The Puerto Rico native, one of ‘Variety’s 10 Animators to Watch,’ made the film as part of Nick’s Intergalactic Shorts Program initiative to develop original comedy-driven content with an eye towards eventual series development.
Nickelodeon’s Intergalactic Shorts Program continues to breathe new life into the animation industry by supporting up-and-coming talents as they realize their creative visions. Nickelodeon Animation Studio’s Niki López, creator and executive producer of Nick Jr.’s award-winning CG-animated preschool series, Santiago of the Seas, recently completed an unreleased short for the Program.
Speaking to Forbes, López stated her time on the project was, "by far one of my favorite creative experiences in animation. From the get-go, the development execs were immensely supportive and excited by my vision for this story. Through that support, I was able to tap into some stellar talent that helped heighten the overall quality of the project. There’s so much more I wish to share, but I guess we’ll have to wait until these shorts are officially released to the public!"
Beginning as an intern at Nickelodeon Animation Studios, the Puerto Rico native was promptly hired and served as production assistant on Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness, then color designer for The Fairly OddParents, Harvey Beaks, and Glitch Techs before being labeled as one of Variety’s 10 Animators to Watch in 2018.
Another project born from the Program is Rock, Paper, Scissors, which debuted at Annecy 2022 having recently been brought to series. The short was created, written, and executive produced by Kyle Stegina (Robot Chicken) and Josh Lehrman (Robot Chicken), with Conrad Vernon (Sausage Party) and Bob Boyle (The Fairly OddParents) serving as executive producers on the series.
While submissions are now closed for 2022, those interested in submitting project ideas can check back next year for more opportunities.
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