Bill Kopp is a two-time Academy Award–winning animator and one of the original artists who helped bring The Simpsons to life.

In this panel, Kopp will discuss the practical steps he took to build a career creating television series for Disney, DreamWorks, Warner Bros and Fox. He will break down how to assemble a strong pitch, what to do (and what to avoid) when approaching a studio, and how to recognize and take advantage of opportunities.

Kopp will also address the realities of maintaining creative control, the discipline required to sustain a long-term career, and why he believes “writer’s block” is a myth. 

At the center of his approach is character; how to create figures that are memorable, durable, and capable of carrying a show.