Directing Animation Livecast

By Scott WiserTV & Film Film Interviews

Directing Animation Livecast episodes

February 10, 2025 #63 - Ratatouille Writer's New Stop Motion Film ~ The Inventor ! Jim Capobianco ~ D.A. Livecast
Originally streamed on YouTube Live Feb 7, 2025. Audio edited by Kiara Horowitz.
This fantastic new film floored Scott Wiser, so we had to interview Jim about his daring art project and why so many people should see and treasure this film! Jim Capobianco is an American film director, animator and screenwriter. He has worked as a story artist and storyboard artist for films such as The Lion King (1994), Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996), A Bug's Life (1998), Toy Story 2 (1999), Monsters, Inc. (2001), Finding Nemo (2003), Up (2009), Inside Out (2015), and Finding Dory (2016). (Source: Wikepedia)In 2008, he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for Ratatouille (2007). In 2023, he wrote and directed the animated feature film The Inventor, about Leonardo da Vinci's life in France.Learn more at:https://www.jimcapobianco.com/Interviewer Scott Wiser is currently supervising at Steamroller Studios (Supervising on Fortnite emotes. Built the Lego Fortnite emotes team, animating on Spice Frontier) and has written and directed for Spacestation Animation. He is the creator of 15 deeply meaningful feature film pitches and counting. 3 of these are Kickstarted Books and one is a short film. Any producers or executives interested in collaborating or funding on Scott Wiser's projects can peruse these pitches through the application at:www.scottwiser.com/collaborate
44 min
February 10, 2025 #62 - Trouble working with Creative Directors? Awesome tips w/Sam Nielson ~ D.A. Livecast
Originally streamed on YouTube Live on Jan 10, 2025. Audio edited by Kiara Horowitz.
Blizzard Entertainment! Disney! Sony Animation! Illumination Entertainment! Visual Development Artist Sam Nielsen has worked for them and more: • Viz Dev @ Skydance Animation• Character Design and Environment Design for games at Bungie, Warner Brothers Games, Disney Interactive, Activision, NBC Universal, many others• Environment and Character Design for TV for Dreamworks TV, WildAid• Figurine Design for Sideshow Collectibles, Disney Interactive• Character Design for theme park attraction, Disney Imagineering• Book Illustrations for HarperCollins, Scholastic, Simon & Schuster, etc.Sam also teaches in the prestigious animation department at BYU (Brigham Young University) and makes great LinkedIn posts ... which is why Scott thought to bring him on the show. A few months, Sam made a thoughtful post about three effective kinds of directors and the rest is history you can watch unfold in this episode! Sam's Website:https://www.samnielson.com/Interviewer Scott Wiser is currently supervising at Steamroller Studios (Supervising on Fortnite emotes. Built the Lego Fortnite emotes team, animating on Spice Frontier) and has written and directed for Spacestation Animation. He is the creator of 15 deeply meaningful feature film pitches and counting. 3 of these are Kickstarted Books and one is a short film. Any producers or executives interested in collaborating or funding on Scott Wiser's projects can peruse these pitches through the application at:www.scottwiser.com/collaborate
44 min
December 07, 2024 #61 - The 21, Oscar Eligable animated short directed by Cartoon Saloon alum Tod Polson ~ D.A. Livecast
Originally Streamed on YouTube Live Dec 6, 2024. Audio edited by Kiara Horowitz.
Produced by a team of 70+ artists from more than 24 countries, in collaboration with the global Coptic community, "The 21" is up for an Oscar nomination in 2025
Director Tod Polson made this statement:
The 2015 beheading of 21 Coptic Christians by ISIS
sent shockwaves across the globe and left a deep,
lasting impact on me personally. The martyrs’
steadfast faith in the face of overwhelming terror
was, and continues to be, both humbling and deeply
inspiring. When the opportunity arose to tell their
story, I embraced it wholeheartedly.
The creation of the film has been an incredible
journey. The story evolved slowly, shaped by
interviews with Coptic Christians, former ISIS
members, and journalists embedded with the
Libyan army. Spending time with the families of
the martyrs allowed me to better understand who
these men were, further deepening my admiration
for their courage and conviction.
The visual style of The 21 is rooted in traditional
iconography. Artists from Egypt, Syria, Ukraine,
and the United States contributed their expertise,
not only helping shape the aesthetic of the film but
also influencing my own approach to art. Animation
artists from around the
world lent their talents, each adding something
personal to the project.
My deepest hope is that The 21 serves as a tribute to
the martyrs and their families. In a world that seems
more than ever in need of such powerful examples
of faith and resilience, I believe their story is more
vital than ever.
THE21FILM.COM
Interviewer Scott Wiser is currently supervising at Steamroller Studios (supervising Lego Fortnite and animating on Spice Frontier) and has written and directed for Spacestation Animation. He is the creator of 15 deeply meaningful feature film pitches and counting. 3 of these are Kickstarted Books and one is a short film. Any producers or executives interested in collaborating or funding on Scott Wiser's projects can peruse these pitches through the application at:
www.scottwiser.com/collaborate
45 min
December 07, 2024 #60 - Tony Bancroft - Full Satisfaction in a long Animation Directing Career ~ D.A. Livecast
In person interview at the SLAnimation Expo. Audio edited by Kiara Horowitz.
It was fascinating to see the difference in Tony from episode #1 of the Directing Animation Livecast till NOW! His attitudes were refreshing as as always it was a wonderful conversation.
1st interview: https://www.youtube.com/live/oMrfdY_w...
Tony Bancroft is currently working on the 2D Light The World Animated feature film. has co-directed Mulan (1998), Animal Crackers, supervised the animation of Pumbaa in Lion King, and wrote the book on Directing for Animation. He and his Brother (Bancroft Brothers Podcast) are a force for good in the industry and a great example for all of us rising in the animation industry!
Interviewer Scott Wiser is currently supervising at Steamroller Studios (supervising Lego Fortnite and animating on Spice Frontier) and has written and directed for Spacestation Animation. He is the creator of 15 deeply meaningful feature film pitches and counting. 3 of these are Kickstarted Books and one is a short film. Any producers or executives interested in collaborating or funding on Scott Wiser's projects can peruse these pitches through the application at:
www.scottwiser.com/collaborate
20 min
September 09, 2024 #59 - Ron Friedman: Youtube Animation Instructor and The Third Floor Previz Jedi ~ D.A. Livecast
Originally Streamed on YouTube Live Sep 6, 2024. Audio edited by Kiara Horowitz.
Ron Friedman and I had a wonderful conversation at the Salt Lake Animation Expo* BUT technology Failed us, so let's do it again!
Let's talk about His Thirty Years as an animator on hand-drawn animated films such as The PageMaster and Swan Princess, which visual FX, video game animation, supervising animation for Pan's Labyrinth, to previsualizing films at The Third Floor to teaching future animators through / animationtrainers and / @animationtrainers
Interviewer Scott Wiser is currently supervising at Steamroller Studios (supervising Lego Fortnite and animating on Spice Frontier) and has written and directed for Spacestation Animation. He is the creator of 15 deeply meaningful feature film pitches and counting. 3 of these are Kickstarted Books and one is a short film. Any producers or executives interested in collaborating or funding on Scott Wiser's projects can peruse these pitches through the application at:
www.scottwiser.com/collaborate
*The Salt Lake Animation Expo is now called "Sketch 2 Screen (And Everything In-Between!)"
48 min
August 04, 2024 #58 - "Bloom"-ing an Indie Animated Feature Film with Oscar Winner, Brandon Oldenburg ~ D.A. Livecast
Originally streamed on YouTube Live on Aug 2, 2024. Audio edited by Kiara Horowitz.
Since Directing Animation Livecast Episode #2 starring Moonbot Co-founder Brandon Oldenburg, he has gone to develop Flight School Studio, The Immersive Department of Wonder, and now "InBetween" which got to show off development for it new feature film Bloom at Annecy 2024.
As always, Brandon is an inspiring guy and this should be a great conversation!
Interviewer Scott Wiser is currently supervising at Steamroller Studios (supervising Lego Fortnite and animating on Spice Frontier) and has written and directed for Spacestation Animation. He is the creator of 15 deeply meaningful feature film pitches and counting. 3 of these are Kickstarted Books and one is a short film. Any producers or executives interested in collaborating or funding on Scott Wiser's projects can peruse these pitches through the application at:
www.scottwiser.com/collaborate
38 min
July 25, 2024 #57 - A.I. Prankster and Tuttle Twins Animation Director: Mike Morris. Directing Aanimation Livecast
Uploaded to YouTube July 24, 2024. Audio edited by Kiara Horowitz.
Since interview Story artist, consultant, director Mike Morris, I've been amused by his contributions to "collaborative posts" on LinkedIn. Knowing these "articles" are used to train AI, he trolls them in the funniest way and ironically earned the "Top Animation Voice Badge" on his LinkedIn profile at / animike
But that's not what this episode about. It was a serious, great conversation about living as an artist in the animation industry. His thoughts inspired me and hopefully will do the same for you!
Interviewer Scott Wiser is currently supervising at Steamroller Studios (supervising Lego Fortnite and animating on Spice Frontier) and has written and directed for Spacestation Animation. He is the creator of 15 deeply meaningful feature film pitches and counting. 3 of these are Kickstarted Books and one is a short film. Any producers or executives interested in collaborating or funding on Scott Wiser's projects can peruse these pitches through the application at:
www.scottwiser.com/collaborate
25 min
June 14, 2024 #56 - Eli Harris - How to be a full-time voice actor by the PRO who does it! ~ D.A. Livecast
Posted on YouTube June 14, 2024. Audio edited by Kiara Horowitz.
Met Eli Harris at the Salt Lake Animation Expo and he is a professional in every sense of the word, nicknamed "The Image Maker" because of the inspiring passion that comes from his voice acting. His advice, tips, and experience were fun topics for discussion!
From his LinkedIn bio:
I am Eli Harris, an award winning actor and voice artist in the industry. I am also known as the outstandingly smooth and versatile voice of several brands which has earned me the title of “The Image Maker” in the entertainment industry.
--
Originally, I am from Central Virginia (Lynchburg, Virginia) where I started my acting career at age 6 for the Cherry Tree players.
After graduation, I joined the military as I live by the set of values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal courage. Only after the passing of my late mother in 1998, I decided to pursue my biggest passion in life that is the performing arts.
𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗩𝗢𝗜𝗖𝗘
I have a passion for voice acting with the unmatched charisma and sound to command control and hold attention.
For me having a my personal set of values that I live by allows me perform roles that convey messages to about inner values, being in integrity with oneself, setting firm boundaries in life, standing up for oneself with a vision bigger than self while still acting kind, compassionate, and respectful to the needs of others.
My acting reflects authoritativeness and respect, which is believable and yet approachable. These skills allowed me to play roles such as Ike Broflovski of South Park and playing alongside Alicia Keys in The Nanny Diaries.
𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗥
I have recently been selected as one of the top voice talent at Innovative Artists, a New York-based independent agency, a leader in the areas of voiceover and commercials for over 25 years.
Over my 18-year career at the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), I have mastered voice skills such as consistency, conversationality and being connected while also acting with believability, authenticity, emotionality and interpretation that allows me to tell a compelling story and perform solid characters.
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗜 𝗗𝗢
In addition to voicing commercials and promos for the Automotive & Beverage Industries I also narrate for sporting, graduation and military events, I am best known for voicing some of the most iconic male characters in video games and animated television shows.
I have industry grade recording capabilities and am able to do sessions via Source Connect, Zoom, Skype and Phone Patch.
Interviewer Scott Wiser is currently supervising at Steamroller Studios (supervising Lego Fortnite and animating on Spice Frontier) and has written and directed for Spacestation Animation. He is the creator of 15 deeply meaningful feature film pitches and counting. 3 of these are Kickstarted Books and one is a short film. Any producers or executives interested in collaborating or funding on Scott Wiser's projects can peruse these pitches through the application at:
www.scottwiser.com/collaborate
33 min
June 14, 2024 #55 - Mike Mattesi - Dyanamic Drawing Force - Salt Lake Animation Expo ~ D.A. Livecast
Posted on YouTube May 31, 2024. Audio edited by Kiara Horowitz.
At DrawingFORCE.com, Mike Mattesi, author of the FORCE drawing books and creator of the FORCE drawing theory teaches his drawing approach.
Scott Wiser sat down with Mike at the Salt Lake Animation Expo for this challenging conversation about navigating the industry as an artist and about his love for animation and teaching!
Mike Mattesi attended the School of Visual Arts in New York City to pursue a career in the comic book industry and found my way into Walt Disney Consumer Products and Walt Disney Feature Animation where Mike had the amazing fortune to work on "The Lion King."
MikeI then moved to the west coast where he entered the video game industry and then returned to New York where he taught at SVA and many other studios and schools in the tri-state area. After many years teaching I decided to write a book called FORCE that would wrap up my teaching career. Mike launched a company called Contagious Concepts, an art resource company for the video game industry. This lead to work with Microsoft, Origin, Electronic Arts and other developers on many exciting titles.
After starting a family, they all then moved to Los Angeles where Mike taught at Nickelodeon, Electronic Arts and Art Center. This lead Mike to opening his own art school, Entertainment Art Academy, the first of its kind in the world!
After four challenging years Mike closed the Academy and moved to San Francisco where he reentered the video game industry and worked primarily as an Art Director across numerous game studios, Zynga my latest.
Now Mike returns to teaching through DrawingFORCE.com, teaching at art colleges and entertainment companies in the Bay area such as , Pixar, The Academy of Art University, California College of the Arts, and Mike travels around the world hosting FORCE Drawing Workshops.
Interviewer Scott Wiser is currently supervising at Steamroller Studios (supervising Lego Fortnite and animating on Spice Frontier) and has written and directed for Spacestation Animation. He is the creator of 15 deeply meaningful feature film pitches and counting. 3 of these are Kickstarted Books and one is a short film. Any producers or executives interested in collaborating or funding on Scott Wiser's projects can peruse these pitches through the application at:
www.scottwiser.com/collaborate
26 min
January 20, 2024 #54 - Andrew Chesworth ~ Disney Animator become Director of The Brave Locomotive ~Livecast
Originally Streamed on YouTube Live Jan 19, 2024. Audio Edited by Kiara Horowitz.
Andrew Chesworth is an Oscar-nominated filmmaker living in Burbank, CA. You can see his latest project, The Brave Locomotive at: • The Brave Locomotive
He co-wrote and co-directed the short film One Small Step at Taiko Studios.
He was an animator for Disney on Frozen, Zootopia, Moana, Big Hero 6, Wreck-It Ralph, Feast, Get a Horse!, Inner Workings, and Olaf's Frozen Adventure. Previously, he was a director of commercials and short films at Make in Minneapolis. From 2016-2017, Andrew taught fourth-year Character Animation at CalArts. He was an instructor for the online CG animation school Animsquad from 2014-2022. In 2019, he was a character animator on Netflix's Klaus for Sergio Pablos Animation Studios. Recently, he was both Character Design Supervisor and Supervising Animation Director on the Netflix animated series My Dad the Bounty Hunter.
Andrew spent the tale end of his 3 years at Netflix Feature Animation as a Head of Character Animation and has now become the Character Lead at Flying Bark Productions designing for yet another upcoming project.
http://www.andrewchesworth.com/ / bravelocomotive
Interviewer Scott Wiser is currently supervising at Steamroller Studios and has written and directed for Spacestation Animation. He is the creator of 15 deeply meaningful feature film pitches and counting. 3 of these are Kickstarted Books and one is a short film. Any producers or executives interested in collaborating or funding on Scott Wiser's projects can peruse these pitches through the application at:
www.scottwiser.com/collaborate
54 min

About Directing Animation Livecast

From the publisher's feed

In-depth conversations with top producers and directors in the Animation Industry. Join director / animator Scott Wiser on his journey toward directing his first animated feature film.