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Katie Mello

Stop-Motion Character Fabrtcation
  • Personal work
  • Professional Work
  • About
  • Resume



Character Fabrication Department Supervisor 

(503) 975-2960 

TheKatieMello@gmail.com 

www.katiemello.com 

  

OVERVIEW  

Accomplished Character Fabricator with 25+ years of experience in stop-motion puppet fabrication across television, advertising, and film. A natural leader dedicated to empowering team members and fostering a collaborative work environment. Known for excellent communication skills and the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences. Committed to strategic planning, problem-solving, and resilience, ensuring that projects run smoothly and efficiently under tight deadlines. 

  

EXPERIENCE  

HouseSpecial  July 2014 - October 2024  

Character Fabrication Department Supervisor 

  • Led the fabrication of attractive and functional puppets, managing a crew of 2-20 people, dependent upon project scope.  

  • Collaborated with clients such as Apple, M&M’s Mars, and ABC Disney. Communicated with producers, directors, and animators to meet project specifications and timelines.  

  • Developed cost estimates for labor and materials and tracked project progress.  

  • Successfully led character fabrication for Cartoon Network's The Shivering Truth, Season 2, and the film Harold and Kumar 3. 

  • Participate in the hiring process, including screening candidates and conducting interviews, as well as maintain relationships to retain talent. 

  • Facilitated on-the-job training for new team members, emphasizing skill development and professional growth. 

  • Excelled in managing multiple projects across different departments, ensuring that every member of the cross-functional team stayed on track toward a common goal. 

 

Laika  July 2005 - July 2014  

Character Fabrication Supervisor  

  • Supervised the creation of iconic characters for Planters, Coca-Cola and Target.  

  • Developed the character of Mr. Peanut for his first 3D animated appearance.  

  • Contributed to early development and R&D for Coraline and concept animation for Box Trolls.  

 

Will Vinton Studios  September 1997 - July 2005  

Character Fabrication  

  • Played a key role in the production of The PJ’s and co-led the third season pre-production.  

  • Created puppets for advertisements for clients including 3 Musketeers, and NFL.  

  • Co-led the character fabrication team for the UPN series Gary and Mike, season 2.  

 

Shadow Machine  July 2005  

Character Fabricator  

• Fabricated puppets for the first season of the Cartoon Network program Robot Chicken.  

 

  

EDUCATION  

University of Oregon 1993 - 1998  

BS/BFA  with honors 

San Francisco State University 1995  

Animation Studies  

 

SKILLS 

  • Effective communicator with excellent intergenerational communication skills, able to explain complex ideas in accessible terms. 

  • Skilled in strategic planning and project management, adept at breaking down tasks and formulating achievable goals. 

  • Self-motivated, reliable, and able to work independently with little supervision, demonstrating professionalism and accountability. 

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