Director Frank Molieri has joined Class-Key Chew-Po Commercials, a division of Hollywood-based animation studio Klasky Csupo. Molieri comes over from Warner Bros. Classic Animation, Sherman Oaks, Calif., where he helmed animation for assorted spots incorporating the company’s family of cartoon characters.
At press time, Class-Key Chew-Po—which is headed by executive producers John Andrews and Liz Seidman—had booked its first job for Molieri, a spot promoting an undisclosed client out of D’Arcy, New York.
Seidman described Molieri as "an accomplished animation director," citing his track record in cel animation on "an eclectic range of projects."
Looney Tune
After freelancing at various Southern California animation houses as a character animator and director, Molieri came on staff at Warner Bros., where he amassed spot credits for such advertisers as Kraft, Pontiac, General Motors, Burger King, Radio Shack and MCI. His work has received numerous nominations and kudos from several industry competitions, including the Clios and the Annie Awards. For example, a Molieri-directed spot—"Tweety" for Kraft Foods’ Miracle Whip, out of J. Walter Thompson, Chicago—received a 1999 Annie nomination in the commercials category. The Annie Awards are presented by the Hollywood chapter of the international animation organization Association Internationale du Film d’Animation (ASIFA).
"I always try to push the envelope when it comes to animation," related Molieri. "I love what Class-Key Chew-Po Commercials does, and I believe that, with them, I will have the opportunity to fully take advantage of this wonderful art form."
Molieri joins a Class-Key Chew-Po 2-D/3-D spot animation directing roster that also consists of Paul Vester, who serves as creative director of digital and mixed media; Stig Bergqvist; Sally Cruikshank; Tom Decker; Steve Dovas; Dave Foss; Raul Garcia; John Haugse; Corky Quakenbush; Walter Santucci; Debra Solomon; Bonita Versh; and the mono-monikered Voltaire. Class-Key Chew-Po additionally reps live action director/graphic designer Bil White.
Klasky Csupo’s commercial division became Class-Key Chew-Po in ’98, shortly after Andrews and Seidman came on board as executive producers.
