Tony DiTerlizzi, Author & Illustrator, The Spiderwick Chronicles and The WondLA trilogy:
“Chris Bell brings a wealth of knowledge, both in culture and story, to a project. He is engaging and affable, and his contributions led to thought-provoking conversations, which were integrated into each and every episode of the WondLa television series. Our show is richer from his involvement. ”
Nathan Greno, Director, Disney’s Tangled and Skydance Animation’s Pookoo:
“When you’re ready to think deeper, challenge your perspective and see in a way you haven’t before, you’re ready to sit down with Dr. Bell. His unique understandings and informative viewpoints will bring more to your table than you could ever imagine. ”
Peggy Holmes, Director, Disney’s Secret of the Wings and Skydance Animation’s Luck:
“I really appreciated working with Chris Bell; he is an invaluable resource for any project. Not only is his knowledge far reaching, but the style in which he presents that knowledge and the willingness to discuss any subject or visual, big or small, allows filmmakers to make creative decisions with confidence.”
David Eisenmann, Producer - Skydance Animation’s Luck:
“Dr. Chris Bell brought valuable insight and knowledge to our film with real world situational examples and data driven research. Our film was challenged with creating a diverse culture of human-like characters. Chris’s insight helped steer that project and discussion through interesting and sometimes difficult spaces that I believe opened the minds of those involved to topics they hadn’t before considered.”
Lawrence Gong, Director - AppleTV+’s WondLA:
“Dr. Bell brought a unique and powerful perspective to the studio, and his insights into human nature really lifted the storytelling of the films he was involved with. He also helped foster a level of social awareness amongst his fellow co-workers that is severely lacking in most workplaces. He’s a really good dude. It was a pleasure to work with him. ”
Phil Pignotti, Director - AppleTV+’s WondLA:
“It’s so important to have team members like Chris Bell in the story room, people who will dare to say the things that need to be said. Chris helped us be deliberate and mindful as we made thousands of design and story decisions. Our goal is to create entertainment for the entire world, for everyone, stories that uplift that include. Chris is a fantastic creative partner when it comes to achieving those goals.”
Daniel Foster, Director - Alter’s Don’t Die First:
“Dr. Bell was an incredible mentor during the development process of an unannounced short at Skydance Animation. Chris brought insight, creativity, and inclusivity to all of our creative discussions that helped create a safe and collaborative room. Chris’s insight allowed me to dig deeper into my story, finding new layers and details that alluded me before. As an upcoming black creator, Chris’s mentorship meant the world to me. Chris amplified my voice, challenged me to think deeper, and always be open to a new idea. I am a better creator thanks to his mentorship and can’t recommend his involvement enough. ”
Christian Magalhaes, Head Writer - AppleTV+’s WondLA:
“Dr. Chris Bell is a master of giving projects some much needed perspective. Not just with inclusion and sensitivity, but making sure stories contain emotional realism and relatability to audiences.
Chris may have an impressive academic resume, but what makes him standout, is that he's also a true blue fanboy, in the greatest sense of the term. He's passionate about film and television storytelling. He knows pop culture, he knows storytelling, and he always has references at his fingertips.
Chris would bring up things that everyone missed after a screening or script read. If something was under debate, Chris would gather a panel and pool opinions to make an informed argument. But perhaps my favorite Chris moment is when we were struggling to make an authentic alien language and Chris brought in a serious linguist to simply create one for us. And it was an actual alien language with its own rule set and all.
His unique perspective, keen insight, and infectious passion make him invaluable to any studio. ”