Steve Martino, an animation director, embarked on a college journey with a passion for art and design. However, his academic path took a dramatic turn when he was introduced to the innovative field of computer graphics. This new discovery sparked an intense curiosity within him, as he realized that his studies lacked a crucial element - problem-solving. The native of Dayton, Ohio, who had earned his bachelor's degree from Ohio State University, was captivated by the prospect of merging art and design with technology.
He was deeply inspired by a speech delivered by animation pioneer Chuck Csuri, who spoke about the burgeoning industry of computer animation. Csuri's words resonated deeply with Martino, and he decided to enroll in the program the pioneer ran at OSU. In 1989, he successfully completed his master's degree from the program, marking a significant milestone in his academic journey.
Following his graduation, Martino made the bold decision to relocate to Los Angeles, driven by his ambition to carve out a professional career in the realm of animation and visual effects. His career took a notable turn when he was hired by 20th Century Fox's Blue Sky Studios in 2001. Martino's first major credit on a feature film was as the art director for "Robots" (2005).
In 2008, Martino made his directorial debut, co-directing "Horton Hears a Who!" - a project that showcased his remarkable skills in the field of animation. Four years later, he directed "Ice Age: Continental Drift" (2012),further solidifying his reputation as a talented animation director.
In 2015, Martino signed on as the director for a big-screen adaptation of the beloved comic strip "Peanuts" (2015),a project that demonstrated his versatility and ability to tackle diverse animation styles.
