Not One Right Way
How do people get jobs in animation, film, gaming? Marve Aguiñaga and Melissa Manuel sit down with people across all these worlds to find out who they are, how they "got in" and who they know. Turns out the entertainment industry can be pretty small and there's not one right way to do it!
Angie Duran (Mao Mao, The Casagrandes, Big City Greens, The Smurfs)
Marve and Melissa welcome Background and Visual Development Artist Angie Duran (@phalangieee)!
We discuss Angie's early love of drawing and how that led to her attending Pasadena ArtCenter, interning in recruitment at Nickelodeon, then through posting her work online being approached by the art director for Mao Mao: Heroes of Pure Heart and being mentored on background design while working on that show, to now working on shows and returning to teach at ArtCenter.
Cover Art by Les H. follow them on Instagram @xlehx
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Emnet Mulugeta (Goodbye Kansas, Assassin's Creed Shadows & Valhalla)
Marve and Melissa welcome director and multidisciplinary creative Emnet Mulugeta (@emnetmulugeta)!
We discuss Emnet's pivot from physics to art school, working in advertising, teaching themselves After Effects, and how they pivoted careers later in life to begin working as a director of cinematics for games.
Check out Emnet's work here!
Cover Art by Les H. follow them on Instagram @xlehx
Follow us on Instagram @Not1WayPod to stay up to date on when episodes come out. Or on Tumblr @not1rightway-pod!
Email us at notonerightwaypod@gmail.com for any...
Tato Lu (Big, City Greens, My Boyfriend's An Alien, Runaway)
Marve and Melissa welcome storyboard revisionist Tato Lu (@tomatatoro)!
We discuss Tato's love of reality TV, how he went from making comics to becoming a storyboard artist at DTVA, and his love of little guys.
Check out more of Tato's work, comics, and shop here: https://www.tomatatoro.com/
Cover Art by Les H. follow them on Instagram @xlehx
Follow us on Instagram @Not1WayPod to stay up to date on when episodes come out. Or on Tumblr @not1rightway-pod!
Email us at notonerightwaypod@gmail.com for any questions...
Ellen Su (大星 DAISING, Studio MoonMoon, Titmouse, Nathan Love)
Marve and Melissa welcome Anime Director and Designer Ellen Su (@ellensu.tv)!
We discuss Ellen's journey from getting commissions on Neopets, working 5 years in advertising and how to work with clients, how Ellen's work with Women in Animation led to her time as a recruiter at Titmouse, and how she is creating her own anime series 大星 DAISING!
Please support Ellen and Studio MoonMoon by following their Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/studiomoonmoon/daising !
Cover Art by Les H. follow them on Instagram @xlehx
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Gabi Rodea (Big City Greens, Bertha)
Marve and Melissa welcome storyboard artist Gabi Rodea (@thegabitype)!
We discuss Gabi's journey from studying animation in New York, to how Pokémon fanart helped them get their first job, and then Gabi shares a little bit about their own project Bertha! (Special Guest Appearance: Mingus)
Cover Art by Les H. follow them on Instagram @xlehx
Follow us on Instagram @Not1WayPod to stay up to date on when episodes come out. Or on Tumblr @not1rightway-pod!
Email us at notonerightwaypod@gmail.com for any questions or comments! Or if you'd l...
Elinor Keyes (Cotton Candy Flavor Media)
Marve and Melissa welcome Film Producer Elinor Keyes (@nellkeyes)!
We discuss their love of Shakespeare, how Cotton Candy Flavor Media came to be, their exciting new project Stupid Cupid, You're A Real Mean Gal, and the importance of learning a little bit of everything to be a great producer.
Check out @cottoncandyflavormedia to stay updated with their animatic and support future projects!
Cover Art by Les H. follow them on Instagram @xlehx
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Alli Sadegiani (The View, Win or Lose, Soul, Tangled)
Marve and Melissa welcome Alli Sadegiani (@allimator)!
We discuss the album that saved his life, what it actually means to be a character animator, and the journey of Alli's work on their new short film The View.
Check out Alli's work on their website!
Cover Art by Les H. follow them on Instagram @xlehx
Follow us on Instagram @Not1WayPod to stay up to date on when episodes come out. Or on Tumblr @not1rightway-pod!
Email us at notonerightwaypod@gmail.com for any questions or comments! Or if you'd...
Breana Navickas (The Three Tomes, Jessica's Big Little World, Sofia the First: Royal Magic)
Marve and Melissa welcome storyboard artist and showrunner Breana Navickas (@breaanimator)!
We discuss Bre's early interest in anime and manga, their passion for telling diverse stories, and the newly released pilot of Bre's show, The Three Tomes! Check out more about Breana on their website!
Be sure to watch The Three Tomes pilot and leave a comment!
Cover Art by Les H. follow them on Instagram @xlehx
Follow us on Instagram @Not1WayPod to stay up to date on when episodes come out. Or on Tumblr @not1rightway-pod!
Email...
Lily Hoang-Zhu (@Liliuhms)
Marve and Melissa welcome illustrator and designer Lily Hoang-Zhu (@liliuhms)!
We discuss Lily's inspiration for art from a young age, finding community online through MMOs, how she interned at Mattel and Cartoon Network before starting her own e-commerce business, and the origins of the name "Liliuhms" and the infamous Bun! Don't forget to listen about how amazing the food in Colorado is and share your favorite local restaurant in the comments!
Check out more about Lily on her website!
Cover Art by Les H. follow them on Instagram @xlehx
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Holiday Special!
A Not One Right Way holiday spectacular! Marve and Melissa share their favorite holiday tv/movie specials and traditions. They also reminiscence about the guests of the past year. Thanks to all our listeners for a great year!
Cover Art by Les H. follow them on Instagram @xlehx
Follow us on Instagram @Not1WayPod to stay up to date on when episodes come out. Or on Tumblr @not1rightway-pod!
Email us at notonerightwaypod@gmail.com for any questions or comments! Or if you'd like to be a guest on the show!
Christophe Vacher (A Goofy Movie, Fantasia 2000, Tarzan, Transformers Prime, Iwaju)
Marve and Melissa welcome Painter, Art Director, and Concept Artist Christophe Vacher @chvacher)!
We discuss Christophe's journey starting as a comics artist in France to becoming a background painter for Disney. Christophe shares his career in both animation and gallery painting and the importance of finding connections and community while making art. Then we have a quick fire discussing his time on many memorable project that he has contributed on!
Check out Christophe's work on his website!
Cover Art by Les H. follow them on Instagram @xlehx
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Jaydeep Hasrajani (Boons and Curses, Powerpuff Girls, SAVA)
Marve and Melissa welcome LA-based-Indian-American-Cartoon-Maker. Creator and EP of BOONS AND CURSES. Co-Founder of SAVA. (@jaydeephasrajani)!
We discuss his journey of studying art at San José State University to putting in a lot of hard work to trying to work at Pixar and submitting tests everywhere before working on Powerpuff Girls. We learn about the magical time of working on Boons and Curses at the same time Ghee Happy was being made and so much more!
Cover Art by Les H. follow them on Instagram @xlehx
Follow us on Instagram @Not1WayPod to stay up to date on when episodes come out. Or on Tumblr @not1rightway-pod!
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Jessie Juwono (Cartoon Network, DC Super Hero Girls, Frog & Toad, Baker's Dozen)
Marve and Melissa welcome Writer, Creator, and Artist Manager: Jessie Juwono (@jessiejuwono)!
We discuss her journey into the animation industry through community and art galleries, finding inspiration for her writing, and her three pillars for staying hopeful: community, history, and future!
Check out all of Jessie's work here!
Cover Art by Les H. follow them on Instagram @xlehx
Follow us on Instagram @Not1WayPod to stay up to date on when episodes come out. Or on Tumblr @not1rightway-pod!
Email us at notonerightwaypod@gmail.com for any questions or...
Vanya Calderón (California College of the Arts)
Marve and Melissa welcome Character Designer Vanya Calderón (@lemonlimer.o)!
We discuss our biases for K-Pop Demon Hunters, Vanya's early love for art, making your portfolio uniquely yours, and leading her local WIA chapter at school.
Check out more of Vanya's work on her website!
Cover Art by Les H. follow them on Instagram @xlehx
Follow us on Instagram @Not1WayPod to stay up to date on when episodes come out. Or on Tumblr @not1rightway-pod!
Email us at notonerightwaypod@gmail.com for any questions or comments! Or i...
Allissoon Lockhart (The Deathwish Tour, Knight of Guinevere, Central Park)
Marve and Melissa welcome Producer, Creator, & Showrunner Allissoon Lockhart (@celtictampon)!
We discuss Allissoon's favorite instruments to play 🥁🎷, how her first job was being a PA on Interstellar, learning that production was their path, and so much more! Learn about her time working at Bento Box on Central Park, how she began pitching The Deathwish Tour, and what Pokémon represents Allissoon.
Check out all of Allissoon's work https://www.allissoon.com!
Cover Art by Les H. follow them on Instagram @xlehx
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Alayna Cole (Beacon & Briar, Game Dev Lobby, DEI Manager at Sledgehammer Games)
Marve and Melissa welcome writer, producer, DE&I specialist Alayna Cole!
We discuss her journey from being an educator to working in games. How her passion for DE&I and education led to her career as a DE&I specialist in games. We also talk about her exciting new projects since leaving games such as Beacon & Briar!
Connect with Alayna on LinkedIn to keep up with all her future and current projects!
Cover Art by Les H. follow them on Instagram @xlehx!
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Elyse Willems (Funhaus, A Night in Halloween House, 30 Morbid Minutes, Answer For It!)
Marve and Melissa welcome writer and performer Elyse Willems (@elysewillems)!
We discuss Elyse's favorite Halloween candy, her journey from being a PA on Spike TV, to how her time at Funhaus wasn't always easy but always special and rewarding, and how she writes in between her many projects.
Check out more of Elyse's works and podcasts here!
✍🏼 @ghostbusterssu, A Night in Halloween House
🎙️ @30morbidminutes @answerforitshow
Cover Art by Les H. follow them on Instagram @xlehx
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Maureen Johnson (The Creeping Hand Murder, Truly Devious, Let It Snow)
Marve and Melissa welcome New York Times Bestselling Author Maureen Johnson (@maureenjohnsonbooks)!
We discuss the soup of it all (soup recipes included), how being an angry indoor kid is excellent fuel for becoming a writer, making racist statues into piñatas, and all about Maureen's beautiful new solve it yourself murder mystery casefile book.
You can buy The Creeping Hand Murder now at https://maureenjohnsonbooks.com/ or wherever you love to buy books!
Cover Art by Les H. follow them on Instagram @xlehx
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Claire Rosenthal (An Animation Cryptid, QT Zine)
Marve and Melissa welcome Claire Rosenthal (@claire_therose)!
We discuss Claire's amazing skills of connecting with folks in the animation industry, the importance of being respectful and kind, and how to not stalk people at the Costco in Burbank.
Check out the QT Zine they helped produce here!
Cover Art by Les H. follow them on Instagram @xlehx
Follow us on Instagram @Not1WayPod to stay up to date on when episodes come out. Or on Tumblr @not1rightway-pod!
Email us at notonerightwaypod@gmail.com for any questions or...
Stephanie Refuerzo (Spore, Sims, Call of Duty: Vanguard, Modern Warfare III)
Marve and Melissa welcome Associate Producer Stephanie Refuerzo (@stephref247)!
We discuss Stephanie's time in QA, she shares the ins and outs of being a QA tester and analyst (it's not just playing games all day!). We learn about the pains of a layoff and how it lead to her joining Sledgehammer and becoming a producer! Listen to this giggle filled fest and let us know your TTP in the comments.
Cover Art by Les H. follow them on Instagram @xlehx
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David Olson (Epic Games)
Marve and Melissa welcome Partner Operations Release Manager David Olson!
We discuss David's many many jobs before working in games. From gas attendant, to Indian restaurant waiter, barista, and more! David shares his early love of games from his mother to how his many jobs helped prepare him for his current role. He also shares all about the importance of networking and all about his current role as a member of PORM at Epic!
Cover Art by Les H. follow them on Instagram @xlehx
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Mabelin Calcano (Ghee Happy, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous)
Marve and Melissa welcome Producer Mabelin L Calcano (@humanmabs)!
We discuss Mabs' journey from the Dominican Republic to the US and her love of all things music and visual art. She shares how she got her first internship at DreamWorks, to working at Netflix, and more.
Connect with Mabs on LinkedIn!
Cover Art by Les H. follow them on Instagram @xlehx
Follow us on Instagram @Not1WayPod to stay up to date on when episodes come out. Or on Tumblr @not1rightway-pod!
Email us at notonerightwaypod@gmail.com for...
Ellie Guzman (TMNT, Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight, Archibald’s Next Big Thing is Here!)
Marve and Melissa welcome writer Ellie Guzman (@elliemariaguzman)!
We discuss Ellie's journey from being an ER medical scribe to becoming a PA at DreamWorks, how her blog helped her writing career, the importance of taking a leap of faith, burnout, representation in animation, and more!
Find all of Ellie's amazing work on her website https://ellieguzman.com/! Her blog Lady Pieces, her book Rags to Rags, and more!
Cover Art by Les H. follow them on Instagram @xlehx
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Joseph Knox (Uncharted 4, Call of Duty: Vanguard, The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria)
Marve and Melissa welcome Senior Producer Joseph Knox!
We discuss Knox's winding road to game development and the many hats he's worn along the way. We also talk about what it takes to work outside the US, the importance of honesty, and more!
Cover Art by Les H. follow them on Instagram @xlehx
Follow us on Instagram @Not1WayPod to stay up to date on when episodes come out. Or on Tumblr @not1rightway-pod!
Email us at notonerightwaypod@gmail.com for any questions or comments! Or if you'd like to be a guest on the show!
Jakejames Lugo (Writer, Editor, Journalist, Content Creator)
Marve and Melissa welcome Media Personality Jakejames Lugo(@jakejameslugo)!
We discuss Jakejames' initial dreams of being a game dev, to realizing writing about games was more his passion. We also talk about the importance and complexities of reviews in media, writing game guides, and more!
Cover Art by Les H. follow them on Instagram @xlehx
Follow us on Instagram @Not1WayPod to stay up to date on when episodes come out. Or on Tumblr @not1rightway-pod!
Email us at notonerightwaypod@gmail.com for any questions or comments! Or if you'd like...
Patrick Lin (Win or Lose, Elio, Bao, Up, Ratatouille, & More!)
Marve and Melissa welcome Director of Photography at Pixar Animation Studios, Patrick Lin!
We discuss Patrick's early start in stop-motion animation working on James and the Giant Peach, to helping work on the cinematics for theme park rides. Then we learn how he got his first job as a layout artist at Pixar in 1997 on A Bug's Life. Patrick then gives an amazing explanation on the importance and artistry of what Layout Artists do! #JusticeForLayout
Cover Art by Les H. follow them on Instagram @xlehx
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Kal Athannassov (Jentry Chau vs The Underworld, Carol and the End of the World)
Marve and Melissa welcome Character Designer & Art Director Kal Athannassov (@dr_kal_drungus)!
We discuss how Kal's student thesis film from Ringling The Wishgranter opened so many doors for work, becoming an AD at Baobab Studios, to working at Netflix during the pandemic, and the development work he did for Jentry! Along with lots of fun Kit and Chang creation lore, major spoiler warning if you haven't watch Jentry Chau yet!
Cover Art by Les H. follow them on Instagram @xlehx
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Monisha Selvaraj (V for Virat, Call of Duty: Vanguard, Modern Warfare III)
Marve and Melissa welcome Associate Producer Monisha Selvaraj (@monishaselva)!
We discuss going to school in India, learning about not really wanting to be an animator, and instead work in production, the importance of empathy in all roles, experiencing a layoff and learning to get back in touch with your health, and becoming an Insta Influencer to cope with it all!
Connect with Monisha on her Instagram or LinkedIn!
Cover Art by Les H. follow them on Instagram @xlehx
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Miguel Baltazar (Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Destiny, Inside Job, Boss Baby: Back in Business)
Marve and Melissa welcome Storyboard Artist Miguel Baltazar(@miguelbaltazar_art)!
We discuss what it means to be a storyboard artist, the importance of emotion in storytelling, how our teachers inspire us, and once again the value of luck, timing, and preparation.
Check out Miguel's work on his site or his YouTube!
Cover Art by Les H. follow them on Instagram @xlehx
Follow us on Instagram @Not1WayPod to stay up to date on when episodes come out. Or on Tumblr @not1rightway-pod!
Email us at notonerightwaypod@gmail.com for...
Nicole Pacheco (Toei Animation, DTVA Development)
Marve and Melissa welcome Production Assistant Nicole Pacheco!
We discuss going to Florida State University for Film School, finding out you don't need to know how to draw to work in animation, what it takes to work in animation development, and how to pitch your show to executives from someone who has heard many, many pitches!
Follow us on Instagram @Not1WayPod to stay up to date on when episodes come out. Or on Tumblr @not1rightway-pod!
Email us at notonerightwaypod@gmail.com for any questions or comments! Or if you'd like to...
Quyen-Vi Nguyen (Call of Duty: Vanguard & Modern Warfare III, Gameheads)
Marve and Melissa welcome Associate Producer Quyen-Vi Nguyen (@thelittlebirdemperor)!
We discuss the trauma of being a first gen college student and the burnout that comes with it, what VFX and Lighting really means in video games, the amazing organization that is Gameheads, and to remember to fail fast, fail better.
Play Quyen-Vi's amazing game here! Check out all the other Gameheads games here and support/join them anytime!
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Sing Khamnouane (Tangled, Book of Life, Scoob!, The Monkey King)
Marve and Melissa welcome Assistant Professor of Practice (Previous Character Modeling Supervisor) Sing Khamnouane!
We discuss how Sing got his start as a Disney trainee working on Tangled (he made the satchel and the flower), tells the amazing/heartbreaking story of watching the last 2D film be made at Disney Animation, help Jorge Gutierrez make his first film a reality, and lots of wisdom on how to find your path. Get some extra credit and learn all about 3D modeling!
Connect with Sing on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sing-khamnouane-3429127/!
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Chelsea Holt (The Casagrandes, DC Superhero Girls, Teen Titans Go!)
Marve and Melissa welcome Chelsea Holt (@choltsea)!
We discuss Chelsea's time as a Nicktern, to how that led to her time at Warner Bros Animation, what does a Storyboard Revisionist do, and even more about assets.
Check out her work at https://chelseaholt.com/ or connect on https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-holt-3b94aa116/
Follow us on Instagram @Not1WayPod to stay up to date on when episodes come out. Or on Tumblr @not1rightway-pod!
Email us at notonerightwaypod@gmail.com for any questions or comments! Or if you'd like...
Paige Coblentz (Blue Eyed Samurai, Bojack Horseman, Tuca & Bertie)
Marve and Melissa welcome Paige Coblentz (@rampaigeee12), Production Manager at Netflix Animation!
We discuss the important pillars of being prepared, connections, and luck. As well as archery, Paige's time at the Rhode Island School of Design, moving to LA, and so so much more. Please listen to gain all the amazing wisdom Paige has to share!
Check out Paige's work here: https://www.paigecoblentz.com/
Follow us on Instagram @Not1WayPod to stay up to date on when episodes come out. Or on Tumblr @not1rightway-pod!
Email us at notonerightwaypod@gmail...
Jake Weinstein (Animator, Storyboarder, Sticker Artist)
Marve and Melissa welcome Jake Weinstein (@jakeinaflannel)
We discuss how to apply to cons, making your senior thesis film, having a pet raccoon, and the importance of stickers for networking!
Check out all of Jake's amazing work https://www.jakeweinstein.org/!
Follow us on Instagram @Not1WayPod to stay up to date on when episodes come out. Or on Tumblr @not1rightway-pod!
Email us at notonerightwaypod@gmail.com for any questions or comments! Or if you'd like to be a guest on the show!
Sean Aitchison (Jellybox COO/Production Supervisor)
Marve and Melissa welcome Jellybox COO/Production Supervisor and Writer Sean Aitchison (@sean8urson.bsky.social!)
We discuss how the famous Yaoi animation guild boyfriends came to be, how the animation industry is kind of falling apart, how Sonic is a shōnen protagonist, and more!
Check out Jellybox's amazing work at https://www.jellybox.studio/ or @Jellybox_Studio
Want to listen to more Sean? Check out his own podcasts: @sonicpod.bsky.social & @Attractioneers.bsky.social
Follow us on Instagram @Not1WayPod to stay up to date on when episodes come o...
Josh Loera (Freelance Artist, AnimSchool)
Marve and Melissa welcome 3D Modeler Josh Loera (@joshloera.art)! We discuss switching careers from engineering to going back to art, working on your craft, and the importance of representation in animation!
Check out Josh's work on https://www.joshloera.com/ !
Follow us on Instagram @Not1WayPod to stay up to date on when episodes come out. Or on Tumblr @not1rightway-pod!
Email us at notonerightwaypod@gmail.com for any questions or comments! Or if you'd like to be a guest on the show!
Lila Schmitz (Dropout, Job of Songs, That Animal Rescue Show)
Marve and Melissa welcome Lila Schmitz (@lilaschmitz__)! The Legal and Operations Assistant for Dropout as well as a director, producer, writer, grip, and more. We discuss the need for grips so we can see in the dark, becoming a carpenter to find our path, falling in love with everyone, and staying curious!
Follow us on Instagram @Not1WayPod to stay up to date on when episodes come out. Or on Tumblr @not1rightway-pod!
Email us at notonerightwaypod@gmail.com for any questions or comments! Or if you'd like to be a guest on the show!<...
Jonathan Cheung (Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, Lovestruck)
Marve and Melissa welcome Jonathan Cheung (@accidentalprogress)! Listen to learn about his journey from San Jose State (hi Shrunken Head Men), through mobile games and Otome, to Call of Duty and as we all tear up finding meaning making art and problem solving for others. Then we talk about anime for a bit - go dubs!
Follow us on Instagram @Not1WayPod to stay up to date on when episodes come out. Or on Tumblr @not1rightway-pod for the amazing glossary!
Email us at notonerightwaypod@gmail.com for any questions or comments! Or if you'd...
Valeria Guénette Espinal (Maya and the Three, Barbie Dream Besties)
Marve and Melissa welcome Valeria Guénette Espinal (@guenettita)!
We discuss how not to become a neuroscientist, greek mythology, and how to optimize your demo reel.
Follow us on Instagram @Not1WayPod to stay up to date on when episodes come out. Or on Tumblr @not1rightway-pod!
Email us at notonerightwaypod@gmail.com for any questions or comments! Or if you'd like to be a guest on the show!
