DRAWN TO SUCCEED
Canadian- born writer- animator scales new heights
Growing up in Aylmer, Que., across the river from Ottawa, Dean DeBlois always knew he could draw. He just never understood what that would lead to. Fans, friends and colleagues now know.
DeBlois is an accomplished animated motion picture writer and director, as confirmed again with the release of How to Train Your Dragon 2, the sequel to his big hit How to Train Your Dragon.
Here are four more DeBlois things you should file under success story:
1. He was always an over- achiever.
While attending D’Arcy McGee High School in what is now Gatineau, Que., Deblois worked part- time at Ottawa’s Hinton Animation Studios, where he helped out on The Raccoons TV series and other projects. “I was a lowly assistant animator but it taught me discipline,” said DeBlois in the middle of a global tour promoting the new movie.
2. He was a graduate with a job.
After a three- year- stint at Sheridan College’s animation department, DeBlois landed a job with the prestigious Sullivan Bluth Studios in Dublin. As a layout artist and storyboard assistant to Don Bluth ( An American Tail, The Land Before Time), the young animator said he honed his craft.
3. He had good timing.
In 1994, he accepted a job at Disney, where he met Chris Sanders. They eventually teamed up for the entertaining Lilo & Stitch in 2002 and 2010’ s How to Train Your Dragon. DeBlois is flying solo as the director on Dragon 2. Despite his incredible run, he still remains humble. “I always knew I could draw but taming the story beast will be a lifelong commitment,” he said.
4. He plans ahead.
After a break “to clear my head,” the talented writer and director will dive back into the Dragon’s storytelling den. “I have a working outline to get back to,” he said of the Dragon 3 movie set for release in the summer of 2016. What will all three animated Dragon movies have in common? That’s humour suitable for kids and their parents. “We always have to balance those elements,” DeBlois said.