Goodbye Kansas Studios has appointed Markus Manninen managing director. He has extensive experience in growing companies focusing on advanced digital visualization and has a broad international track record.
Manninen is an experienced leader with a proven track record in building teams and companies specializing in computer graphics and animation for feature animation film and visual effects. He has worked for companies in both Europe and USA making high profile projects and has experience in building studios from the ground up.
“We are very happy to welcome Markus to Goodbye Kansas Studios,” said CEO Peter Levin. “His unique hands-on experience in building companies and large teams internationally, production-oriented technology development and the creative production process from inception to completion, will be a valuable contribution in making Goodbye Kansas Studios a profitable studio with a broadened international focus.”
Among Manninen’s former positions are DreamWorks in Los Angeles, where he built a successful production process. He was instrumental in growing Oriental Dreamworks with offices in Shanghai and Los Angeles. In 2016, as partner and creative director, he built the international production company HB Wink Animation for Huayi Brothers with offices in Shanghai and Los Angeles. Prior to that he built a computer graphics team at the former renowned traditional animation studio Filmtecknarna in Sweden and ran the 3D Commercials team at Framestore in London.
Manninen holds a Master of Science from the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, where he also was engaged in building a media laboratory. His work includes Academy Award nominated Kung Fu Panda (2008) and The Croods (2013).
”It is with excitement that I am joining Goodbye Kansas to work with the wonderful international team and be back in my hometown after more than 20 years abroad,” said Manninen. “I am excited about the great work the studio is doing across the games, film and TV industry using the very latest in tehnology and pipeline. I hope to add additional competence and customers for increased efficiency, even greater projects and profitability.”
Goodbye Kansas Group http://www.goodbyekansas.com