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 first of its kind, this full-scale Los Angeles-based “bridge” studio is designed to uplift marginalized and underrepresented talent striving to break into roles on big studio projects.
A graduate of California State University, Fullerton, Kris worked as a Disneyland custodian and climbed the ranks to pursue his passion for animation. Today, Kris serves as Supervising Director on Disney’s upcoming “Sofia the First: Royal Magic,” sequel to the Emmy® and Humanitas Award-winning “Sofia the First.”
A classically trained director and storyboard artist, Kris specializes in comedy & action-comedy. His work spans 2D, CG, and Flash animation, script-driven & storyboard-driven narratives, and film and television for all ages. His 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!
