Michael Spooner
Animator
Michael Spooner has worked in the animation industry for twenty-five years with such notable studios at Walt Disney, Warner Brothers and Dreamworks SKG. In his early career he spent twelve years as a faculty member at the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles. During this same time he worked as a freelance illustrator for many clients including the National Football League, Twentieth Century Fox, and the Public Broadcasting System. He then went on to work with Filmation Studios where he contributed to He-Man and Fat Albert.
In 1988 he joined the Walt Disney Television Animation team as a Visual Development Artist and Production Designer. He set the style for such episodic shows as, Chip ?n' Dale's Rescue Rangers, Goof Troop, and Aladdin. In 1994, Michael and his family moved to Paris, France, where he headed up the Production Layout team for Disney's feature film, A Goofy Movie.
After working as the Art Director for Warner Brothers on their first full-length animated feature, Quest for Camelot, he worked independently as a Visual Development Consultant for Disney's Dinosaurs, Treasure Planet, Lilo and Stitch and The Emperors New Grove. He also lended his talent's on Dreamwork's Shrek. In 1999 Michael moved to Chicago to become Vice President of Visual Development and Artist Education with Big Idea Productions, home of the popular video series, Veggie Tales.
Today, he owns Spoonerville Animation Design, an independent visual development studio, providing both traditional and CGI design concepts for clients such as Ah Ha! Studios, Reel FX Creative Studios, and the Walt Disney Animation Studios.
Session 1: Q&A on the Animation Industry
Michael will draw from his years as both a freelance and company employed freelance animator to answer your questions about the industry ? How does it work today and where is it headed ? And how do YOU get started. Bring your questions and join in!