Open Pixel Studios chats with Samantha Hamilton, Director of Coalition Building & Community Engagement at The Public Health Institute of Western Mass (PHIWMA), to chat about their organization and how they utilized the medium of animation to inform their stakeholders, engage their communities, and get their energy initiative to next level with the city of Springfield, MA. Join us for this hyper-local episode. Check out PHIWMA here Learn more about Community Choice Energy if you're a Springfi...
Sep 09, 2023•38 min•Season 1Ep. 28
Will and Kathryn reunite with Pixar alumni, writer, director, and life-long mentor Chris Perry to discuss his approach to writing, how we can improve production workflows, and where the next wave of technology will take storytelling. Also, stick around to hear a great story pitch for the next big blockbuster hit. Check out the short films we mention in the episode from Chris Perry here: http://www.bitfilms.com/ If you have a topic or question you’d like us to cover, you can submit it to: www.op...
Sep 02, 2023•50 min•Season 1Ep. 27
Kathryn and Will talk about their plans for 2024! Listen in to learn about what they are up to and how the podcast will be affected. If you have a topic or question you’d like us to cover, you can submit it anonymously here: www.openpixelstudios.com/podquestion Learn more about this podcast here: https://www.openpixelstudios.com/behindthepixel EMedia produces the podcast in Easthampton, MA. Produced by Jackson Foote and Will Colón Written and Created by: Will Colón: https://www.linke...
Sep 01, 2023•5 min
In this episode, Kathryn and Will sail through the Storyboard stage. They discuss what storyboards are, how to give feedback on them, uncover common client-and-creative-side problems and work on their pirate impressions. If you have a topic or question you’d like us to cover, you can submit it to: www.openpixelstudios.com/podquestion Learn more about this podcast here: https://www.openpixelstudios.com/behindthepixel EMedia produces the podcast in Easthampton, MA. Produced by Jackson...
Aug 26, 2023•37 min•Season 1Ep. 26
In this hack episode, Will challenges us to think about ChatGPT a little differently and provides a few tips to use it as a production tool. And more importantly, reiterates the idea of hiring a writer to punch up your scripts. If you have a topic or question you’d like us to cover, you can submit it anonymously here: www.openpixelstudios.com/podquestion Learn more about this podcast here: https://www.openpixelstudios.com/behindthepixel EMedia produces the podcast in Easthampton, MA....
Aug 19, 2023•10 min•Season 1Ep. 25
In this episode, Kathryn and Will walk us through the Concept stage. They discuss the concept of a concept, how to better prepare for reviewing them, uncover common client and creative-side problems, talk about their favorite podcasts, and embrace their mediocrity. If you have a topic or question you’d like us to cover, you can submit it anonymously here: www.openpixelstudios.com/podquestion Learn more about this podcast here: https://www.openpixelstudios.com/behindthepixel EMedia pr...
Aug 12, 2023•27 min•Season 1Ep. 24
In this bonus episode, Will and Kathryn are transported to another podcast hosted by Alex Salsberg. I Loved This Conversation is a podcast that explores conversations with creative people about what they’re currently going through in their creative lives. If you're wondering what other creative people are going through today, you should check it out. We highly recommend it. Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also follow the awesome podcast artwork on his Instagram @ ilovedthisconve...
Aug 05, 2023•52 min
Will and Kathryn sit down with Alex Terrill to discuss what clients should know about video production, what to keep in mind for their budgets, things to avoid in future live-action productions, and what a shark week shoot is like. If you have a topic or question you’d like us to cover, you can submit it to: https://www.openpixelstudios.com/podquestion Learn more about this podcast here: https://www.openpixelstudios.com/behindthepixel EMedia produces the podcast in Easthampton, MA. P...
Jul 29, 2023•46 min•Season 1Ep. 23
Kathryn decided to record an announcement because she didn't get enough birthday wishes. If you have a topic or question you’d like us to cover, you can submit it anonymously here: www.openpixelstudios.com/podquestion Learn more about this podcast here: https://www.openpixelstudios.com/behindthepixel EMedia produces the podcast in Easthampton, MA. Produced by Jackson Foote and Will Colón Written and Created by: Will Colón: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willmcolon/ Kathryn Taccone: http...
Jul 29, 2023•6 min•Season 1Ep. 23
In this hack episode, Will and Kathryn describe what an animatic is and when to use one and provide a few questions to ask yourself when reviewing an animatic as a production tool. And, more importantly, discuss cool slang that we know everyone uses. The term "animatic" was initially coined by Walt Disney Animation Studios (according to Wikipedia, so... who knows, really). An animatic typically consists of pictures of the storyboard timed and cut together with the soundtrack. Watch an animatic e...
Jul 22, 2023•10 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Will describes three ways to better prepare for writing your script. Whether you’re writing it independently, working with a team, or bouncing ideas off ChatGPTs face. We got you covered with some pro tips. If you have a topic or question you’d like us to cover, you can submit it to: https://www.openpixelstudios.com/podquestion Learn more about this podcast here: https://www.openpixelstudios.com/behindthepixel EMedia produces the podcast in Easthampton, MA. Produced by Jackson Foote ...
Jul 15, 2023•10 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Kathryn and Will break down the first production step in their workflow: The AV Script. They’ll share helpful tips when scriptwriting for animation projects, talk about how to structure the writing once you have a draft, go through an exercise in coming up with visuals, and even act out some of the scripts of their favorite bad movie, The Room. If you have a topic or question you’d like us to cover, you can submit it to: www.openpixelstudios.com/podquestion Learn more about this podcast h...
Jul 08, 2023•42 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Kathryn, our resident Character Animator, describes three ways to save time and money if you're price-sensitive but want to utilize animated characters for your project. If you have a topic or question you’d like us to cover, you can submit it to: www.openpixelstudios.com/podquestion Learn more about this podcast here: https://www.openpixelstudios.com/behindthepixel EMedia produces the podcast in Easthampton, MA. Produced by Jackson Foote and Will Colón Written and Created by: Will C...
Jul 01, 2023•9 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Kathryn and Will discuss character animation, the production workflow for characters, and how specific changes to characters can impact production costs. They'll investigate essential changes that impact your bottom line and discuss their love of boy bands. If you have a topic or question you’d like us to cover, you can submit it to: www.openpixelstudios.com/podquestion Learn more about this podcast here: https://www.openpixelstudios.com/behindthepixel EMedia produces the podcast in ...
Jun 24, 2023•45 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Kathryn and Will go spelunking with Gabe Munitz-Alessio and Pedro Brehm inside Cave 76 Productions. They explore what brands can do to communicate with creative teams effectively, what makes a good creative partnership, and describe what it's like working as executive producers with some of the largest brands. If you have a topic or question you’d like us to cover, you can submit it to: www.openpixelstudios.com/podquestion Learn more about this podcast here: https://www.openpixelstudios....
Jun 17, 2023•44 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Kathryn and Will take a break from the show's standard format to talk openly about many different topics, including Artificial Intelligence, Project Management, Animation Approaches, and navigating the Puerto Rican American experience. Spoiler alert, it's an identity crisis. Also, our producer, Jackson Foote, asks what else Will and Kathryn want to do with their lives. If you have a topic or question you’d like us to cover, you can submit it to: www.openpixelstudios.com/podquestion Learn m...
Jun 10, 2023•43 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Tim Bradley, Nicole Bedard, and Joe Skoniecki, the great folks at Gusto (A Matter Company), sit and talk shop with Kathryn and Will. They discuss their process, advise on what pitfalls to avoid, and share their thoughts on the future of marketing content. If you have a topic or question you’d like us to cover, you can submit it to: www.openpixelstudios.com/podquestion Learn more about this podcast here: https://www.openpixelstudios.com/behindthepixel EMedia produces the podcast in Ea...
Jun 03, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Will and Kathryn paddle along with Safety Education & Instruction Director Kelsey Bracewell at the American Canoe Association to discuss how their non-profit organization is reaching their members in new ways with the medium of animation. Kelsey has done a fantastic job reaching new audiences and bringing new educational content to people of all shapes and sizes. We're thrilled to be a part of their growth as much as they've been a part of ours. If you have a topic or question you’d like us ...
May 27, 2023•27 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Will and Kathryn ride with Myke Connolly, CEO/Founder at Stand Out Truck®, to discuss his thoughts on marketing strategies, how the medium of animation can be best utilized, the fears clients may experience when trying something new, and why animation is an attention weapon. Find out more about the Stand Out Truck® at www.standouttruck.com Join Myke's text line by texting MAC to (413) 251-6762 . If you have a topic or question you’d like us to cover, submit it here! -> openpixelstudios.com/po...
May 20, 2023•26 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Kathryn was honored to be invited as a guest speaker to the Vermont Animation Festival hosted by Northern Vermont University in partnership with Catamount Arts. She discusses several topics about The Animation Industry in Northern New England. The Vermont Animation Festival is proud to celebrate its eighth year and kicked off this year with screenings, workshops, and artist talks on Friday, March 24th, 2023. events included workshops for beginners and experienced animators, a screening of studen...
May 13, 2023•32 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Will describes a quick hack to avoid certain questions when asking for an estimate. There is no such thing as a bad question, but try to avoid these at all costs when getting a price. See what we did there? If you have a topic or question you’d like us to cover, submit it here! -> openpixelstudios.com/podquestion Learn more about this podcast here . EMedia produces the podcast in Easthampton, MA. Produced by Jackson Foote Written and Created by Will Colón and Kathryn Taccone...
May 06, 2023•7 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Why does the cost of animation vary so much? In this episode, Will and Kathryn try to answer this question. Whether you've never worked with animation or you've created hundreds of projects, this problem seems to persist. Tune in to learn what factors affect your costs. If you have a topic or question you’d like us to cover, submit it here! -> openpixelstudios.com/podquestion Learn more about this podcast here . EMedia produces the podcast in Easthampton, MA. Produced by Jackson ...
Apr 29, 2023•32 min•Season 1Ep. 12
In this hack, learn how to increase your ROI on animated content and maximize your assets by utilizing your video in new ways! Kathryn Taccone will walk you through many ways to re-think your next animation content strategy! If you have a topic or question you’d like us to cover, submit it here! openpixelstudios.com/podquestion Learn more about this podcast here . EMedia produces the podcast in Easthampton, MA. Produced by Jackson Foote Written and Created by Will Colón and Kathryn ...
Apr 22, 2023•12 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Kathryn and Will sit down with the indie animator, writer, and teacher Alex Salsberg to discuss how he works with his clients to achieve a successful animation project and gives his best advice to anyone looking to create animated content. Alex always inspires us to build a community around creativity; we think you’ll also love this conversation. “I Loved This Conversation” is Alex Salsberg’s podcast, where he has conversations with creative people about what they’re currently going through in t...
Apr 15, 2023•42 min•Season 1Ep. 10
In this short Hack episode, Will gives away tips to think about script structure for animation. Generally, you may know what you want to say; you have to put it in the right format for the creative to give you their input. Check it out! This podcast is also uploaded to YouTube . If you have a topic or question you’d like us to cover, submit it here! -> openpixelstudios.com/podquestion Learn more about this podcast here . EMedia produces the podcast in Easthampton, MA. Produce...
Apr 15, 2023•6 min•Season 1Ep. 9
In our longest episode yet, Will and Kathryn review all of your options for outsourcing animated content. They explore DIY Options, Gig Economy Platforms, Freelancers, Studios, and Agencies, give their takes on the Pros and Cons of each option, and share their love of cooking shows. This podcast is also uploaded to YouTube . If you have a topic or question you’d like us to cover, submit it here! Learn more about this podcast here . EMedia produces the podcast in Easthampton, MA. Produced by...
Apr 08, 2023•55 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Open Pixel co-founders Will and Kathryn talk shop with Traci Wolfe, the Senior Director of the Amherst Fund at Amherst College. They discuss how Amherst utilizes the medium of animation to communicate with students and alumni across classes and across the world. They also examine the realities of the medium of animation within higher education. This podcast is also uploaded to YouTube . If you have a topic or question you’d like us to cover, submit it here! -> openpixelstudios.com/podques...
Apr 01, 2023•46 min•Season 1Ep. 7
For this Hack, Will describes a way to think differently about the brand motion when you’re re-doing old videos on your website or need to update those brand guidelines. How does your brand move? This podcast is also uploaded to YouTube . If you have a topic or question you’d like us to cover, submit it here! -> openpixelstudios.com/podquestion Learn more about this podcast here . EMedia produces the podcast in Easthampton, MA. Produced by Jackson Foote Written and Created by Will Colón and K...
Mar 25, 2023•5 min•Season 1Ep. 6
For our first Hack, Kathryn describes a way to utilize Scratch Tracks and temp audio for your productions. This podcast is also uploaded to YouTube . If you have a topic or question you’d like us to cover, submit it here! -> openpixelstudios.com/podquestion Learn more about this podcast here . EMedia produces the podcast in Easthampton, MA. Produced by Jackson Foote Written and Created by Will Colón and Kathryn Taccone...
Mar 25, 2023•8 min•Season 1Ep. 5
A/B Testing? Rendered? Animarketing? Okay, we made that last one up. Often the language of animation can be confusing. Will and Kathryn break down which terms are essential to remove the barrier to entry when working directly with a creative studio so we can communicate effectively as we move through the animation workflow. We acknowledge the terminology we all use is handed down through education and experience, and oftentimes it’s never fully consistent across either industry. This podcast is ...
Mar 18, 2023•51 min•Season 1Ep. 4
