CRASH+SUES has added stop motion animator Cari Merryman to its collaborative team of animation, design, FX, color correction and editorial talent. The award-winning animator’s creative passion has been fueled by a rich mix of work experience – from set designer and prop fabricator to art director and lead animator – infusing her stop motion work with a fresh, original perspective and organic quality. A design-driven talent, Cari Merryman’s mastery of technology – such as Adobe Creative/Production Suite, Dragon Stop Motion, and digital, 35mm and 120mm cameras – provides her with the tools needed to bring her concepts to life in the commercial, branded content, multi-media and feature film arena.
Cari MerrymanEarlier this year, Merryman worked on the production side of the commercial industry as set decorator and prop fabricator on a project for Mojo Solo/Minneapolis. In 2009 she mixed it up a bit, working on music videos, such as “Eyedea and Abilities, Smile,” as assistant dresser and prop builder, and “Dessa (of Doomtree) Alibi,” which she co-animated for Rent the Sky Films. Merryman wrapped up the year designing, fabricating props and dressing sets for the short, independent film “Nova Roma.” Currently she is co-helming her first project as a full-time staffer at CRASH+SUES, a stop motion campaign for Ten Adams of Evansville, IN.

CRASH+SUES president, Heidi Habben notes, “Cari’s amazing, crazy and fun. She has a vast range of talents and experience which makes her a real tour de force as an artist. She’s also fun to work with and a great fit with our team. Her contribution to all of our jobs – from commercials and cross-platform campaigns to long-form projects and independent films – is going take CRASH+SUES work to new heights. We’re thrilled to have her onboard.”

“I am really excited to be part of the CRASH+SUES team. The talent here has such a diversity of creative skills and abilities which makes collaboration a thrill,” says Merryman. “Basically…if someone has an idea or initiative, CRASH+SUES has the artists to bring it to life. And I love being a part of that.”

Cari Merryman received her BFA in Media Arts from Minneapolis College of Art and Design in 2001, where she remained active in the media center and served as a Stop Motion Animation Instructor for a semester. In 2006 Merryman relocated to the UK to earn her Masters Degree in Animation + Media Arts at the University of the West of England. After completing her MA, she co-animated a short public service announcement funded by ‘the Prince’s Trust,’ in Bristol, UK to raise awareness of the emotional effect bullying has on disabled youths.

Merryman’s animation work has been acknowledged as an official selection for various festivals including the Walker Art Center ‘DIG.IT’ digital film festival (2001), Moondance Film Festival/Boulder, Colorado (2002), New York International Independent Film + Video Festival (2002) and Fearnet.com finalist (2008).

Merryman joins the accomplished team of talent at CRASH+SUES which includes Flame artist Adam Celt, animation director Sean Hall, 3D artist/animator Alex Engelmann, colorist SUE, editor Carrie Shanahan, online editor Mark Anderson and executive producer Donna Drewick.

For more information: www.crash-sues.com.