Working Instructors

Kirby Atkins has written feature film scripts for Robert De Niro, MIRAMAX, and 20th CENTURY FOX. He has worked with some of the most recognizable names in cinema across animation and visual effects such as Sony Animation, Weta Digital, and Steven Spielberg. His short film "Mutt" won BEST ANIMATED SHORT at the HOLLYWOOD FILM FESTIVAL and he has directed the TV show "The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius" for NICKELODEON. In 2019 Kirby wrote and directed the first New Zealand/China Film Group co-production of MOSLEY which was nominated for “Best Animated Feature Film” at the 2019 Asia Pacific Screen Awards, The Burbank International Film Festival, The Festival of Cinema, NYC, and the 2020 Ottawa International Animation Festival. MOSLEY won the Golden Dolphin Award for Best Animated Feature Film at China's 13th Xiamen International Animation Festival and was released worldwide by PARAMOUNT PICTURES in 2021. Kirby played the title role in the film, starring with the all Kiwi cast of John Rhys-Davies (LOTR), Lucy Lawless (Xena, Warrior Princess), Rhys Darby (Flight of the Conchords), and Termuera Morrison (Star Wars).

United States