ANIMAX DESIGNS DEVELOP MASKS AND FACE SHIELDS TO HELP FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19

BY GABRIELLE

Animax Designs, a market leader in the creation of animatronic and interactive characters for theme parks and entertainment centres around the world, are now involved in the fight against the spread of COVID-19.

The Nashville-based company is producing masks and face shields to help protect people working in the medical profession.

As the disease escalated within the local Nashville, Tennessee community, Animax saw an opportunity to utilise its existing manufacturing equipment to develop specialist protective masks and face shields to help protect health workers on the frontline.

Chuck Fawcett, president and CEO of Animax Designs, commented: “I think this initiative fits very well with our purpose. We are in business to bring smiles to faces around the world. When children see those beloved characters literally coming to life in front of their eyes, it transports them into their own fantastical dream world.

“One of my favourite things is to watch the reaction of parents when they see this excitement in their children. Now many of those same parents are stepping up to the plate directly in the face of danger.

“They are on the front lines helping to care for and protect our community. We have an amazing opportunity to help protect those same parents when this is all over, they can once again see the smiles on their children’s faces,” Fawcett continued.

ANIMAX DESIGNS ANNOUNCES TECHNICAL DESIGN TEAM

BY GABRIELLE

Animax Designs, creators of animatronic and interactive characters, costumes and puppets, has unveiled a new, industry-leading technical design team, as the company continues to establish itself as a leader in themed entertainment innovation.

Chris Lee has been appointed director of technical design, and will work alongside four other talented individuals who will serve as managers of the technical design team.

The technical design managers include, Thomas Ring, a veteran in the animatronics industry, Michael Shupbach, a master puppeteer with more thn 20 years’ experience in the industry, Paul Fly, former assembly manager at Animax Designs and a classically trained sculptor, and Tommy Schatz-Thompson, a seasoned fabricator, rigger, animator and award-winning director.

Talking about the direction that will be provided by Chris Lee as director of Technical Design, Steve Andersen, vice president of operations, said: “It’s the combination of career and personal experience that made Chris a standout candidate for the director position. He has a unique skillset that will assist us in our rapid growth as we continue to innovate the future of animatronics.”

Lee brings almost three decades of experience leading award-winning teams, including chief technology officer of Anode Inc. and senior product owner at The Dalton Agency.

Animax Designs’ new director of Technical Design commented on the appointment: “I’m excited to bring my experience in digital storytelling, product management, and guest experience to the Animax family.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead this dedicated and resourceful team of Technical Design Managers as we work to advance our company’s capabilities and processes. It’s a dream come true to be a part of such a talented group of creative professionals working together to bring characters to life.”

Chuck Fawcett, president and CEO of Animax said, “It has taken 30 years of continuous growth and building significant scale to afford us this opportunity, and Chris has the ideal credentials to lead us there!

“The level of complexity in the characters we are now designing and building, requires a team to help drive non-conventional thinking, while at the same time understanding the fundamental components required in bringing three dimensional characters to life in the most life-like ways.

“The addition of Chris Lee and team is a unique approach in the industry and one we believe will keep Animax Designs ahead of the competition,” Fawcett added.