Vicky Jenson's illustrious career spans over two decades, seamlessly bridging the realms of animation and live-action, with a vast portfolio encompassing television, feature films, and shorts. Her impressive repertoire includes a commercial campaign for Old Navy, comprising over 40 spots, in collaboration with Anonymous Content, during which she became the only female feature film director represented by the company.
Jenson's journey in animation began as a cell painter, where she honed her skills in painting backgrounds for iconic shows like The Flintstones (1960) and The Smurfs (1981) at Hanna Barbera Studios. To supplement her summer work, she attended the Academy of Art College in San Francisco, covering fall semesters.
After transferring to Cal State University at Northridge to study literature and fine art, Jenson designed backgrounds and created storyboards for renowned studios like Filmation, Marvel, Disney TV, and Warner Bros. Her credits include working on beloved classics such as He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (1983),Taz-Mania (1991),Batman, and Jem (1985).
Her extensive credits include TV classics like The Smurfs (1981),He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (1983),Batman, and Jem (1985),as well as developing visual styles for Ralph Bakshi and John Kricfalusi on the groundbreaking Mighty Mouse: The New Adventures (1987) and The Ren & Stimpy Show (1991).
Jenson's directional credits include the Oscar-winning Shrek (2001) and the Academy Award-nominated Shark Tale (2004). She also directed her first live-action feature, Post Grad, for Ivan Reitman's Montecito Pictures and Fox Searchlight. Her other feature film credits include art directing on Ferngully: The Last Rainforest, production design on The Road to El Dorado (2000),story artist on Chicken Run, and directing a live-action short, Family Tree (2003),which premiered at Sundance, screened at numerous festivals, and won multiple awards.
Throughout her remarkable career, Jenson has received countless accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and recognition from the Annies, BAFTA, the Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards, Cannes, the Golden Globes, and other prestigious awards.
Currently, Jenson is directing her third animated feature for DreamWorks and scripting a live-action fairytale feature to follow. When she's not working in the studio, Jenson enjoys ultralight backpacking, learning to play the mandolin, and teaching her border collie new tricks.
