“I prefer to encourage our team to give their input, it’s good to empower the talent to bring something to the table. Everyone has the opportunity to own a part of the production and have a sense of pride in their work.”

~Jennifer Sherman, Director

In this team profile we chat with one of our talented Brown Bag Films Toronto (formerly 9 Story) Directors Jennifer Sherman, who speaks with us about her inclusive directing style and how she got her start in animation and moved her way up the ranks of production from assistant to director!

1. First up, what is your life motto or favourite quote?

“Life Begins at the end of your comfort zone” ~Neale Donald Walsch

I believe this to be true, the thrill of new challenges keeps us moving forward, there’s always something new to learn.

2. What do you do at Toronto?

Currently I’m directing season 3 of Camp Lakebottom

3. What do you love most about your job?

I do enjoy having the opportunity to have creative input throughout a production to help each stage get better along the way. I prefer to encourage our team to give their input, it’s good to empower the talent to bring something to the table. Everyone has the opportunity to own a part of the production and have a sense of pride in their work.

4. What is your origins story? Aka, how did you get to where you are today in your career?

I’d graduated from the three year animation course at Sheridan College in 1988. It’s been a career of working my way through the different stages of production along the way. Back then it was pencil and paper as an in-between assistant on TV commercials, clean up, then senior assistant, character design, layout, animation, animation supervisor, storyboard revision, storyboard supervising and assistant director and finally director. I’d made the transition from paper to digital 2D animation in 2002.

5. Who is one of your biggest influences or inspirations? 

Inspiration comes from many places. I’d grown up with Warner Bros. Cartoons and Disney feature films. My life drawing and design instructors from college gave me an early appreciation for creative criticism. You can’t possibly improve if everyone is telling you that you are doing a great job.

6. What have you found is the most challenging thing about working in the animation industry?

The deadlines always seem to be too short. It’s hard to do everything you’d like to do in the time given but without a deadline nothing would ever be complete so it’s a hard balance. Lots of overtime.

7. What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue a career in animation?

Your first job will most likely be someone else’s style that won’t always be your thing so be adaptable. Animation is a skill, once learned the software is just the tool. Technology is constantly changing so keep up with the new software. Be willing to work as a team and never stop learning.

8. Outside of work what is your story? (outside interests and pastimes)

I learned to ride a motorcycle in my 40’s so yes I like to always challenge myself. Love cooking and am attempting to learn how to bake. Kickboxing and swimming are favourites too. I’d love to have more time to create art on my own. Of course hanging out with my friends and family is the best. 

9. If you were an animated character what would you look like?

10. Which character are you most like on Camp Lakebottom?

On Camp Lakebottom it’s hard to choose just one sidekick, each character has its own endearing qualities. I’d have to say Gretchen since she is practical, can kick butt and plays a mean fiddle. She also appeals to my love of quirky goth stuff.

Check out more of Jen’s work on her blog:

http://shermanscribbles.blogspot.ca/