Svelotsky studied architecture and graduated from the Moscow Institute of Architecture in 1983, but then returned to school to study animation. In the late eighties, he began his animation career at the Pilot studio in Moscow, the first non-state animation studio in Russia after the collapse of the Soviet Union. At Pilot, he directed and produced animated series and commercials, and created short films such as Hypnerotomahia (1992):
Svislotsky immigrated to the United States in 1992 and for the next 14 years became a key figure in Klaska Csupo. His work as a director, storyboard artist, designer and animator can be seen on many of the studio’s iconic productions, including series such as Duck Man, Santo Bugito and Oh Those Kids, as well as films “Wild Blackthorn Berries” and “These Kids in Paris: The Movie”.
As an animation director, he was nominated for an Emmy Award for Aaahh! ! ! real monsters. Other credits as an animation director include the Rocket Power series, The Ginger Story, and Grown Up. He was also the director of episodes of the films “Oh, these kids” and “Oh, these kids in Paris.”
Actor Tim Curry, who worked with Svislotsky on Duckman and supported his US visa application, said of Svislotsky:
Svislotsky is an absolute master of his craft, an impressive genius who never ceases to amaze me with the great animation of my character in The Duck Man. Every nuance of emotion, humor or sarcasm that I add to the soundtrack is highly developed and translates almost magically into the movements and facial expressions of the animated characters.
Since leaving Klasky Csupo, he has had a distinguished career with studios such as Wild Canary Animation, Brown Bag Films, Universal Animation, Disney Television Animation and Vanguard Animation. Most recently, he served as director of animation on PBS’s Curious George, working on seasons 10–15, and was nominated for an Emmy for directing an animated show.
As a storyboard artist, Svislotsky has had success with Masha and the Bear, Doc McStuffins, The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Peter Rabbit, and Miles of Tomorrowland.
Svislotsky is survived by his wife Elena and son Cyril. Fundraising was organized to support the Svislotsky family.
Post time: Dec-28-2022