US-based Pinoy artist learns humor from ‘Simpsons’ talents

A SCENE from “Eternal Moonshine of the Simpson Mind,” the episode that won an Emmy.

“What I am going to share is my experience on how I’ve been able to have a place in the mainstream motion picture industry in Hollywood,” US-based Filipino artist Jess Española said of his participation in the Fil-Toon Comic Con 2016 in Clarkfield, Pampanga, in an e-mail interview. The event will be held at the Fontana Hot Spring and Leisure Water Park from March 19 to 20.

Española, who moved to the United States over two decades ago, told the Inquirer that his involvement in the coming event was made possible by a freed-up schedule: “[The convention] coincides with the ‘off season’ of the animation industry, when most animators are on hiatus.”

Formerly an animator in a studio that handled foreign cartoon shows in Pasig back in the 1980s, Española works as assistant director on the long-running “The Simpsons.” He won an Emmy for an episode, “Eternal Moonshine of the Simpson Mind,” which bagged the outstanding animated program award  in 2008.

He elaborated, “I have been working alternately as assistant director—making sure that established qualities and ‘funniness’ of episodes I work on are met—and as a character layout artist, equivalent to an animator, on 20th Century Fox shows such as ‘King of the Hill,’ ‘Futurama,’ and ‘The Simpsons.’”

JESS Española won for his work as assistant director.

On what he has learned from working on “The Simpsons,” he explained, “It’s not like Saturday morning shows we grew up with; it’s the longest-running animated sitcom which [satirically depicts] a working class lifestyle. I have learned from the great script writers and voice actors… what makes people laugh, which is the main substance in producing [this] show.”

Española described having a Filipino background as advantageous in his chosen profession. “Filipinos are getting known as hardworking people, with attention to detail,” he said. “Besides our Western orientation, part of our abilities is to adapt to any situation, when we decide to find jobs in other countries. We have our  heritage, homegrown outlooks, storytelling [skills]… that we are able to integrate into the [other culture].”

Other guests of the Fil-Toon convention include “Johnny Bravo” creator Van Partible, comedian Joey Guila, and local comic book creators and animators.

He will expound on his career, Española said, in a straightforward manner during the event: “A direct, simple conversation, I think, would be more interesting to the attendees—I find it more convenient to speak in my native tongue, in the presence of fellow Filipinos.”

Those who aspire to work in the animation industry require patience and determination, according to the artist, who has over 30 years of experience under his belt. “Find your creative strength and focus your energy on that—keep practicing to the point of mastery,” he advised. “Learn from others, watch award-winning shows, explore and experiment… you just have to keep going, and you will see your reward in the end!”