Mark Andrews, American filmmaker, screenwriter and director, has left an indelible mark on the animation industry. With more than two decades of experience at Pixar, he has worked as Head of Story on ‘The Incredibles‘ either ‘Ratatouille‘, as co-director of ‘brave‘ and has received an Emmy for his work in ‘Star Wars: Clone Wars‘, in addition to contributing his grain of sand in projects such as ‘Marvel’s What If…?’, ‘Primal’, or ‘Samurai Jack’.
Lately he has been focused on the Netflix series ‘Super Giant Robot Brothers‘, the first animated series developed by Unreal Engine, but at La Razón we have had the opportunity to share a good time of conversation between reflections on the current state of animated cinema, the evolution of the industry and its passion for telling stories.
The evolution of animated cinema
In the last decade, animated cinema has evolved in surprising ways. “The exciting thing about animated film right now is that it’s finally going big on adult content,” says Andrews. While Japan has led the way with more complex stories, in the United States, barriers are breaking down, allowing narratives to evolve into more sophisticated themes that resonate with a mature audience. “The people who grew up with animation, the children who were like me, are now much older and we want our animation, but with more sophisticated themes and focused on adults.”
The impact of AI
With the rise of artificial intelligence in the industry, Andrews sees these technologies as a tool rather than a threat. “AI is just another tool, like computers were at the time,” he explains. Although some jobs may be lost, new opportunities will also be created. “AI has no taste, it has no brain; it needs human intervention,” he concludes, highlighting that creativity will always require the human touch.
Ingredients to create an animated hit
When discussing the essential elements of a good animated film, Andrews cites John Lasseter: “You need an inspiring world, an inspiring character, and an inspiring story.” This combination, according to him, It’s crucial to creating stories that captivate your audience and resonate with them.. For Andrews, new worlds are essential to the narrative.
“I want characters I can relate to; it could be a talking dog or a strange alien,” he said. This desire for emotional connection is what makes stories truly compelling. “I want the audience to feel like they’ve been transported and enjoyed it,” he says, emphasizing the importance of offering an immersive experience.
Proud of his career
Looking back, Andrews is proud of every project he’s worked on, even those that weren’t commercial successes. “I’ve worked on flops—The Magic Sword was a flop, The Iron Giant was a flop, John Carter (which wasn’t animated) was a flop—but I’ve also worked on hits. At the end of the day I have given my best, no matter the project, and if I can do this, I can walk away happy, smiling and proud,” he reflects. This philosophy has led him to tell stories that empower viewers, especially his four children.
Andrews is currently in Spain, teaching an intensive storyboarding workshop at Voxel School. “I have found a lot of talent in Spain,” he comments, praising the authenticity and courage of Spanish artists. “I have worked with Spanish talent before, at Pixar and on other projects, and there is always a truthfulness in Spanish artists; “They are a bold group,” he explains. “I feel an affinity with them because I also have a certain tenacity and face challenges. That is an attitude that I have seen in every Spaniard I have met in the industry.”
Advice for future generations
For aspiring animators, Andrews offers three practical tips: “First, don’t get depressed; It is a very competitive market and you face a lot of talent.. Second, you need have your own ideas, your own creative space and encourage that. Don’t rely solely on work for your creativity; work on your own art on the side to help you grow as an artist. Third, keep an open mind: anything is possible. Be confident in your journey.”
Finally, Andrews couldn’t contain his excitement as he teased some of his next project. Although he doesn’t give anything away, he promises that it will be as innovative as it is surprising. “No one has seen anything like this before,” he said, leaving us intrigued about what he has in store for the future. Regardless, Andrews continues to remain a creative force in the animation industry, fusing emotional stories with innovative visual techniques. His dedication to storytelling and his desire to inspire new generations ensure a legacy that will endure over time.