The timeless lessons of a "One Room" School House

When I was young I attended a "one-room" school.  For those who are unfamiliar, imagine students from K-12 having one teacher.  I know some of you think this would be total chaos but the success of that type of school can be attributed in part to older students acting as teaching assistants, helping younger students with assignments.  They also watched over younger students during recess, which was a time of play and more learning for everyone.  This memory was triggered while I read Innovate the Pixar Way by Bill Capodagli and Lynn Jackson, specifically the chapter "Ready Set, Go!" Now I see there are timeless lessons in that old school experience.  Everything was about family, just like my vision for Studio Kinate.  I can see the benefit of a multi tiered model where we mentor, support and develop together.  It is important not to copy but to innovate.

Next year is going to be the first of many busy years for Studio Kinate. We will begin production on animations for the Office of Naval Research under the leadership of Rusty Mills.  We will be prioritizing our production schedule, developing our stories, meeting clients, seeking investors, attending conferences/workshops/seminars, etc.  WHEW!  In the midst of that beehive of activity, and no matter how big Studio Kinate becomes, I will remember to observe the lessons of the one-room school—no one is left out ,and we’ll make work and learning FUN!

Studio Kinate Hires Sr. VP of Animation

I've delayed making this announcement, because I am a perfectionist and I wanted all the right words, pictures, etc.  However, the only thing that  perfection does is preventing me from sharing my excitement announcing Studio Kinate's VP of Animation.

RUSTY MILLS is joining Studio Kinate as the Senior Vice President of Animation.  In the long term, Rusty "General," will oversee all the creative projects at the studio.  Beginning in January, Rusty will be the director and producer of the animated production for the Office of Naval Research, C-DEW training.  Rusty recently taught our first Toon Boom workshop and will also be utilized teaching workshops for the studio. 

As I've said in my last post, I needed to "go the distance" and that means I have to make commitments and go for the best and with Rusty Mills, I am taking those first steps.  I want the best leadership available so that we can make the biggest impact on the industry.  I want those yet-to-be animators to be challenged to create the best stories and I truly believe these two people will help me make that happen.


Look out world, here comes Studio Kinate!


Until next time, believe in your dreams and let your IMAGINATION be UNLIMITED!


Char

Birthday thoughts on Animation in Virginia

Go West dreamer!  Go West!  I can't tell you how many times I've heard that I need to move out West if we are going to succeed as an animation studio!  That's where all the creativity flows!  Walt Disney believed it and moved from Kansas City to LA, writing back to Ub Iwerks telling him that it was the place to be.  Well, I have news for everyone, for all the glitter, glitz and glamor of the West, this studio is going to find its roots in the things that built this country! Virginia is the home of history and I am looking to the foundational drive that seems to flourish in this region!

Today is my birthday, I am 56.  I grew up on the farm (mainly).  I am the oldest of six surviving siblings.  And I have a dream.  I dream of making movies.  I dream of working with some of the most creative and passionate artists around.  I dream of working side by side with young people who have the same passion and drive as the most famous leaders in animation today, but just need a chance to prove it.  I dream seeing audiences react with wonder at the stories that come to life on-screen produced by our studio family.  I dream of making others dreams come true.  I know, it is a tall order, but it's my birthday and today I choose to believe that those dreams will become reality, today.  No more struggles because I'm not rich, by worldly standards, but because I AM rich because of the people around me.  I am rich with more passion than I would have thought possible.  I am rich because of the love of friends and family.  Today, I am the wealthiest woman on earth because it is my birthday and I say it is so!
So, for those who say "Go West" I say, go ahead.  I choose Virginia, I choose family, I choose to Dream Big!
Until next time, Come East animators, passionate about story and style, for we are building you a home.  Because at Studio Kinate, we are Animation, Unlimited!
Side note: this studio will be the future home of animators of ALL ages, from ALL walks of life.  Together we will make history.  I wanted to make sure people understand that to develop the animators of tomorrow will take a family of seasoned veterans, young artists AND everyone in between.  After all, I'm just now starting to see my dream come true and I am sure there are a few women and men just like me out there. Char