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.
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