot more.



Hi, Cash! How and when did you start in the animation industry?


I started in 1988. My brother and I applied and took a test at Fil-cartoons. We both passed and got the chance to be part of the 1st batch that the animation company ever trained.


To date, what is your greatest achievement in Animation?


I was able to work in Feature films and work with a legendary Director such as Don Bluth and Gary Goldman


How was it, at first?


I found it difficult to catch up on the requirements and quality of animation they need, We were used to TV animation, We focused more on key drawings--having the best (dynamic) poses, proportions, emotions, secondary actions, volume, character. and weight.

When working on a movie, you had to draw every image, and it had to be good. The studio with the directors previewed all animations. I remember they had to be completed by Thursdays, since they were viewed the following day in a movie theater room,


Feature film companies had its own cinemas inside the company so we could see all the problems that a viewer would see later. That included sound FX, and music. Since all the movies we worked on were based on human characters (Anastasia, TITAN AE, and Prince of Egypt from Dreamworks), I went to a night school after work from 7-11pm at Glendale College and studied anatomy drawings, This helped me improve my skills and I was able to live up to their expectations.Fox Animation Studios was a company that hired artists from around the world, This included Ireland, UK, Canada, Japan, Korea, China, Bulgaria, Poland, Australia, and Philippines to name a few, and with this came huge pressures. Each country was competing to produce the best artists.


We're all interested: what are the shows you've done?


On television, I've done:

• Dark Water 
• Captain Planet 
• Young Robin hood 
• Meena 
• Daisy Head Mayzie 
• Spike and Tyke 
• Treasure Island 
• Blammo the Clown 
• Johnny Bravo 
• Disc World 
• Mumfie Christmas Special Shake and Flick 
• Hard Luck Duck 
• George and Junior 
• Pizza Boy 
• Melvin and Malcolm 
• Hillbilly Blue 
• Dino 
• Podunk Possum 
• Mina and the Count 
• Sledgehammer 
• Opossum 
• The Power Puff Girls 
• Bloos Gang 
• Swamp and Tad 
• Dexter's Lab 
• Boid and Woim 
• The Mask 
• Johnny Quest 
• The Cave Kids 
• Snow Queen II 
• Jungle Boy 
• Cow and Chicken 
• Snoots New Squats 
• Droopy 

Wow. That's a huge list! And for movies?


I worked with Timeless Tales Feature Film Movies and did:

• Anastasia 
• Titan A.E., 
• Prince of Egypt 
• Spirit (Stallion of the Cimarron) 
• 8 Crazy Nights 

Those were the animated movies I grew up with. Cash, what can you say about the Animation industry in the Philippines?


I have seen a lot of Filipino artists/Animators who were able to work with major companies here in the US, Australia and some in Europe. We've got a lot of talent in the Philippines.


Yes we do. Do you have any advice for those of us who want to get into animation?

Yes. Always put Quality before Quantity. Learn the Basics of 2D animation first, Once you have learned how to apply this properly, you can then take it to the next level (motion Graphics, 3D animation, etc.) Also, always be up-to-date with the emerging technologies, I have seen a lot of artists here in the US that used to be top artists in animation 10-20 years ago, Unfortunately, now they have difficutlies because they they didn't cross-over and learn the technology the industry has delved intoin. Lastly, pick 1 area of animation that your skills fits the most (animator, lay-out, background, etc) and master the skill. This will help you grow faster in their career in the animation industry.



Thanks Cash! Till next time!


And there you have it, guys, our first interview with one of the veterans of Animation in the Philippines. You can find more information about Cash at: IMDB http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2327685/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1


Got questions to ask the animators for our next interviews? Email them to us at design.beyondnotebooks@gmail.com!