About me

Simon J. Smith is a writer, director, animator, and layout/pre-artist. Smith came to PDI/DreamWorks Animation in 1997 as Head of Layout for the company's feature film division. With nearly 30 years of experience in computer graphics, and 36 years in production, Smith supervised the Layout Department on PDI/DreamWorks' first animated feature "Antz" (world's second animated feature ever made), before serving as the Head of Layout for "Shrek" (won the Oscar for feature animation). He then directed the Universal Studios Theatre experience "Shrek 4-D", followed by the dvd short "Shrek 2: Far, Far, Away Idol". His feature film debut as a Director was "Bee Movie" ( nominated for Golden Globe). Then came another dvd short "Megamind: The Button of Doom", before he was chosen to direct his latest feature film release, the comedy/actioner "The Penguins Of Madagascar".

In 2018 Simon wrote and directed three short films for Disney Television Animation using the Unity game engine and creating a brand new pipeline.

Titled "Baymax Dreams" they featured Baymax from the Disney feature "Big Hero Six".

"Baymax Dreams" recently was awarded a Technical Emmy for innovation.

Smith began his career in London at SVC Television, the editing and effects house Framestore and post house VTR, where he established his own 3D department. Immediately prior to joining PDI/DreamWorks, Smith served at The Mill as the CG supervisor and director on commercial projects for Nike, Honda, Volvo and VW Polo. He was a pioneer in the field of pre-visualization, and used that skill set to create PDI's layout department, which became an integral part of PDI's filmmaking process. Smith was also instrumental in helping to set up CG layout department for Aardman Animation for the production of Chicken Run. Known for his work on the award-winning pop video Go West for the Pet Shop Boys, Smith also received the first ever Gold Leaf Award for his 3D directorial work on the commercial West Lites.