Today we’d like to introduce you to the co-founder of Acute Animation, Dom Bournés.
Dom, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Acute Animation formed by bringing together three individuals: Davey Jarrell, DeLon Warren, and myself.
I’ve always had an eye for building teams and troupes by crafting new ideas. By day, I have sold knives, been a camp counselor, a barista, a concierge manager, etc. By night, my dream has always been to tell stories across all mediums in concert. As a performer in improv, classical theatre, sketch comedy, immersive theatre, animation was one of the few left to dabble in. Finally, I have the chance to create stories for one of my favorite mediums ever – Animation!
I’ve known Davey since we were in school together at USC. We performed in the same comedy troupe. Davey is a professional animator and storyboard artist. Since graduating, he’s worked on shows like “Dinosaur Train,” “Let’s Go Luna!” and “Crossing Swords.” We continued to hang out and work together after we finished school. One day I pitched him the idea of starting an animation company. That idea laid dormant for a while, then shortly after the pandemic hit, we decided now was the time to do it.
DeLon also went to USC, but I didn’t meet him until later. He and Davey were both in the animation program and have been friends for a long time. DeLon’s also a storyboard artist and animator. He’s worked on “Robot Chicken”, “Crossing Swords”, and “If Anything Happens I Love You.” He’s also an incredible designer- he designed our logo and mascots.
Each bringing something unique to the table, the three of us have already built a portfolio of characters for TV animation, social media, and beyond. Our first official project, “Bussin’,” just released in November!
You can watch “Bussin'” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLipeOokgZU&t=13s
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
If just looking at our company since launch in May 2020, then yes it has been smooth. However, the foundation of this company began back in 2016 when Davey and I first collaborated on Davey’s senior thesis project, “Just Say No.”
It had been a goal to eventually begin this company, but not with any definite timeline. Patience has been the name of the game as “Bussin'” has been developed over the course of three years. That time allowed us to build a cast of characters that are truly special and a concept that is unique and fresh.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Acute Animation story. Tell us more about the business.
Acute Animation’s aim is simple: to create stories with “a new angle.” The foundation is excellent storytelling with compelling, fully imagined characters. From research, design, story development, and spectacle, we bring acute attention to detail while making the process from page to screen a journey!
We are most proud of our brainstorming ability to remix any idea until it sings off the page and jumps off the screen. What sets us apart from the competition is our relentless attention to detail and always adapting every aspect of our business to continue our story across any and all mediums.
Princess Gigi is our mascot (whose story has yet to be told) but in three short months, we have expanded to include content from the Antics, a Show and Tell Sunday segment, and completing our very first fully animated pilot called “Bussin’.”
We also have another pilot in the works, created by our own DeLon Warren and his friend, Barry Strum. Stay tuned for “Rainbow Floor” coming to YouTube in 2021!
You’ll be able to see “Rainbow Floor” and all of our other YouTube content here: youtube.com/c/acuteanimation
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
One piece of luck is that all of our best collaborators have seemingly come out of the blue. Meeting Davey was a chance meeting due to Davey’s roommate being in the same sketch troupe I was in. We have been blessed to work with top tier talent that specializes in different fields but who also see the value behind the ideas we have created. There may be only three of us officially, but there are so many that we consider part of the Acute Animation Nation.
Also, we were lucky to record the voices for “Bussin’” right before quarantine!
Services:
- We offer story development, storyboards, design, and animation. Please contact us at [email protected] for inquiries.
Contact Info:
- Website: acuteanimation.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: instagram.com/acuteanimation
- Facebook: facebook.com/acuteanimation
- Twitter: twitter.com/acuteanimation
- Other: youtube.com/c/acuteanimation
Suggest a Story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
