I'm a Studio Lead at ALULA Animation, a production house in Zimbabwe with 12 years of experience. I'm also a proud director on Disney's Kizazi Moto anthology.
As a Director for Disney, specifically for an episode of "Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire", my role was multifaceted and highly creative. I oversaw the entire production of the episode, from the initial concept to the final product. This includes developing the storyline, directing the animation process, coordinating with the production team, and making key creative decisions.
For "Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire", each episode has an African perspective. As the director of episode 6, titled "Mukudzei", I was responsible for bringing the story to life. The episode revolves around an influencer who, after defacing a sacred monument, is flung into a utopian future in Zimbabwe.
In this role, I worked closely with the executive producer, Peter Ramsey, and supervising producers, Tendayi Nyeke and Anthony Silverston, along with other animation studios in Africa. My role requires a deep understanding of the specific cultures depicted to ensure accuracy and authenticity. It's a challenging position that requires a wide range of skills, but it's incredibly rewarding to see my vision come to life.
As the head of an indie animation studio, my role is multifaceted. I oversee all operations and business activities to ensure they align with our overall strategy and mission. I make high-quality decisions to advance the business and increase profits, and build trust relations with key partners and stakeholders. I also analyze problematic situations to provide solutions that ensure our company's survival and growth. In addition, I act as a Technical Director, planning and managing the production's technical requirements.
In my role as an Art Director, I create and manage the overall design and visual style for the production. I set the general artistic tone, using imagery and aesthetics to bring concepts to life. I direct other designers to develop artwork and various layouts per project, overseeing the project from inception to completion. I determine how to present a concept visually, select which photos, art, or other elements to use, develop the overall style and communicate it to the team, manage and supervise designers, review and approve designs, communicate with clients to develop an artistic approach/style, coordinate with all artistic departments, and develop budgets and timelines for project completion. These roles require a wide range of skills, but it's incredibly rewarding to see my vision come to life.