Studio Smokescreen is an independent, Black-owned animation studio dedicated to leading significant changes in diversity and inclusion across the animation industry. Led by co-founders, brothers Kris Wimberly and Chase Wimberly, the full-scale Los Angeles-based “bridge” studio, the first of its kind, is designed to elevate marginalized and underrepresented talent striving to break into roles on big studio projects. Smokescreen provides a training ground for diverse individuals to gain experience through hands-on contributions to a variety of independent and commercial projects along with opportunities to hone their craft while being mentored and vetted by current industry professionals. Equipped with fresh, relevant resume experience provided by Smokescreen, these diverse voices will be catapulted into positions previously out of reach.
Kris Wimberly is Co-Founder and Head of Creative for Studio Smokescreen, an independent, Black-owned animation studio dedicated to leading significant changes in diversity and inclusion across the animation industry. The full-scale, Los Angeles-based “bridge” studio, the first of its kind, is designed to elevate marginalized and underrepresented talent striving to break into roles on big studio projects.
Kris is a classically trained director and storyboard artist who currently serves as supervising director on Disney’s highly anticipated “Sofia the First: Royal Magic,” a brand new series set in the world of the Emmy® and Humanitas Award-winning “Sofia the First.” He was also director on Disney’s hit animated series, “Firebuds.”
Kris’ additional credits include HBO Max’s “Close Enough,” Disney’s “Elena of Avalor,” Universal’s “Curious George 4: Royal Monkey,” Nickelodeon’s “SpongeBob SquarePants” and Cartoon Network’s “Teen Titans Go!” He specializes in comedy and action-comedy and has worked on animated productions of nearly every type – from 2D, CG and Flash Animation to script-driven and storyboard-driven, and across preschool, kids and primetime television series, as well as feature films.
A graduate of California State University, Fullerton, Kris worked as a custodian at Disneyland while working his way up the ranks to pursue his passion for animation.
Chase Wimberly is co-founder and Head of Operations for Studio Smokescreen. Chase is currently a member of Amazon’s Corporate Business Development team, supporting Worldwide Operations. Prior to this role, he served as chief strategy officer at Multiply/Answers Corporation where he was responsible for creating growth and corporate value through strategic M&A, business development relationships, and capital raising.
Chase brings over 12 years of experience in M&A, strategy and corporate development, having completed over 80 M&A transactions resulting in $1.5 billion in exit value for leading private equity firms including Apax Partners. He has over 20 years of experience in the internet industry working in various roles across business development, product management, online marketing, and as an entrepreneur. Chase is a graduate of Stanford University and UCLA Anderson School of Management.
Mel Benson is Director of Development for Studio Smokescreen. Bensonworks alongside studio leadership to develop, package and sell originalconcepts and secure creator-driven development and productionpartnerships. He has also been instrumental in discovering service businessopportunities with major brand partners including Sanrio and Hello Kitty.
Prior to Studio Smokescreen, Benson served as Business DevelopmentManager for Coverfly where he helped mentor emerging writers, scoutednew scripts and talent, and led industry events, panels and competitions.
Prior to Coverfly, Benson was Development Manager, Originals for AtomicCartoons where he led the charge on animated series including Will Arnett’s“Super Team Canada” and Netflix Jr.‘s “Wonderoos.” He also served as anassociate producer on “The Last Kids on Earth and the Staff of Doom” videogame, based on the New York Times’ Best Selling book series and Netflixseries, “The Last Kids on Earth.”
A graduate of Syracuse University, Benson was part of the school’s esteemedprogram “Sorkin Week” which eventually landed him his first job as aproduction assistant on ABC’s “Castle.” He then went on to work as anexecutive assistant at Fox Animation Features where he had the opportunityto work on films including “Ferdinand” and early development on “Hair Love.”
Benson is a pop culture obsessed Boston native who resides in Los Angeleswith his recently adopted dog, Shadow.
Recent Press
The creative team for the Disney sequel series will feature key members from Firebuds, including co-EP Krystal Banzon, supervising director Kris Wimberly, and producer Craig Simpson.
