Finding Dory just opened in theaters nationwide and there’s one more reason why you need to see it right away: Paul Abadilla.
Paul is the latest addition to the long list of Pinoys who have made it in Hollywood. He worked as a set artist for the sequel to 2003’s Finding Nemo which means he got to work on the environment design.
If you’ve seen the movie and loved the impressive backdrop in various scenes, he’s the one to thank.
Paul moved to the United States when he was 7. He went to San Jose State University where he took up Fine Arts in Animation and Illustration and graduated as Summa Cum Laude. Paul was formerly an intern at Walt Disney Animation Studios at the visual development department. He then moved to Pixar in 2008 and worked his way to becoming a sketch artist for several art departments.
He flew to the country recently for Finding Dory’s gala premiere. His homecoming was met with a lot of excitement from fans both kids and adults, and he graced the advance screening during the weekend and made other media appearances. The 32-year old has been a part of different short films like The Blue Umbrella, LAVA, Sanjay’s Super Team, and full-length films like Inside Out, Brave, and Monsters University.
Paul gives us another reason to be proud of our heritage. His success in the animation world just goes to show that Pinoys aren’t just innately talented but also has the grit and determination to make it anywhere.
Do you have dreams of making it big in the animation world? Practice and work hard until it happens. It is possible. Be like Paul.
