Cartoon Network Studios Announces Second-Annual Storyboard Artist Training Program Finalists
(Burbank, CA) – Cartoon Network Studios announced its second-annual Storyboard Artists Training Program finalists: Makena Bajar, Isabella Hanssen, Georgia Henderson, Patradol Kitcharoen, Kevin Olvera and Lauren McKinley. The annual program will begin on Monday, February 3.
The selected artists will gain firsthand animated production experience as well as writing and boarding lessons with rotating in-house productions and guest instructors that include: Owen Dennis (Creator, “Infinity Train”), John Fang (Showrunner, “Ben 10”), Stephen Neary (Creator, “The Fungies”), Julia Pott (Creator, “Summer Camp Island”) and Alonso Ramirez (Co-executive Producer, “Steven Universe The Movie”), among many others.
Last year’s finalists were staffed on series such as “Close Enough,” “Craig of the Creek,” “Fungies,” “Infinity Train” and “Summer Camp Island” with several participants currently working full-time on select series.
Launched in 2018 as part of the Cartoon Network Studios Academy (CNS Academy), the Storyboard Artist Training Program is a 90-day, full-time paid union position for up-and-coming talent designed to help bridge the gap in knowledge about storyboarding specifically for television by providing the fundamentals and tools essential to their career growth. The program will cover advanced storyboarding techniques, writing dialogue, gesture drawing, defining elements of physical comedy, and more. In addition to these boarding essentials, the course will also stress collaboration, motivation and inspiration.
CNS Academy offers a variety of internal and external opportunities for both promising and seasoned artists to help discover and develop their professional and personal growths. These include classes and workshops that initiative critical thinking; guest speakers who share their expertise and experiences to inspire open dialogue; monthly gallery shows featuring artwork meant to stimulate creativity; and outreach into colleges and universities, including partnerships with diverse festivals and organizations to foster and build relationships with talent across the country.
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About Cartoon Network Studios
Established in 2000, Cartoon Network Studios (CNS) is a global animation and interactive studio recognized for its innovative approaches to IP development and world-building. Fostering a creator-driven environment, CNS is home to hundreds of visual artists who have been a part of the studio’s many critically acclaimed and groundbreaking animated series including “Adventure Time,” “Ben 10,” “Craig of the Creek,” “Steven Universe,” “The Powerpuff Girls” and “Victor and Valentino.” CNS has also produced notable Adult Swim hits such as “Primal,” “Samurai Jack” and “Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law.”
CNS has been honored with multiple awards and accolades including: Emmy, Peabody, GLAAD and Annie Awards. Internationally, the studio also garnered the BAFTA, Italy’s prestigious Pulcinella Award and Annecy Festival’s Cristal Award. Currently, CNS houses a VR lab, and produces an array of interactive formats and products for youth and young adult audiences around the world. As part of its ongoing efforts to discover unique and promising voices everywhere, the studio has a robust global Artist Program and has numerous partnerships, including Exceptional Minds, Black Women Animate and California Institute of the Arts.