I am a Dutch/American director, writer and story artist. At 6 foot 6 I stand as one of the tallest internationally acclaimed filmmakers working in animation today: always pushing for new heights, never talking down to an audience.
I directed two animated features: OSMOSIS JONES and HEINZ. Like most directors, I also developed my share of projects that never made it off the ground, or remain in limbo. I wrote a number of screenplays, two of which were produced. My independent short films DaDA and T.R.A.N.S.I.T won awards at animation film festivals around the globe.
As a writer I believe scripts for animation have to be visual, fun, imaginative and evocative. The sky is the limit. There is no final frontier. But, however outlandish or outrageous, the stories must always be grounded in truth. Out of this world, yet close to home.
Ideally there is an intrinsic reason for the story to be animated. A unique hook. Something you've never seen before, or have never quite looked at that way.
As a director I have only one setting: when I'm on board, I'm all-in.
The production of an animated film, even its development alone, can easily span multiple years. All that time a director must keep the faith and safeguard the vision, while staying open to change. Animation is a team sport. Working with writers and producers, inspiring and empowering teams of different artists to bring the story to life in the best possible, most entertaining way.
There is always a better mousetrap to be built.
As story artist and consultant I've worked and work for many of the leading animation studios, like Disney, Illumination, Aardman, DreamWorks and Blue Sky, helping to crack, explore, develop and refine stories.
I also offer lectures, workshops and Master Classes for students and professionals.
Contact me if you need a hand to tell your story.