From the pioneers who opened the way within the industry to the talented artists, writers, directors, producers and technicians, women continue to make their mark in the animation’s sector. Their creativity, passion and dedication are instrumental in driving innovation and excellence in our industry.
At Mondo TV Studios, we strongly believe in equal opportunity, and we think that by consistently celebrating and supporting women working in animation, we can even further enrich the stories we tell as well as strengthen our creative community.
Guided by this spirit, and to celebrate this day, we have decided to present some of the women who are part of our company through a brief interview, in order to learn a little bit more about their vision of the world, their experience and concerns.
We hope you enjoy reading it, and let’s all celebrate International Women’s Day together!
Amélie Houpline, Studio Director.
- How did you start your career in the audiovisual industry?
My first contact with the audiovisual world was when I started my degree in photography at a film school in Belgium. While studying, I started working in production, which allowed me to delve into this fascinating world. Photography brought me closer to art in a unique way, teaching me to hone a certain aesthetic and artistic eye. On the other hand, science gave me a logical and critical thinking structure, while the production experience showed me the importance of logistics and common sense in any project.
Seven years ago, after 15 years working for international fashion and advertising campaigns, I made the decision to jump into the world of animation film Industry. This change marked a before and after for me, it was the best decision I could have made. The Animation sector is one of the most beautiful and demanding at the same time. Every day is a new challenge, but it is precisely this dynamism that motivates me to move forward, to give my best every day.
We are at a key moment for the industry, which is constantly evolving, adapting and growing, but always maintaining its essence: telling stories that inspire us.
Today, I would like to pay tribute to all the women who have decided to pursue their dreams and fight for them, just like the inspiring stories that cinema conveys to us, these women give us hope and strength.
Emanuela Marrocu, Marketing&Communication Specialist
- What was one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced, and how did you overcome it?
One of my greatest challenges was starting my career in the industry, right after graduating from university. I began as an intern while working two jobs to sustain myself in the city (Madrid). Animation was an incredible discovery: an immense, creative industry that truly inspired me from the very beginning.
The challenge was to stay in the industry. Constant studying and staying updated were key. My initial dedication allowed me to evolve towards a strategic and creative focus in the marketing and communication field. I overcame the challenge by turning it into an opportunity to learn, grow, and now contribute to the team in conveying the values and inspiring messages of our projects.
Manuela Penna, Storyboard Artist
- If you could collaborate with any female creator or artist, living or historical, who would it be, and what kind of project would you like to undertake together?
If I could collaborate with any artist or creator, I think it would be Michela Murgia. She was a contemporary Italian writer, literary critic and popularizer, who unfortunately passed away last year. From the moment I met her, her critical sense and her activism, especially on social, feminist and minority protection issues, enriched me greatly. An interesting project could be the animated version of the episodes of his podcast “Morgana”, a space dedicated to the story of well-known female characters who have broken the mold and have lived or live against the grain. The name “Morgana” itself is inspired by Arthur’s sister, a character from Arthurian legend who, depending on the narrative, can be seen as a benevolent fairy or a devious witch and who stood out for her strength and independence.
The female figure and her role are complicated to define. It is important to know examples of women who, in some way, have broken the mould and contributed to redrawing the boundaries in favour of freedom of action and thought, to understand how to reduce power level differences in the society. I believe that the animation technique is ideal for conveying such a committed and complex message in a more accessible way for the general audience and allows an unlimited freedom to the artistic expression.
Francesca Mandolini, Marketing&Communication Manager
- How has your role evolved within the animation sector?
My evolution within the animation industry has been a combination of personal interests and professional opportunities. I started in a small team, taking on multiple roles and quickly adapting to various tasks. As the company has grown, my role has progressively evolved, allowing me to cover various aspects of communication and marketing. I have also been able to get involved in different areas of the production value chain, such as dubbing process coordination, which has been especially rewarding. This evolution has enriched both my professional and personal life, providing me with the opportunity to discover and strengthen individual passions and gain deeper knowledge of the industry.
I feel that my role so far is defined by constant growth and continuous exploration of new opportunities in the exciting world of audiovisual production.
Elisa Sánchez, Concept Artist
- Of all the projects you have worked on, are there any that have left a special mark on you? Why so?
It is undeniable that all projects leave an imprint. However, for me, working on Disco Dragon left a particularly deep impression. It was a truly challenge, as I had previously come from a production with a much more relaxed artistic style. Suddenly, I was forced to do my best to live up to the demands of the series. Still, the appeal of the show’s artistic style drove me to research and learn how my colleagues worked, so that I could keep up with them. It was also a project that, as it developed during the pandemic, remote working affected all of us. This made me realise how valuable it is to work surrounded by teammates.
It was a tough road, but the learning I gained is invaluable to me, and makes me consider this series one of the most enriching I have ever been involved in.
Sara García, Concept Artist
- Which woman inspires you and serves as a role model?
If we talk about artistic references within the animation industry I have to highlight the work of Elena and Olivia Ceballos. Two twin sisters whose art pieces have inspired me since I started to work in the industry and to this day they continue to be masters in the use of atmosphere and colour. They have worked on a multitude of projects in different studios around the world such as the Dreamworks Trolls series and nowdays they are currently in the process of making their own short film.
If you ever need inspiration, these sisters have such a wide variety of work that you will always find what you are looking for.
Sabela González, Production Coordinator
- If you had the opportunity to create your own personal animation project without any constraints, what would it be like, and what message or emotion would you like to convey through it?
I would love to create an animation project for a more adult public, where I could address topics that concern me, from feminism to socio-economic differences to how our society seems to be advancing faster and faster, with technology that seems able to leave us behind.
The message, in a way, would be two-fold. On the one hand, there would be the story itself and on the other, I would like to reinforce the idea that animation is a valid technique to tell any kind of story, not just children’s content.
Pilar Hernández, Concept Artist
- Many creatives have rituals before starting work. Do you have any rituals or habits before tackling a new project?
I don’t really have a “ritual” as such, but I do have something in mind when I work: from Salvador Dalí’s writings there is an idea that could come close to something like a ritual or habit and that is the conversation with the medium.
A dialogue between the idea in your mind and the dance-fight-exchange when you sit down to materialise it. Like a clash and an overlapping of two realities.
I am passionate about working on projects that ignite my motivation as it will make this little ritual shine brightly.
Maria Bonaria Fois, CEO
- What advice would you give to aspiring professionals in the industry?
