A New Phase
Then Klasky Csupo called me and offered me a job as a timer. That's when I came to California. I am very happy here.

On Animation and Life in the U.S.
Many of the projects here are based on formulas. There are few opportunities for creativity because everything works according to the market.

In Cuba I had a salary, and I didn't have to pay the house rent, the doctor, or the school. People didn't really work for the money; they worked for a position in society. So if money is not that important, you can explore ideas the way you want. Here you have to pay rent, the car, car insurance, medical insurance, etc. You have to pay for everything, and without money it's hard to live. One becomes a slave to consumption, and has to find the money to buy things; that's when your creativity disappears. It's harder to be creative this way.

Léa Zagury is an independent animator. She is also one of the co-directors and co-founders of Brazil's Anima Mundi International Animation Festival, established in 1993.