TAG is excited to introduce our new Shop Stewards at DreamWorks Animation. Learn about their animation backgrounds and why they chose to take the role to represent their Guild kin at the studio.
Elisabeth Constantine
Tell us a little about your animation career.
I began my career as an Animator in 2003 at Rhythm & Hues Studios. After three life-changing years there, I ventured out to other VFX houses including MPC London, Digital Domain, and Sony Pictures Imageworks. It was at Imageworks, after working several years on notable VFX projects, that I finally had the opportunity to work on my first CG feature Arthur Christmas. It was that experience that led me here to DreamWorks where I’ve been fortunate enough to continue my feature animation career and growth as an Animator.
Why did you become a Shop Steward?
I became a Shop Steward because I believe in the value of unions to give voice and power to the workforce, and appreciate the benefits and community it has afforded me.
What is one fun fact about you?
I love salsa dancing and wish I was better at it!
Kolja Erman
Tell us a little about your animation career.
I started out in the animation industry all the way back in Germany where I joined newly established Munich Animation as a Scanner and, later, Scene Planner in 1993. In 1996 I was hired by Warner Bros. Feature Animation for their new studio in London, UK, though I was immediately loaned out to their Los Angeles studio to help as a Scene Planner on the original Space Jam. Back in London I became Scene Planning Supervisor for the UK studio on the next show. Unfortunately, the studio was closed right after, but I was offered a position as Technical Director on Iron Giant in the US. Because of this I permanently emigrated to the US in 1998. In 2002 I finally made the jump to DreamWorks Animation where I’ve been working as a Technical Director, and now Senior Technical Director, for the last 22 years.
Why did you become a Shop Steward?
After 26 years in the Union and over 30 in the industry, I feel it’s high time for me to do my part to help out our excellent community of animation workers. Having seen many highs and lows, and watching the industry evolve and change both for better and for worse, one of the most important things I have learned over the years is this simple fact: the Union is us. I’ve benefited so much from the things others fought for, and like they did for us, I want to do what I can for those who have entered the industry since.
What is one fun fact about you?
Like Neo, I (actually) know Kung Fu.
Jorge Garcia
Tell us a little about your animation career.
I am a a Colombian animator, graduated from Ringling College of Art and Design, currently working at DreamWorks in the Feature Animation department. I started my career at Rhythm and Hues, and hopped over to Sony Imageworks, Nickelodeon, Insomniac Games, and Walt Disney Animation Studios, before landing in Shrek’s happy swamp.
Why did you become a Shop Steward?
Having gone through a couple of VFX projects and layoffs, the importance of being in a guild shop became apparent. After joining WDAS, the studio had a need for a steward position, and I took it as a great opportunity to learn more about organized labor and to give back to the artists. Once joining DWA, I volunteered to continue my position as best I could to keep the cause going.
What is one fun fact about you?
I believe the One Piece is real.
Corey Hels
Tell us a little about your animation career.
I’ve been a Previsualization Artist most of my career, and have worked freelance as a Producer, so I really admire the whole filmmaking process. Some favorite titles I’ve been lucky to work on include The Iron Giant, Monster House, DreamWorks’ Dragons trilogy, both Puss in Boots films, and most recently The Wild Robot.
Why did you become a Shop Steward?
I have been a member of TAG for over 25 years. Early in my career I found it difficult to network within big corporations and felt disconnected from more established artists. As a Shop Steward I hope to help support newer members navigate the comprehensive Guild benefits, and promote mutual respect between producers and such amazing talent.
What is one fun fact about you?
I put myself through Art School earning a BFA and a mountain of debt. When I moved to Los Angeles I had only $900 to my name.
Sadako Leong-Suzuki
Tell us a little about your animation career.
I’m a Storyboard Artist/Revisionist, and I’ve spent my whole animation career at DreamWorks TV. My first animation job was as a Production Assistant on Spirit Riding Free, followed by becoming a Production Coordinator on Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight. From there they hired me for my first Union job as a Storyboard Revisionist! Since then, I’ve been working as a Storyboard Revisionist on Jurassic World: Chaos Theory for Netflix, coming out this year.
Why did you become a Shop Steward?
I became a Shop Steward because of all else—I love the amazing people, artists, and colleagues I’ve had the pleasure of working with here at DreamWorks. In many ways I think I’ve found I love the people that work at DreamWorks, and in animation as a whole, more than the art itself (which says a lot because I love our work loads too, haha). Also, watching our previous Shop Steward (shout-out Alex Anderson-Kenney) was super inspiring! I want to help build a strong sense of trust, community, support, and pride with all of us DreamWorks TAG members—because everyone here DESERVES it!
What is one fun fact about you?
I couldn’t decide, but according to friends and co-workers, it would be between being told by a doctor that I have “Grossly Unremarkable Bones.” OR that I am a “Stack of Puns in a Trenchcoat”—haha.