Studio behind ‘Bob’s Burgers’ and ‘Duncanville’ announces new hires in talent and creative development as they continue move to expand output in all platforms.
Bento Box Entertainment, the animation production studio behind Bob’s Burgers, Duncanville and the upcoming The Great North, has announced two key hires as part of its expansion into content development for all distribution platforms: Brooke Keesling has been named Head of Animation Talent Development, and Caitlin Winiarski has been appointed Creative Executive. The announcement was just made by Bento Box Co-Founder and CEO Scott Greenberg.
According to Greenberg, “With the business continuing to evolve and platforms’ demand for quality animated content expands with it, now more than ever it is important to have a deep bench of and direct line to the best talent in the space. And as we strategically grow our output to broadcast, cable and streaming platforms, Brooke and Caitlin’s unique backgrounds, longstanding relationships and creative vision will play an important role in keeping Bento Box the premier destination for established and up-and-coming talent to do their best work.”
In her newly created position, Keesling will be responsible for the development and growth of artistic talent acquisition and internal artist relations, reporting to Greenberg and Bento Box COO Brett Coker. A Student Academy Award winner for her 2002 animated short, Boobie Girl, Keesling will scout diverse talent at art and animation conventions, festivals, comic-cons and other industry events. Additionally, she will foster relationships with top art and animation colleges and universities.
Winiarski, who will report to Bento Box Creative Director Ben Jones, will assess pilot proposals, scripts and pitches; and identify relevant source material for development from established and emerging talent. Both executives are based in Bento Box’s Los Angeles headquarters.
Keesling has worked in the animation and VFX industries for decades as an artist, in production, education and in talent development. Over the years, she has recruited animation talent for Cartoon Network, Disney Television Animation and Warner Bros., among others. Keesling earned her M.F.A. in Animation at CalArts; after graduating, she worked in practical and miniature visual effects on films such as Inception, Hugo, The Dark Knight and The Aviator. Passionate about education and outreach, Keesling is also an instructor in the Character Animation department at CalArts, the Vice President of ASIFA-Hollywood, an active member of Women in Animation and serves on the Advisory Board of the GLAS Animation Festival.
Prior to joining Bento Box, Winiarski worked as the Creative Executive in Television at Will Ferrell and Adam McKay’s Gary Sanchez Productions, where she focused on developing projects from up-and-coming and diverse comedic voices. She is also a student of improv comedy and regularly performs with her all-female team at various theaters in the Los Angeles area. Winiarski began her career in entertainment in the mailroom at William Morris Endeavor and is a graduate of Wesleyan University.
Source: Bento Box Entertainment
Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
