The Animator’s Friend

Between moments of being outsmarted by a mosquito, hear Simeon Kondev expose the metal-head within. Simeon is a Bulgarian-American animator whose latest cartoon Society Animals deserves your follow on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Get your hands on a Camp Snap Camera for $5 off by using my link! https://www.campsnapphoto.com/INDIALOMBARDIBELLO Links to points of discussion: The Animator's Friend on Instagram University of Kentucky The Animator's Playlist Emily Curran at Buzzfeed Kate Costello's website Emily Zullo's website The Animator's Favorites NPR Morning Edition Ichthus Music Festival - KY Brent Sievers on The Animator's Friend Gooeyduck on YouTube skincrawlies on YouTube Fruit Suit Critters on YouTube The Animator's Animations   The Animator's Friend is hosted by India Lombardi-Bello, an animation educator based in New York City. In this series, India creates a platform where animators get to talk about themselves outside the context of their work. A questionnaire format, inspired by the 24 frames per second of animation, allows for personal, lighthearted, and unexpected conversation. Credits: Recorded, produced, and edited by India Lombardi-Bello Digital marketing assistance from Arnesh Kundu Music by Cloutmeyer Design by Sawyer Rippon Microphones provided by SVA MFA Computer arts Special thanks to Darren Santa Maria; my mom and dad; Miyu Distribution

Preempting their Student Academy Award win for their student film The Shyness of Trees, listen to Loick Du Plessis D'Argentre, Simin He, and me giggle over unexpected animation crushes, rats, and French cliches. In the film, Hélène, 40 years old, comes to visit her aging mother in the french countryside. But her mother isn't being her usual self. She seems to have formed a strange bond with the plants, insects, and the old oak tree at the end of her garden... Get your hands on a Camp Snap Camera for $10 off by using my link! https://www.campsnapphoto.com/INDIALOMBARDIBELLO Links to points of discussion: The Animator's Friend on Instagram The Shyness of Trees on Youtube The Animator's Animations Loick Du Plessis D'Argentre's website Loick Du Plessis D'Argentre's Instagram Simin He on Instagram Gobelins The Animator's Playlist Routard Guide Sables - NYC The Animator's Favorites   The Animator's Friend is hosted by India Lombardi-Bello, an animation educator based in New York City. In this series, India creates a platform where animators get to talk about themselves outside the context of their work. A questionnaire format, inspired by the 24 frames per second of animation, allows for personal, lighthearted, and unexpected conversation.   Credits: Recorded, produced, and edited by India Lombardi-Bello Booking assistance from Luce Grosjean at Miyu Distribution Digital marketing assistance from Arnesh Kundu Music by Cloutmeyer Design by Sawyer Rippon Microphones provided by SVA MFA Computer arts Special thanks to my mom and dad; Darren Santa Maria; Sarah Shmidt; Luce Grosjean & Emma Berebbi at Miyu; Lena Greene; Michael Dondero; Kristie Kish

You can find Amanda, me, and her dog Bacca under the pergola, discussing our shared provenance which includes italianess, shyness, and punkness.  Her film Confetti is available online for the first time through Director's Notes and her and fellow animator James Thacher have just started their own studio called Magician with a screening coming up at Ridgewood Community Cinema on 11/2/25 at 7pm.  Amanda Bonaiuto is an animation director, artist, and assistant professor of Illustration at Parsons School of Design. Her films have screened at film festivals and institutions globally, including Slamdance Film Festival, Annecy International Animation Festival, Ottawa International Animation Festival, Ann Arbor Film Festival, among others. Her work has been recognized by press outlets such as It’s Nice That, The New Yorker, Vimeo, and NPR. She holds an MFA in Experimental Animation from the California Institute of the Arts, and a BFA from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. She offers workshops, mentorship, and animation publications through a collaborative project called Magician Studio. Amanda uses animation to experiment with choreographic movement, relational ruptures, and the ever present tension between bodies and space. Her work examines experiences of turmoil in mundane spaces; the bedroom, the funeral home, the emotional dance created through chains of physical association. She is fascinated by the porousness of lived experience. Her films consider how our environments exert influence as we reciprocally construct our own world. She hosts Animator Picnics in NYC several times a year (one forthcoming in October). Reach out if you’d like to be added to the email list: a.t.bonaiuto@gmail.com   Links to points of discussion: Amanda Bonaiuto's Instagram The Animator's Animations Cooking classes at Eataly The Animator's Playlist The Animator's Friend on Instagram Art Shack Bedstuy "Material Worlds: Amanda Bonaiuto" by Case Jernigan with Evergreen Haneen Koraz on Instagram The Animator's Favorites Hedge by Amanda Bonaiuto Anibar Fest Anca Kaboom Animation Festival GLAS Animation Festival   The Animator's Friend is hosted by India Lombardi-Bello, an animation educator based in New York City. In this new series, India creates a platform where animators get to talk about themselves outside the context of their work. A questionnaire format, inspired by the 24 frames per second of animation, allows for lighthearted and unexpected conversation.   Credits: Recorded, produced, and edited by India Lombardi-Bello Digital marketing assistance from Arnesh Kundu Music by Cloutmeyer Design by Sawyer Rippon Microphones provided by SVA MFA Computer arts Special thanks to my mom and dad; Darren Santa Maria; Jose Vargas; Malt Adult; Lisa LaBracio; Andy London; Anna Samo; Kristie Kish.

If you need a bar recommendation, enjoy Lena's encyclopedic knowledge of cool karaoke bars, including the ones that exist only in her mind. Throats Karaoke Bar is the setting of her latest short film Tuna Tartare, which challenges you to be yourself but hotter. Set in post-apocalyptic Los Angeles, Tuna Tartare is a trashy, karaoke musical about an expired can of tuna fish and her BFF Susan (a fake Louis Vuitton purse) as they struggle to pursue their artistic dreams in a world that has long since dismissed them. Upcoming screenings include Tuna's NYC premiere at The Downtown Festival on 10/11 at 2:30pm and at the Woodstock Film Festival's Saturday Evening Cartoons block on 10/18 at 4:30pm. Lena Greene is a director, animator, illustrator, storyboard artist and character designer based in NYC. Her work is campy, playful, and absurdist, and her characters are often striving to “make it” in a world that has long since overlooked them. She has directed widely screened animations for Lauren Greenfield, Lana Del Rey, Celeste, Gohar World, Comedy Central’s Saturday Morning(ish) Cartoons, and Blumhouse’s Crypt TV. Lena was a storyboard artist on seasons 1 and 2 of Adult Swim & HBO’s Teenage Euthanasia, season 2 of PBS & Augenblick Studio’s City Island, and a character designer on season 3 of Adult Swim & HBO's Smiling Friends. She has made animations for clients such as Vice, Droga5, Edelman, Gucci, Knoll, Tory Burch and collaborated on four large-scale 3D zoetropes with Camille Henrot. Lena was an adjunct animation professor at Queens College, and is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design where she received a BFA in film, animation and video. Lena hosts a recurring karaoke talent show on Montez Press Radio, which has been highlighted in Document Journal, The New York Times, Frieze, Dazed, Cultured Mag, and the LA Review of Books. Links to points of discussion: Lena Greene's website Lena Greene's Instagram The Downtown Festival - NYC HollyShorts Film Festival - LA Ficus Interfaith on Instagram Earth on Instagram - LA Plank Skate Mag Montez Press Radio Insa - NYC Woodstock Film Festival Miyu Distribution Animest - Romania The Animator's Playlist Planet Rose - NYC Montero's - NYC Winnie's - NYC Singer's - NYC Gogopa - NYC Mary's Crisis Cafe - NYC Asia Roma - NYC The Animator's Favorites The Animator's Friend on Instagram Christopher Rutledge Andrew Onorato on Instagram Lucas Ansell's website The Animator's Animations   The Animator's Friend is hosted by India Lombardi-Bello, an animation educator based in New York City. In this new series, India creates a platform where animators get to talk about themselves outside the context of their work. A questionnaire format, inspired by the 24 frames per second of animation, allows for lighthearted and unexpected conversation.   Credits: Recorded, produced, and edited by India Lombardi-Bello Booking assistance from Luce Grosjean at Miyu Distribution Digital marketing assistance from Arnesh Kundu Music by Cloutmeyer Design by Sawyer Rippon Microphones provided by SVA MFA Computer arts Special thanks to my mom and dad; Cynthia Chu; Michael Dondero, Kristie Kish; Darren Santa Maria; Malt Adult and Sarah Schmidt; Montez Press Radio.

The Animator's Friend is live-to-tape at the The Animator's Picnic!  As part of the 2025 Ottawa International Animation Festival (aka my favorite festival)!  After meeting her for the first time at the last OIAF, I asked my fellow media pass girlie Sarah Schmidt of Malt Adult to join me to talk to the good people at The Animator's Picnic!  In true TAF-fashion, we talked a little shit, swooned over our favorite festival picks, and absolutely refused to talk about AI.   Links to points of discussion: Ottawa International Animation Festival Sarah Schmidt's website Sarah Schmidt's Instagram Malt Adult's website Malt Adult's Instagram Adult Swim Smalls DePaul University - Chicago Malt Adult #33 - 11/16/25 Camp Snap Camera Rea Christie's LinkTree RIT MFA Film and Animation The Animator's Favorites Bathroom Girls by Rea Christie The Animator's Animations Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD) - Ohio Sublo and Tangy Mustard The Animator's Playlist Aaron Long's LinkTree Jesse Patiences/MallBat's LinkTree 24 memes per second Surviving Animation podcast SVA MFA Visual Narrative - NYC SVA MFA Computer Arts - NYC Emmett Goodman's website Pilar Newton-Katz on Instagram Pilar Newton-Katz's webiste Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel - Ottawa The Animator's Friend on Instagram Sam Gurry's website Lids.com TAF with Signe Baumane and Debra Solomon TAF with Nayon Cho Jumbo's Clown Room - LA Smear Frame Podcast James Thatcher Annapurna Kumar Shapeshifters Cinema - Oakland Animation Brut LA FilmForum Victoria Vincent aka vewn Spencer Moreland's website Barnaby Catterall on TAF Cynthia Chu on TAF Tabitha Fischer on Instagram JHS Pedals Beyond the Bastards podcast Animation Show n Tell on Instagram Hellavision Silverlake Shorts animationshowntell@gmail.com   The Animator's Friend is hosted by India Lombardi-Bello, an animation educator in New York City. In this new series, India creates a platform where animators get to talk about themselves outside the context of their work. A questionnaire format, inspired by the 24 frames per second of animation, allows for personal, lighthearted, and unexpected conversation.   Credits: Recorded, produced, and edited by India Lombardi-Bello Co-host Sarah Schmidt Travel support provided by Ottawa International Animation Festival and SVA Digital Marketing Intern: Arnesh Kundu Music by Cloutmeyer Design by Sawyer Rippon Special thanks to Ian Ballentine, Chris Robinson...  

In anticipation of the Made in New York: Best of NYC Indie Animation showcase and panel at Metrograph this Saturday (9/13/25, 5pm), I had the opportunity to speak with Signe Baumane and Debra Solomon about the screening, making it in NYC, and 417 Hz YouTube videos. Just as New York has long been the capital of America’s artistically ambitious “Second Cinema,” a scrappy foil to the Los Angelino industry of streamlined entertainment, it is also home to a counter-tradition of independent animation that has nothing to do with what happens out there in Burbank at the House of the Mouse. Two abundantly talented stalwarts of the NYC animation scene, Bill Plympton and Signe Baumane, have teamed to assemble a program of some of the finest (and most outrageous) work to emerge from artists living and working in the Big Apple, and will be coming to Metrograph to introduce a one-of-a-kind evening of stubbornly individualistic toons, with a number of the participating filmmakers also present. Not the sort of stuff you’re likely to catch on Saturday morning, kids! “What makes NYC indie animators so special? Sense of timing. As we scurry from place to place trying to avoid gawking tourists, hungry rats and drag racing vehicles we internalize the sense of adventure and fast pacing, and we bring it to our work. This program showcases just a sliver of the best NYC indie animation: some of the films are Oscar winners, others are made by animation newcomers, but they all share the sense of wonder, adventure and perfect NYC timing to make you laugh, cry and be entertained.” —Signe Baumane Post-screening panel discussion with Chris Wedge, Bill Plympton, Chris Conforti, Lisa LaBracio, Anna Samo, Patrick Smith, Peter Ahern, Alex Budovsky, Candy Kugel, Marilyn Kraemer, Signe Baumane, Debra Solomon, and Morgan Miller on Saturday, September 13th.   Links to points of discussion: Made in New York: Best of NYC Animation showcase and panel on Saturday, September 13th at 5pm Metrograph Signe Baumane's website Karmic Knot Debra Solomon's website Debra Solomon's Facebook Lisa LaBracio on The Animator's Friend Andy London's website Arthur Metcalf's website The Animator's Favorites Kristian Sensini's website Angelika Film Center The Animator's Friend on Instagram The Animator's Animations   The Animator's Friend is hosted by India Lombardi-Bello, an animation educator based in New York City. In this new series, India creates a platform where animators get to talk about themselves outside the context of their work. A questionnaire format, inspired by the 24 frames per second of animation, allows for lighthearted and unexpected conversation.   Credits: Recorded, produced, and edited by India Lombardi-Bello Booking assistance from Kaila Hier Digital marketing assistance from Arnesh Kundu Music by Cloutmeyer Design by Sawyer Rippon Microphones provided by SVA MFA Computer arts Special thanks to Kaila, Michael Dondero, Kristie Kish, Darren Santa Maria, and my mom and dad.

Nayon and I met on a grueling hike in the French alps after a revelrous week at Annecy International Animation Festival, bonding us in a unique way.  I can say for myself, she saw my most bratty, unvarnished self within only hours of meeting, which I can't say for most people! Hear us reminisce. Nayon Cho is an animation director and artist born in Seoul, based in New York. She uses a technique which combines drawings, photographs, cel and computer animation. Experimenting with timing and abstraction in 2D narratives, her works explore themes of gender dynamics and social conditioning. Upon graduating from Rhode Island School of Design with a BFA in Film/Animation/Video, her short films and commissioned works have screened internationally in film festivals, like Ottawa International Animation Film Festival, Pictoplasma, Kaboom Animation Festival, and more. Recently her commissioned piece, “Peekaboo,” made for Hulu IDs won a Webby Award for Craft-Best Use of Animation. She is seeking to collaborate on story-driven projects, she is available for work directing, animating & consulting opportunities.   Links to points of discussion: Nayon's website Hulu IDs Peekaboo Stigma Skincrawlies on YouTube The Animator's Animations Hudson Valley Film Fest Hudson Valley Film Fest on Instagram Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) The Animator's Playlist David De La Fuente's website The Animator's Friend on Instagram   The Animator's Friend is hosted by India Lombardi-Bello, an animation educator in New York City. In this new series, India creates a platform where animators get to talk about themselves outside the context of their work. A questionnaire format, inspired by the 24 frames per second of animation, allows for personal, lighthearted, and unexpected conversation. Credits: Recorded, produced, edited by India Lombardi-Bello Digital marketing assistance by Arnesh Kundu Music by Cloutmeyer Design and branding by Sawyer Rippon Microphones provided by SVA MFA Computer Arts Special thanks to Simon Wilches Castro for introducing me and Nayon; Hsiang Chin Moe; Michael Dondero; Malt Adult; and Mom and Dad.

We're at the drive-in this week for the Hudson Valley Film Festival's 10th Anniversary!  There's no doubt how much this fest loves animation, and they invited me and my friend Kristie Kish to interview selected animators including Ryan Castrillo, Michael McGoldrick, John Quinn, Zac Max, and friends of the pod Arnesh Kundu, Michael Dondero, and Shengnan Dong.  We were also honored to be part of Laura Faith's Filmmakers Journey discussion. The Hudson Valley Film Festival is a grassroots arts fest run by local creatives, featuring a curated and diverse selection of independent, short films screened at the Warwick Drive-In Movie Theater, located only 55 miles from NYC. The festival is in its 10th year and aims to showcase and celebrate independent filmmakers and their films. The festival supports and celebrates indie filmmaking, culture, community, and the local arts scene within the Hudson Valley…and beyond. To my animator friends: do not miss the chance to submit your work for year 11!  The festival lived up to it's promise of taking us into the beyond with their celestial selections, cosmic connections, and a suspiciously well-timed supernova on opening night!     Links to points of discussion: Hudson Valley Film Festival Hudson Valley Film Festival on Instagram Warwick Drive-In Kristie Kish's website Kristie Kish's Instagram Ryan Castrillo on Instagram The Animator's Animations The Animator's Playlist The Animator's Favorites Michael McGoldrick on Instagram Michael McGoldrick on Twitter Babe Alert on NewGrounds C204 Animation Beach Rat Productions on Instagram Beach Rat Productions Shop John Quinn's website John Quinn's Instagram John Quinn's YouTube The Storm trailer Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation, & Technology (PFCAT) Kristie Kish on The Animator's Friend Boys Go to Jupiter trailer Ottawa International Animation Festival Leland Powley on Instagram Zac Max's website Zac Max's Instagram The Callicoon Theater Michael Dondero & Shengnan Dong on The Animator's Friend Nostril's website Michael Dondero's website Michael Dondero's Instagram Shengnan Dong's website Shengnan Dong's Instagram Arnesh Kundu's website Arnesh Kundu's Instagram The Mahoning Drive-In The Animator's Friend on Instagram     The Animator's Friend is hosted by India Lombardi-Bello, an animation educator in New York City. In this new series, India creates a platform where animators get to talk about themselves outside the context of their work. A questionnaire format, inspired by the 24 frames per second of animation, allows for personal, lighthearted, and unexpected conversation.     Credits: Recorded and edited by India Lombardi-Bello Co-host Kristie Kish Produced in part with facilities provided by SVA MFA Computer Arts Travel support provided by the Hudson Valley Film Festival Digital marketing assistance by Arnesh Kundu Music by Cloutmeyer Design by Sawyer Rippon Special thanks to Arnesh Kundu, Hannah Maxwell, Kristie Kish, Laura Faith, Jess Reisch, Ty Opeña, Darren Santa Maria, Jose Vargas, and Malt Adult.

Tala really knows what it means to live life creatively! She blurs the boundaries between her art practice and personal life to lead an existence that feels like a work of art in and of itself. You can experience this rapturous reality by attending one of her many retreats, workshops, and community events! Join her orbit: @talaschlossberg. Tala Rae Schlossberg is an American experimental artist known for her distinct animated style, original voice and inventive storytelling. Her animation practice merges rhythm, wordplay, and systems of logic to construct entirely new ways of seeing. Schlossberg’s distinctive visual language—at once ironic, pastoral, and incisively original—reimagines the relationship between image, meaning, and motion. Links to points of discussion: Tala's Instagram Tala's website Tala's Substack The Animator's Friend on Instagram The Animator's Animations The Animator's Playlist Peephole Cinema on Instagram Hudson Valley Film Fest Hudson Valley Film Fest on Instagram Kristie Kish on The Animator's Friend TAF at Animafest Zagreb TAF at Annecy International Animation Festival School in Sweden I mentioned: Sorangens folkhogskola My email address: india.lombardi.bello@gmail.com   The Animator's Friend is hosted by India Lombardi-Bello, an animation educator in New York City. In this new series, India creates a platform where animators get to talk about themselves outside the context of their work. A questionnaire format, inspired by the 24 frames per second of animation, allows for personal, lighthearted, and unexpected conversation. Credits: Recorded and edited by India Lombardi-Bello Produced in part with facilities provided by SVA MFA Computer Arts Digital marketing assistance by Arnesh Kundu Music by Cloutmeyer Design and branding by Sawyer Rippon Special thanks to Bergen Hoff for introducing me to Tala; Kristie Kish; Michael Dondero; Jose Vargas; Malt Adult; and my mom and dad Lisa Lombardi-Bello and Mick Bello

Cynthia and I are passionate about being able to communicate with cockroaches one day, but for now, we'll have to settle on talking to eachother. Listen to us in our middle-of-the-night post-lasagna daze, spiraling over roller-coasters, ghosts, and crystals. Cynthia Chu is a 2D illustrator and cel animator originally from NYC. Her style goes between painterly and moody to silly and simple. Past Clients include Nickelodeon, SONY, Girl Rising, STARZ, MTV, and Court TV.  She is available for freelance Color Design, BG Paint, and 2D Cel Animation. Links to points of discussion: Cynthia's Instagram Cynthia's illustration portfolio TAF at Annecy with Barnaby Catterall Josh Pilch on The Animator's Friend The Animator's Friend on Instagram The Animator's Favorites Annecy International Animation Festival Ottawa International Animation Festival Anne Beal on The Animator's Friend The Animator's Animations The Animator's Playlist   The Animator's Friend is hosted by India Lombardi-Bello, an animation educator at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. In this new series, India creates a platform where animators get to talk about themselves outside the context of their work. A questionnaire format, inspired by the 24 frames per second of animation, allows for lighthearted and unexpected conversation.   Credits: Recorded and edited by India Lombardi-Bello Produced in part with facilities provided by SVA MFA Computer Arts Music by Cloutmeyer Design and branding by Sawyer Rippon Special thanks to Barnaby Catterall, Lisa Lombardi-Bello and Mick Bello, and AJ Lawrence

We are live-to-tape at the 2025 Annecy International Animation Festival!  Take a pew with me and my friend Barnaby Catterall (who I met at Annecy 8 years ago!) as we chat with Animation Talent Picnic attendees about how well they tan, what animal would play them in a Better Man type biopic of their life, and what they have or have not yet seen at the festival this year.   Links to points of discussion: Barnaby's website Barnaby's Instagram Annecy International Animation Festival Arco Layer Explorer podcast on Youtube The Animator's Animations Alberto Allegri Rodriguez's website Alberto Allegri Rogdriguez's Instagram Potlems on Short of the Week Mikkel Mainz on Instagram Sun Creature Studio Skjaldborn Studios Tales of Alethrion on Youtube ChaO Dragon Striker Hoj Kfir Ben-Dov's website Lee-Yam Naaman's website Lee-Yam Naaman's Instagram Mononoke The Movie The Animation Workshop Pedro Martins Twitch Hlin on Instagram Melissa Raymond Lund's website Royal College of Art Animation MA The Animator's Favorites The Animator's Friend on Instagram   The Animator's Friend is hosted by India Lombardi-Bello, an animation educator at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. In this new series, India creates a platform where animators get to talk about themselves outside the context of their work. A questionnaire format, inspired by the 24 frames per second of animation, allows for lighthearted and unexpected conversation.     Credits: Recorded and edited by India Lombardi-Bello Co-host Barnaby Catterall Produced in part with facilities provided by SVA MFA Computer Arts Travel support provided by Annecy International Animation Festival and SVA MFA Computer Arts Music by Cloutmeyer Design by Sawyer Rippon Special thanks to Cynthia Chu; Brent Sievers; Ash Suh; Tracy Liu; my mom and dad Lisa Lombardi-Bello and Mick Bello; Barnaby's mom and dad; Darren Santa Maria.  

In the interest of making new friends while attending Animafest Zagreb this year, I hung out at the festival picnic to record some impromptu conversations. This feels especially meaningful since Animafest is where I got the idea for the podcast this time last year! I was graciously joined by Sawyer Rippon, designer of the TAF logo, to chat with some new buds about Animafest's programming, frogs, and the beauty of the animation community with guests.   Links to points of discussion: Sawyer's website Sawyer's Instagram Animafest Zagreb Bratislava Academy of Performing Arts Alina Koroleva's website Alina Koroleva's Instagram Estonian Academy of Arts Power Rangers Time Force on Tubi Yiyang Sun's website Yiyang Sun's Instagram @rs92221 on Instagram A Night at the Rest Area by Saki Muramoto trailer Ode to Perfume by Maxim Litvinov trailer Rise & Shine Animateka International Animation Festival Kaboom Animation Festival The Animator's Animations The Animator's Favorites The Animator's Friend on Instagram   The Animator's Friend is hosted by India Lombardi-Bello, an animation educator at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. In this new series, India creates a platform where animators get to talk about themselves outside the context of their work. A questionnaire format, inspired by the 24 frames per second of animation, allows for lighthearted and unexpected conversation.     Credits: Recorded and edited by India Lombardi-Bello Co-host Sawyer Rippon Produced in part with facilities provided by SVA MFA Computer Arts Travel support provided by Animafest Zagreb and SVA MFA Computer Arts Music by Cloutmeyer Design by Sawyer Rippon Special thanks to Ash Suh for talking about recording at animation festivals with me; either Britt Raes or Tracy Liu for talking about recording specifically at the festival picnics with me; my mom and dad Lisa Lombardi-Bello and Mick Bello; Darren Santa Maria.  

Listen to my chat with my two favorite Annecy Achievers Michael Dondero and Shengnan Dong, whose film Nostril has been programmed into Annecy International Animation Festivals 2025's WTF Block!  If you are going to Annecy, book your ticket for one of the WTF blocks ASAP or rush day of!   Links to points of discussion: Nostril's website Michael Dondero's website Michael Dondero's Instagram Shengnan Dong's website Shengnan Dong's Instagram Annecy International Animation Festival The Animator's Animations The Animator's Favorites The Animator's Playlist Walla Walla Movie Crush Lost Signal Society (Michael's podcast) Woodstock Film Festival Blender The Animator's Friend on Instagram   The Animator's Friend is hosted by India Lombardi-Bello, an animation educator at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. In this new series, India creates a platform where animators get to talk about themselves outside the context of their work. A questionnaire format, inspired by the 24 frames per second of animation, allows for lighthearted and unexpected conversation.   Credits: Recorded and edited by India Lombardi-Bello Produced in part with facilities provided by SVA MFA Computer Arts Music by Cloutmeyer Design by Sawyer Rippon Special thanks to my mom and dad Lisa Lombardi-Bello and Mick Bello; Malt Adult and Sarah Schmidt; Darren Santa Maria

Two episodes in one month!? Don't get used to it!... yet. Brent Sievers was in NYC a few weeks ago to receive a Webby for his show The Land of Boggs, becoming the podcast's first Angelino; allaying any blind East Coast/West Coast allegiances with his holistic perspective on the bites, the vibes, and the views. Links to points of discussion: Land of Boggs on Instagram Brent's Instagram The Divide Caleb Wood's website The Animator's Favorites Los Tacos No. 1 Vidiots The Animator's Animations The Animator's Playlist The Animator's Friend on Instagram   The Animator's Friend is hosted by India Lombardi-Bello, an animation educator at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. In this new series, India creates a platform where animators get to talk about themselves outside the context of their work. A questionnaire format, inspired by the 24 frames per second of animation, allows for lighthearted and unexpected conversation. Credits: Recorded and edited by India Lombardi-Bello Produced in part with facilities provided by SVA MFA Computer Arts Music by Cloutmeyer Design by Sawyer Rippon Special thanks to Lisa Lombardi-Bello, Mick Bello, and Darren Santa Maria

The Animator's Friend reaches Unc Status by having Jasper Lin on the show. In our chat, Jasper does everything in his power to get us both canceled by crowning me the Joe Rogan of Animation, starting animation beef with Oscar winners, and attempting to settle multiple disputes with me on mic.  Jasper is an animator, computer artist, and educator. His work ranges from narrative short films to experimental video and sound pieces, but his interdisciplinary background and DIY work ethic have led him to fill a wide variety of roles in production, design, and academia.  Jasper received an MFA in Computer Art from the School of Visual Arts in 2011 and is an Assistant Professor of Digital Art and Design at Queensborough Community College.  His most recent film The Misprint is now available to stream on Youtube. Links to points of discussion: Jasper's webiste The Misprint Aid distribution in Gaza via Stephanie H. Shih Trans Relocation Support Western Mass Immigration Bond Freedom Fund Jasper's Youtube Jasper's Instagram Nicole Otaola on The Animator's Friend Westside Tavern @there_i_ruined_it on Instagram WAR IS OVER! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko trailer IFC Center SVA Faculty United: SVA FAC - UAW Zohran for New York City Kurt Vonnegut quote on Humanism The Animator's Playlist The Animator's Friend on Instagram Credits: Recorded and edited by India Lombardi-Bello Produced in part with facilities provided by SVA MFA Computer Arts Music by Crankin' Cloutmeyer Evans Design and branding by Sawyer Rippon Special thanks to Lisa Lombardi-Bello and Mick Bello, Darren Santa Maria, Jack Meisterich, Andres Salazar, Jose Vargas, Michael Dondero, Adam Meyers, and Rebecca Huang

Sit poolside with me and Nicole Otaola as we discuss pauses, pivots, persistence, politics, and Jurassic Park.  Nicole is an artist and filmmaker currently based in Miami, FL.  She is a recent graduate of the BFA Animation Program at the School of Visual Arts.  She is an animation generalist, previously at Augenblick Studios - clients including PBS, Netflix, Irony Point, G-Fuel, Toei Animation, and Expensify.  More recently, she worked on City Island PBS Kids as a Production Coordinator.  In addition to animating, illustrating, storyboarding, and compositing, she also likes to make tunes. Links to points of discussion: Nicole's Instagram City Island Miami-Dade Public Library System Josh Pilch on the Animator's Friend The Animator's Favorites The Animator's Animations My Neighbor Totoro Fox Dub The Animator's Playlist The Animator's Friend on Instagram The Animator's Friend is hosted by India Lombardi-Bello, an animation educator at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. In this new series, India creates a platform where animators get to talk about themselves outside the context of their work. A questionnaire format, inspired by the 24 frames per second of animation, allows for lighthearted and unexpected conversation. Credits: Recorded and edited by India Lombardi-Bello Produced in part with facilities provided by SVA MFA Computer Arts Music by Crankin' Cloutmeyer Evans Design and branding by Sawyer Rippon Special thanks to Sam Lee for introducing me to Nicole, Lisa Lombardi-Bello and Mick Bello, Ro and Scott Hornak, and Kylie Mitchell

I think the theme of my chat with Anne is BALANCE: the balance between creative desires; improvisation and planning; nature and opportunity; perfection and imperfection; Alice in Wonderland and Scar; the artist and the critic. The deep sea angler fish serves as a sublime enactment of this search for harmony. Anne Beal is an award-winning animation filmmaker and multimedia artist whose work merges experimental animation, painting, and sound. Informed by her musical training, she embraces the intuitive elements of cinematic language. Links to points of discussion: Anne's Patreon The Animator's Friend on Instagram The Animator's Playlist Oliver Burkeman's 70% Rule Girls Night Out by Joanna Quinn Rocks In My Pockets by Signe Baumane Consuming Spirits by Chris Sullivan The Animator's Friend is hosted by India Lombardi-Bello, an animation educator at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. In this new series, India creates a platform where animators get to talk about themselves outside the context of their work. A questionnaire format, inspired by the 24 frames per second of animation, allows for lighthearted and unexpected conversation. Credits: Recorded and edited by India Lombardi-Bello Produced in part with facilities provided by SVA MFA Computer Arts Music by Crankin' Cloutmeyer Evans Interstitial music from guitarmaster on freesound.org Design and branding by Sawyer Rippon Special thanks to Vinay Nandargi, Lisa Labracio, Michael Dondero, Kristie Kish, Darren Santa Maria, Rebecca Huang, my mom and dad Lisa Lombardi-Bello and Mick Bello, Nikolas Fortune Hagen, and Ro and Scott Hornak

This month, I made a new friend! John Morena joined me to talk all the most taboo topics: religion, and the tristate pizza wars. Morena is a Bronx-born animator and art director, currently living in Brooklyn.  His films have been selected by such prestigious festivals Annecy, Ottawa, Hiroshima, Anima Mundi, Animafest Zagreb, and the International Children's Festival. He is currently working on an anthology piece Films for No One which you can keep stay up-to-date with on Instagram. Links to points of discussion: Di Fara Pizza Creepshow 2 Animation Speak/Easy Alphabet by David Lynch I'm Okay by Elizabeth Hobbs Martina Scarpelli Area 52 by John Morena 25 Ways to Quit Smoking by Bill Plympton Your Face by Bill Plympton Beauty in the Grime: An Interview with Independent Animator John Morena by ASIFA-East The Animator's Friend is hosted by India Lombardi-Bello, an animation educator at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. In this new series, India creates a platform where animators get to talk about themselves outside the context of their work. A questionnaire format, inspired by the 24 frames per second of animation, allows for lighthearted and unexpected conversation. Credits: Recorded and edited by India Lombardi-Bello Produced in part with facilities provided by SVA MFA Computer Arts Music by Crankin' Cloutmeyer Evans Design and branding by Sawyer Rippon Special thanks to Lisa LaBracio for recommending John Morena, Jose Vargas, Michael Dondero, and Nikolas Fortune Hagen

This month, The Animator's Friend is joined by the self-proclaimed Animator's Friend's Friend Josh Pilch. Josh is an animator at Augenblick Studios and has worked on such projects as City Island and Weird: The Al Yankovic Story. He has his own improv podcast Big Town Improv which can be found on all major podcast platforms. This lively conversation leaves listeners wondering... is Josh brat? Is Josh a bully? Was Josh really raised amish? You be the judge! Links to points of discussion: City Island (show) Bagel Villa (Brooklyn bakery) The Animator's Playlist Tigre (Manhattan bar) Bruce Blitz The Animator's Friend is hosted by India Lombardi-Bello, an animation educator at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. In this new series, India creates a platform where animators get to talk about themselves outside the context of their work. A questionnaire format, inspired by the 24 frames per second of animation, allows for lighthearted and unexpected conversation. Credits: Recorded and edited by India Lombardi-Bello Produced in part with facilities provided by SVA MFA Computer Arts Music by Crankin' Cloutmeyer Evans Design and branding by Sawyer Rippon Special thanks to Darren Santa Maria, Lisa LaBracio, my parents Lisa Lombardi-Bello and Mick Bello, and Josh for helping me move my couch.

The Animator's Friend is hosted by India Lombardi-Bello, an animation educator at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. In this new podcast, India creates a platform where animators get to talk about themselves outside the context of their work. A questionnaire format, inspired by the 24 frames per second of animation, allows for lighthearted and unexpected conversation. In this episode, India sits down with director and educator Lisa LaBracio to discuss their shared Italian heritage, social norms, failure, chocolate, and Animation Speak/Easy.  Among other things! Links to points of discussion: Anne Beal John Morena Uncle Thomas: Accounting for the Days by Regina Pessoa Tragic story with a Happy ending by Regina Pessoa Feet of Song by Erica Russell Neighbors by Norm McLaren Song Exploder The Animator's Friend's playlist heh Credits: Recorded and edited by India Lombardi-Bello Produced in part with facilities provided by SVA MFA Computer Arts Music by Crankin' Cloutmeyer Evans Design and branding by Sawyer Rippon Special thanks to Ethan Kaplan, Michael Dondero, Adam Meyers, Lisa Lombardi-Bello, and Mick Bello