Alumnus from Novato High School directs animated movie ‘Orion and the Dark

Sean Charmatz reflects on his cherished childhood in Marin, predominantly spent in Novato, where he immersed himself in activities like skateboarding, sports, and drawing. His passion for art, particularly drawing characters from beloved animated shows like “The Ren & Stimpy Show” and “Beavis and Butt-Head,” quickly became evident.

Despite having a diverse range of interests, Charmatz soon realized that his artistic inclination was exceptional. He found solace and fulfillment in his art, which propelled him forward in his career. His journey into animation officially began during his time at California State University, Fullerton, where he pursued studies in animation.

Charmatz’s career in the animation industry took off when he landed an internship at Nickelodeon Animation Studio in Burbank, which later evolved into a full-time position. Notably, he contributed to the iconic series “SpongeBob SquarePants” as a writer and director. Since then, Charmatz has been involved in various capacities in the animation world, contributing to renowned projects for Disney and DreamWorks Animation, such as “Trolls” and “The Lego Movie 2.”

Recently, Charmatz achieved a significant milestone in his career by making his feature directorial debut with “Orion and the Dark,” a new animated film by DreamWorks Animation, now streaming on Netflix. Based on the book by Emma Yarlett and written by Charlie Kaufman, the film tells the story of Orion, a young boy plagued by irrational fears, and his journey to confront and overcome them with the help of The Dark.

Charmatz found himself drawn to this project due to his admiration for Kaufman’s work and the film’s exploration of anxiety and fear, themes he personally relates to. Through “Orion and the Dark,” he aimed to create a narrative that resonates with audiences of all ages, offering a poignant reminder to live in the present and embrace life’s joys.

The project presented a unique creative endeavor for Charmatz, allowing him to prioritize storytelling and authenticity over merely aiming to please everyone. As someone who has grappled with anxiety, Charmatz drew inspiration from his own experiences, as well as from Kaufman’s insightful writing, to shape the film’s narrative.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Charmatz maintained his artistic creativity, viewing art as an intrinsic part of his being. His dedication to storytelling and his belief in the power of positive impact through art drove him forward, making “Orion and the Dark” a labor of love and personal growth.

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