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Steve Martino
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Steve Martino

Steve Martino is a pioneer in the field of computer animation. After receiving his undergraduate degree in graphic design in 1981, Martino commenced his graduate work in computer animation at The Ohio State University's Computer Graphics Research Group. This unique environment was one of the first to have computer scientists and artists collaborate to produce animation and develop the tools to advance this young industry. Steve received his Masters degree with a thesis focused on design and storyboarding for computer animation.

Martino was on the frontier of the blossoming industry when he joined Cranston/Csuri Productions in 1983, where he designed, animated and produced computer animation for such clients as ABC, CBS, NBC, HBO and ESPN. Martino's design and animation work led to his personal recognition and the studio's garnering of awards from the Broadcast Designers Association, The International Monitor Awards and numerous film festivals.

In 1987, Martino moved to Los Angeles to help start MetroLight Studios, which gained a reputation for award winning design, visual effects and animation. With Martino as one of the creative directors, MetroLight's work earned the Academy Award in 1991 for visual effects on the film Total Recall. That same year, Martino won a Primetime Emmy Award for his direction of the main title graphics for ABC's World of Discovery

Driven by a desire to produce original content and explore interactive storytelling, Martino joined 7th Level Studios in 1994 as the Vice President of Creative. Martino's work with Howie Mandel on the Lil' Howie's Fun House series, and his collaboration with Terry Gilliam and Eric Idle on Monty Python's Quest for the Holy Grail and Monty Python's The Meaning of Life netted awards and recognition in the field of interactive entertainment.

In 1997, Martino helped start a second studio, Click 3X LA, where he was a partner and Director of Animation. Click 3X LA gained a reputation for the design and production of visual effects and animation for advertising, television, features and Imax films. It was during this time that Martino began directing commercials and leading larger teams of animators in producing character animation for longer form television movies.

Martino came to Blue Sky Studios in 2002 as Art Director for the feature film Robots. He collaborated with Chris Wedge and William Joyce to create the movie's wholly imagined, whimsical world for which he received an Annie nomination (Production Design). As Robots hit the theaters, Martino was tapped to direct (with Jimmy Hayward) Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who! The film, starring Jim Carrey, Steve Carell and Carol Burnett, was released to critical acclaim and box office success in 2008.


Note: This profile was written in or before 2012.

Steve Martino Facts

OccupationDirector

Selected Filmography

Not available.