The Happy Producers Podcast

In this deeply personal episode, I share a major news about my career journey and discuss the evolution of the animation industry in 2026. After a dark journey of the soul navigating a rapidly changing ecosystem, I reveal my next big chapter (listen to know more!). Whether you are feeling disheartened by the current state of the industry or considering a pivot of your own, this episode offers a ro...

Exclamation point in human form! That's the best way to describe Raymond Malinga's energy! The founder and CEO of Creatures Africa in Kampala, Uganda, joined me to discuss the evolving business of animation. Described as a "global cocktail," Malinga shares insights from his unique journey—from growing up in Belgium and studying animation at Multimedia University in Malaysia to returning home to bu...

Welcome back to the Happy Producers Podcast! In this episode, I am joined by the brilliant Justine Bannister, a veteran with nearly 30 years of experience bridging creativity and commerce in the global content landscape. Justine runs her own consultancy, Just B, providing bespoke support to creators and producers, helping them secure the right partners and achieve sustainable growth. Key points fr...

I have the pleasure of sitting down with Sarah Mallia, a true force of nature and the co-founder of Nairobi-based Freehand Studios and Pungulu Pa Productions. Sarah Mallia, a social scientist with a background in psychology, shares her mission to use animation as a tool for social change and nation-building. Frustrated by the lack of East African representation for her own children, she and her hu...

In this episode of the Happy Producers Podcast, Virginie Lavallée sits down with Nic Cabana , the co-founder and co-chief creative officer of Claynosaurz , for an unfiltered look at how to positively disrupt the business of animation. Nic, an industry veteran who contributed to massive titles like Jurassic World , Game of Thrones , and Fantastic Beasts , shares his journey from feeling disillusion...

On this episode, Virginie shares the origin story of The Happy Producer's foundation course:  The PROD Bootcamp ! She shares how a few hours of training enabled her team to gain 20% efficiency while boosting motivation and lowering stress. Our courses have helped over 400 students worldwide, and participants from France, Ireland, Brazil, Spain, Germany, Canada, and the US have already enrolled...

Get ready to have a good time! In this episode, the inspiring, daring, and hilarious Dina Sherman joins Virginie for a conversation about taking the reins of your animated project and meeting your audience where they are, without waiting for external validation or being greenlit by a big studio. Dina is an L.A.-based voice-over artist and the official voice of the Annie Awards. With decades of exp...

In this episode, I explore how AI is beginning to shape project management in creative industries like animation, VFX, and gaming. I share why I believe AI holds real promise, especially when it comes to automating repetitive tasks and improving project forecasting through data and pattern recognition. But I also keep it real: AI isn’t perfect! If used carelessly, it can get things wrong, mishandl...

On this episode, LP takes over hosting! He meets with Animation Producer  Mark Van Ee  to discuss the shift in business models in the animation industry and how Mark is leveraging YouTube with his independent show,  AstroNots . From learning AI tools to exploring your transversal skills in challenging times, this business-savvy discussion will inspire you to embrace imperfection and... go for it!...

Stop Motion Director and co-founder of  See Creature  and  See Learn , Dale Hayward, joins this discussion about why imperfect things are more interesting. We touched on the pressure for artists to be perfect and how this can hinder creativity and risk-taking, and discussed the balance between artistic ideals and the realities of production. Dale also clarifies that not striving for perfection doe...

Animation Project Manager Yerani Kingston joins me from Guadalajara, Mexico, to share how the course  Animation Project Planning for Well-Being  completely transformed her production experience. From adopting a growth mindset to learning about production analytics, Yerani leveraged her participation in this course to get promoted within her studio. She was also invited to speak at a reputable even...

Did you know that 40% of your colleagues say that they would work harder if they received more praise at work? That's A LOT!! In this episode, Virginie helps you tap into gratitude so that you can boost motivation and efficiency in your production, while lowering stress. She shares easy, free to use tips that take less than a minute to do and can help you reap amazing results. ⁠Join our email comm...

Communication plays a fundamental role in teamwork - but some things can be hard to discuss! My guest for today's episode, Tini Wider , is a seasoned associate producer with 10+ years of experience in live-action, animation, and visual effects.  She shares actionable tips you can use at work to make difficult conversations a respectful, inclusive, less awkward space. Tini referenced the book Radic...

In today's episode, Virginie shares a personal story about how she transformed a toxic relationship with a client into a healthy and efficient space for herself and her team. Because getting bullied by your clients is not a status quo we can accept in the industry! She gives you seven tips to implement in client relationships to avoid a negative, stressful experience. If you are interested in...

Join our email community  to be the first to know about new episodes and the free resources we offer at The Happy Producers! Ready for more insights about well-being in animation and VFX production? We'll see you on   LinkedIn ! My guest for today's episode, Tini Wider , is a seasoned associate producer with 10+ years of experience in live-action, animation, and visual effects. She works a...

In this episode, The Happy Producers co-founder Louis-Philippe Vermette joins me for an uncensored discussion about bullying in production. Not only does he help us understand the characteristics of bullying in the workplace, but he also shares his own story and how he was able to grow past this experience. Bullying and harassment are serious matters, and in many countries, there are laws that pro...

In this solo episode, I share five tips that you can implement in your everyday production to lower stress and elevate well-being and mental health, not only for yourself but for everyone you work with. Let's not wear our stress like a badge of honor; there is a healthier way to produce animation! Are project scoping and scheduling stress-inducive in your project? Check out my free masterclass...

 In this episode, ILM Associate VFX Producer joins me to demystify boundaries in the workplace and share some real-life examples of boundaries we have instilled in our productions and how they have been conducive to more well-being for all.   You can connect with Tini on  LinkedIn , check out her mentoring services on her  website , or follow her on  Instagram !   Join our  email community  to be...

Chronic stress is far too common in animation and VFX production, but did you know that it can lead to burnout? Burnout prevention and recovery coach Emma Matthews joins me to discuss what is at the root of burnout and how we can prevent burnout for ourselves and our team. She also helps us better understand what is necessary for burnout recovery and what we can do in the workplace to help our str...

Does it feel like the project budget is stressful for everyone on your team? My guest, Victoria Mateo, helps us navigate budgetary discussions in creative project management. Victoria Mateo is the Creator of The Money Awareness Pathway or, as she calls it, The MAP, a Money Coaching and Consulting Service that caters specifically to creative professionals and businesses.   As a Certified Money Coac...

My guest for today's episode, Tini Wider , is a seasoned associate producer with 10+ years of experience in live-action, animation, and visual effects. She helps us cultivate the mindset to make the most of any situation. You can connect with Tini on  LinkedIn , check out her mentoring services on her  website,  or follow her on  Instagram . Ready to make animation production easy and fun? Dow...