What is a Line Producer?

"A Line Producer is often the highest level of non-artistic Producer role on a TV cartoon project. I work out the schedule, the budget, the staffing, and the hiring. I collaborate with my team to put together what our specific pipeline is going to be, how we'll deliver on time and on budget, what software we're using etc. I team up with the Executive Producer(s) to try to ensure their creative vision can be realized within the parameter we are given.

My general day-to-day involves loads of communication and collaboration, ensuring the project meets everyone's expectations and flows as smoothly as possible."

What about animation first attracted you?

As a kid, cartoons were everything to me -- a source of happiness and belonging. As a queer kid watching the X-Men animated series, I saw a group of outsiders and could relate to that feeling.

What's great is, nowadays, it's far more common that cartoons tell stories which fit a great variety of people!

How did you get your start in the industry?

I majored in animation & illustration in college and got really burnt out in my final year. I was lucky enough to get an internship at Nickelodeon which served as a great opportunity for me to figure out where I fit in in the industry. When you're at school, you assume you have to be an artist to work in animation but that's not true. In fact, most people who work in animation aren't animators!

I found I was no longer interested in creating art professionally, but I still loved the product and the culture.

I went the Production route and ended up sticking with it.

"At DreamWorks, I get to collaborate with so many talented people.

I love the culture and feel like I can really be myself."

Working at DreamWorks

In my position as Line Producer on Croods: Family Tree, I love supporting my team and helping them grow. I feel lucky to be where I am, so I want to help others where I can.

Working on a series is an exciting challenge. We launch a new episode every two weeks, so our schedule is incredibly stacked! This means that we don’t have the time or the budget, like feature films might, to tweak a scene for extended periods of time. I actually love this part of TV Production because it keeps everything moving forward!

My hopes for the future

"I just hope more diverse stories can be told. I’d love for all types of kids to be able to see themselves reflected on screen. I think it’s important that they have access to a diverse array of content, not only to feel a sense of validation about their own identities, but also to be exposed to different kinds of people or schools of thought.

This can be accomplished by changing things behind the scenes – hiring more kinds of people who can bring in new ideas and fresh perspectives.

I'm definitely learning as I go as well!"

More about Ashley...

1

My favorite series...

My favorite show right now is Tuca & Bertie! An awesomely artistic, feminist, and FUNNY cartoon.

2

An artist I admire...

I'm taking the easy way out of this question and my answer is "the vast majority of people who I have worked with or around in this industry."

3

My favorite childhood cartoon...

Growing up, I loved the X-Men animated series and ReBoot, though I watched everything. I lived for Saturday morning cartoons!

4

My dream lunch date...

I wouldn't mind having a lil lunch with Kate Mulgrew to chat about her experience as being the first woman Starfleet captain in Star Trek, and to dive into what she loves about Russian literature. Call me when you are in LA, Kate!