Video Interview: Studio Smokescreen’s Kris Wimberly

At one point in time, Kris Wimberly worked as a custodian at Disneyland, before pursuing a career in the animation industry and working as a storyboard artist on series such as SpongeBob SquarePants, Teen Titans Go! and Elena of Avalor, among others. In 2020, he co-founded Studio Smokescreen, designed to act as a “bridge” studio to lead change in diversity and inclusion and elevate marginalized and underrepresented talent. The company gives individuals hands-on experience and mentoring to ensure they have the right tools to make it in the industry.

While serving as head of creative at Studio Smokescreen, Wimberly continues to work on animation projects in various roles. Currently, he serves as episodic director of Disney Junior’s Firebuds and is developing an as-yet-untitled original show about a time-traveling treasure hunter.

In this video interview, Wimberly speaks to TV Kids Weekly about how Studio Smokescreen is championing diversity and inclusion and how he aims to foster authenticity and connection within every show he works on.