Can you tell us about your career journey into Mikros Animation?
My media career journey is a long one. Prior to Mikros Animation, I was Head of Production for Blue Sky Studios. During my tenure we made Spies in Disguise and launched Nimona. Prior to Blue Sky I was in live action. VP of Production at New Line.
What was your first reaction after learning you’d be working on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem?
Working on TMNT was an ironic turn of events. As VP of Production at New Line, I was there when the original live action film of TMNT was created – this was the film that inspired the Director Jeff Roewe and the many TMNT fans out there. It’s a great feeling to be part of the reboot. Also means, I’ve been at this too long!! Haha!
What does your role as Mikros Animation’s Executive Producer look like on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem project?
TMNT was split over two studios and was an incredibly challenging film. The creation of the amazing visuals and solving the creative problem was one issue. The schedule was of the others. Jeff and team worked on the story up until 10 weeks prior to the delivery of the film. It’s barely enough time to get the job done – so it was all hands-on deck at Mikros Animation– every studio, every person, jumped onboard to help. My job was focused on, helping to align all our resources, and making sure the studio and team could deliver the film.
Describe the project in 3 words:
- Fun,
- Beautiful
- Ground-Breaking
My favourite quote and it is apropos: “any moment you stop the film, is a beautiful artistic image.”
Which TMNT character is your favourite?
Michelangelo! Fun and loving. He is always willing to play along – even if it means he is holding a watermelon over his head (shaped like his head…) while his brother throws a shuriken at it. 🙂
What was your favorite part of the project?
I enjoy watching the hard-working people on the project get a lot of well-deserved accolades. Seeing them have fun with the media and explain all the wonderful things they did, is really heartwarming.
What have you learned since working on the TMNT film about the Global Mikros Animation team?
We can do anything. I have come to believe and know this is true. It takes an army to do an animated movie and it takes Mikros Animation to make it the best it can be.
When you’re not working on a project, you can be found…
Sitting around a firepit with friends, laughing and drinking wine.
Share something you’re proud of.
Between October 2022 and October 2023 Mikros Animation will have delivered 6 films. This is unprecedented. Never been done anywhere – not Pixar, not Disney, not Illumination. We have delivered and will deliver all 6 on time and on budget and each one is a magnificent work of art. The teams are amazingly talented, can deliver any look and can exceed the expectations of our clients. A lot to be proud of.
Anything you can share about the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem film?
Fun fact – the film was locked 10 weeks before delivery. The team rallied and finished the animation through comp on time and made an amazing movie. (Most films lock with at least 6 months out 😊) — don’t try this at home… haha..
