Dale Malinowski

Co-Executive Producer, Transformers: EarthSpark, Nickelodeon

Age: 36

Birthplace: Raised in Reading, Pennsylvania School: Temple University, 2007

First time I knew I wanted to work in animation: I loved animation and comics from a very young age. I would trace comic-book covers and interior splash pages, I would draw characters I loved from the shows I was obsessed with, and I would staple together drawings of original characters I created to assemble their stories in DIY comic books. I knew I wanted to be a storyteller as a kid but I didn’t know how to convert my fantasy into a career. That path came into focus at school, so I put in the work and followed opportunities that led me to anima ion. Luck and timing played a role in my journey, too!

First animation job: Assistant to three current series executives at Nickelodeon. I didn’t know what ‘current series’ was before the interview, and I showed up sporting a black eye from a freak softball collision — not a good look walking into a children’s entertainment company Still, those three executives took a chance and hired me. They were phenomenal bosses and mentors who taught me everything a out an mation production. I was vocal about my passion for writing and they encouraged me to pursue it. After a few years (and many failed interviews), I landed a job as a script coordinator and finally made it into a writer’s room. That was on Andy Suriano and Ant Ward’ ise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and it was a dream come true.

Fave animated shows growing up: My favorite animated shows were the ones w o e characters lived in my toy chest: TMNT, The Real

Ghostbusters, Batman, X-Men, and Transformers, to name a few.

What I love about my job: I love writing for these characters. The Transformers are beloved, and contributing to their legacy is a privilege. I smile every time Final Draft auto-fills ‘Optimus Prime’ in the character field. I also love storyboard launch meetings. That’s the production milestone where written material begins its transition into a visual language. Discussions about character, intent, and how to communicate “what it’s about” are always enlightening because so many of my co-workers are masters of their craft.

Challenges: The job has many challenges, but they’re relative. We spend our days (and nights and weekends!) making animation for a kid audience, so maintaining perspective makes even the toughest moments feel surmountable.

Animation idols: I admire everyone I’m working with right now. Many crew members are the most talented people I’ve never met! Someday, we will all gather and be m rry — I will probably cry.

Best career advice: You are more important than your work. Take care of yourself and ask for help when you need it.