Victoria G Interviews Tom Smith

Victoria G: What inspired you to become a storyboard artist?

Tom Smith: I've always been interested in animation and film-making. Storyboard artist is a fun job because you get to make a lot of creative decisions. It involves a bit of writing, directing, and editing.

VG: That's great! What was your first storyboard job?

TS: My first storyboard gig was on Robot Chicken Season 6 at Stoopid Buddy Stoodios.

VG: Nice, what was it like being an intern at Cartoon Network?

TS: It was interesting. I wanted to be an artist, but I only managed to qualify for the production internship (I was a film major and business minor). I was working for the live action execs during the rollout of CN Real. It wasn't exactly what I wanted to be doing, but I got to meet a lot of great people and see what working at an animation studio was like. I'd love to come back there again someday.

VG: Did your time being an intern help you network with other executives?

TS: Yes! I recently pitched a show to some of the people I used to intern for. I think it definitely helped that they already knew who I was.

VG: What advice would you give to young artists when it comes to networking successfully?

TS: I think a lot of people have the wrong idea about networking. It's not about connecting with people above you, it's about making friends with people who are at your level. Once your friends start getting work, they'll hire you, and if you're lucky enough, you can do the same for them.

VG: Great advice! What can you tell us about the new Rocko's Modern Life movie?

TS: Not much! Only that "Rocko's Modern Life" was my favorite show growing up, and I think that fans like me are really going to love it. There's a lot of fun callbacks to the original series, but it also goes to some very unexpected places.

VG: Sounds great, is there a release date yet?

TS: Not that I know of... but I think the movie is almost done!

VG: I can't wait! What's it like working for Nickelodeon?

TS: Working for Nick was great! They take very good care of their employees. The execs for the Rocko special gave us a lot of freedom, which was very much appreciated.

VG: That's great! Did your time at The University of Arizona prepare you for the entertainment industry?

TS: At the time I felt very frustrated with the experience, but in hindsight I think it prepared me very well. The program didn't require too much of students, but they gave us the tools to do whatever crazy projects we could think of. It taught me to go out and get what I wanted, rather than waiting for it to come to me. I also met a lot of other students who now work in LA as well, so I had already had a network of friends when I moved out here.

VG: That's great, have you always known you wanted to be a storyboard artist?

TS: I've always loved animating, but I don't think I knew what a storyboard artist was until much later. For a long time I thought I would make a living writing my own 3 panel comic strip, but the newspaper industry kinda dried up before I could try. I see storyboarding as a stepping stone to writing and directing, which is what I most want to do.

VG: Awesome! What else to you hope to accomplish in coming years?

TS: I'd really like to have my own show! There are a few ideas that I'm developing right now.

VG: That's a great goal! Any details you can share?

TS: One of the shows is based on a short called "Gleep-Glorp and Lasertag" that I made with my friend, Justin Michael. The short is available online, but the idea has evolved a lot since then.

VG: Nice, do you know what channel you will pitch that idea to?

TS: We've been pitching it all over town! A few networks have shown interest, but I can't say which ones right now.

VG: Okay, good luck! What are your thoughts on where animation is headed?

TS: I think there has never been a better time to get started in animation. With internet streaming, there are more companies than ever looking to make new shows - and now artists can create and distribute their own projects without the backing of a major studio.

VG: In your opinion, is it better to work for a studio or to be freelance?

TS: Honestly, I'm still trying to figure that out myself. Both have pros and cons. At the moment, I'm making a short cartoon on my own, and then using it as a proof of concept to pitch a show.

VG: Would you say in the world of social media, that it is easier to pitch ideas?

TS: I wouldn't say harder or easier, just different. Studios are more cautious, and want to see if something can succeed online before fully investing in it, but I don't think view counts are a good indicator of quality.

VG: Very true. Where do you see yourself in ten years?

TS: Good question! Hopefully making something I care about.