Hollywood filmmaker shares 3 keys to making a successful movie

John Coven, a Hollywood storyboard artist who has worked on several Disney and Fox projects, met with Digital Art students from the Tec’s Mexico City campus.

During his talk, in addition to talking about his career, John Coven addressed several topics on animation and storytelling for all those who are studying a degree in Animation or looking to dedicate themselves to filmand who are still defining the next step in their professional career.

John explained that it’s possible to be a student and participate in international festivals and even reach the Annie Awards (awards given by the International Animated Film Association to films in the field of animation),so he gave 3 key tips for making a successful film.

1. It has to be personal.

The artist said that a film should be personal because it reflects authentic emotions and unique experiences, which allows it to connect deeply with the audience and make it more memorable.

“You can make a film about anything you want, a film about absolutely anything, even if it’s fantasy, but it has to come from something in your life or something you can relate to.

“The audience has to feel that it means something to you personally,” he said.

2.- The story has to be universal.

Having a universal story addresses themes and emotions that resonate with people from different cultures and backgrounds, creating a common bond and transcending borders.

“It may seem completely the opposite, but you need people to be able to understand the plot and relate to it,” Coven explained.

“You can make a film about anything you want, but the audience has to feel that it means something to you.” - John Coven.

3.- It has to be something relevant.

As a third point, the filmmaker stressed that the film has to be relevant, capture attention, provoke reflection and generate a lasting impact by addressing issues that matter and that affect today’s society.

“It has to be about something that is relevant, something that people care about and are currently concerned about.”

Why Storyboard?

In addition to the advice he shared with the students, the artist emphasized the importance of storyboarding in both animated and live-action cinema.

“The storyboard covers the broad strokes; it leaves out the details and allows the viewer’s imagination to fill in all the gaps.

“Being an animator is all about the details. If you have animation skills, then you have the skills to storyboard, not the other way around,” Coven explained.

Jacinto Quesnel, National Director of the Digital Arts program, highlighted John Coven’s participation at Tec de Monterrey.

“John is a great creative leader who brought us his sensitivity, knowledge, and background in the animation industry. It’s a great honor to get closer to Coven and open doors with this discussion between students and professors,” he added.

About John Coven

John Coven has been working as a visual storyteller and storyboard artist in Hollywood for over 30 years, collaborating with directors such as Steven Spielberg, Tim Burton, Jon Favreau, and Ben Stiller on both live-action and animated films.

Some of his credits include: The Little Mermaid (2023), Venom, Logan, Captain America: Civil War, Alice: Through the Looking Glass, Jurassic World, Godzilla, and The Muppets, to name but a few.

He is currently director of the department of animated film at GOBELINS Paris, considered the oldest animation academy in the world, and is also a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as well as the Art Directors Guild.

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