Today we’d like to introduce you to Roy Stein.
Hi Roy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been drawn to the arts—for as long as I can remember, creativity has been part of my life. Whether I was sketching, painting, or playing music, expressing myself through art was how I connected with the world.
Early in my career, I was honored to win first prize in the “11 Second Club” online animation competition. That recognition was one of the instigators that led me to eventually work with some incredible studios and mentors in the 12 years since.
Over the past decade, I’ve been fortunate to contribute to a wide range of animated features- Films like “Ferdinand”, “The Little Prince”, “Ice Age: Collision Course”, “The Willoughbys”, “The Addams Family 2” among others. I’ve worked at studios like Blue Sky and Disney Animation, where I had the opportunity to animate on big projects like the recent Moana 2.
During the day, I’m an Animator at Netflix Animation, where I continue to grow as both an artist and a storyteller. I love working closely with my star studded team—solving creative challenges, shaping characters, and crafting moments that feel honest and alive.
Outside of the studio system, I keep developing my personal career as a director. My next film “Concerto” (working title), is an ambitious piece blending horror and dark fantasy inspired visual storytelling with a striking musical foundation, created in collaboration with an inspiring mix of animation and musical talent from around the world. It’s a deeply personal and creatively satisfying journey, and I can’t wait to share it with the world!
Animation is such a fantastic medium, one that combines so many art disciplines and challenges altogether- and I am considering myself very lucky to be able to partake in it everyday
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I know it’s a cliche, but it’s true that nothing is ever easy, as an animator (or any artist for that matter) you struggle every day. If it’s smooth, you’re doing something wrong (or repeating yourself). The ups and downs sometimes can shake you to your core, but that is part of the process, like it or not.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am particularly proud of my first short film “Too Late”. It was made with no budget at all, and though it is “only” 5 minutes long, it speaks to a very important subject to me, the importance of work/life balance. Oh, and drinking coffee endlessly 🙂
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Drawing/ playing music and spending time with important people in my life. Art has a peculiar way of calming the soul, filtering out the craziness of the outside world. it’s magical.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://roy-stein.com
- Instagram: @roysteinart
