Sandi Smith

Sandi M. Smith Littleton, CO •- •- Dynamic Executive with over 14 years of experience in leading large-scale animation and media production teams. Adept at advising C-suite executives, optimizing studio operations, and turning around distressed projects. Known for building cohesive, high-performing teams and developing scalable workflows that drive long-term success. Passionate about fostering innovation, mentorship, and strategic growth in creative and fast -paced organizations. Highlights • • Executive Strategy & Organizational Leadership Studio Operations & Workflow Design • Cross-Functional Team Management • Vendor & Partner Negotiation • Mentorship & Talent Development • Crisis Management & Turnaround Projects • Budgeting, Forecasting & Scheduling Experience NICKELODEON ANIMATION STUDIO SR. Director of Production | 2019 - 2025 Director of Production | 2018 – 2019 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Advised and mentored all SVP and VP executives on business operations, strategy and studio-wide objectives. Led mentorship efforts for 120+ production employees, enhancing leadership skills and project efficiency. Created comprehensive schedule and budget templates used across all productions, improving planning accuracy and cost management. Oversaw series and movies from start to finish; managed Line Producer and Production Manager performance. Maintained master milestone calendars and process workflows for cross-functional teams. Served as the external representative with vendor studios, established strong long-term partnerships. Vetted vendor studios for partnership, including reviewing bids and producing animation tests. Negotiated favorable deal terms with vendor studios. Instructed pipeline classes at recruitment events, schools, conventions, and internal trainings. Guided series and movie pipelines from naming conventions to folder structures and process optimization. Resolved production and personnel crises, including distressed projects and complex team dynamics. Stepped in as Line Producer during development or ramp transitions as needed. Oversaw recruitment strategy including staffing, internal transitions and retention. Collaborated with culture teams to launch internal mentorship and training initiatives. Managed social media accounts and produced digital content. Managed COVID safety operations and developed return-to-office protocols. Created and executed resource management plans. WARNER BROS. ANIMATION Line Producer | 2016 - 2018 Associate Producer | 2015 - 2016 Production Manager | 2013 - 2015 | 4 films, 22min TV special Assistant Production Manager - Story & Edit | 2011 – 2013 | Beware the Batman Series Assistant Production Manager - Designs & Assets | 2010 – 2011 | Green Lantern Animated Series • • • • • • • • Produced five films and 44 minutes of shorts, overseeing budgets, staffing, and vendor collaboration. Built and tracked schedules for CG and 2D projects, managing pre- and post-production pipelines. Negotiated with overseas animation studios and coordinated delivery timelines. Led cross-functional communication with DC Comics, Lego, WB Marketing, and Consumer Products. Served as fixer for delayed and over-budget projects. Recruited employees to fill all artist roles. Cast voice talent for 44-min of shorts. Taught pipeline classes to the studio and cross-functional teams. LUCASFILM ANIMATION 3D Story Production Coordinator | 2009 -2010 Asset Production Assistant | 2007 -2008 | Star Wars the Clone Wars • • • • • • • • • Recognized with Jedi Mojo Award (2009) for inspiring personality and organizational skills. And, Communication Award (2008) for excellent communication. Managed the calendars of the four Episodic Directors, Assets Supervisor and the Technical Supervisor. Maintained project database. Worked with IT on developing a more efficient database including beta testing tools. Created episode reports including asset breakdowns and scripts sequence names providing naming conventions for all assets and shots. Tracked episode scope including adding assets, too many characters, too many shots and too many moving cameras. Scheduled Asset, 3D Story, Animation and Lighting department meetings internally and with the vendor. Coordinated communication and delivery packages with the vendor OS studios in the Asset and 3D Story departments. Filled in for the 3D Story Production Supervisor and Asset Production Coordinator upon their absences. Insured the Assets and 3D Story artists maintained their respective production schedules. Education CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, NORTHRIDGE Bachelor of Arts, Film Production | MAY 2007 Skills Business Strategy • Branding • Leadership • Managing C-Level Relationships • Production Management • Conflict Management • Mentorship • Emotional Intelligence • CG & 2D Animation • Films & TV • Budgeting • Organization • Microsoft Office Suite • Apple • Windows • Adobe Acrobat • Photoshop • Maya • Linux • Movie Magic • PowerPoint • Shotgrid • Digital Marketing • Remote Work • Client Engagement References • • • Angelique Yen, SVP Production,- Andrew Huebner, VP Production,- Patty Henry-Robinson, VP Production,-