Frank E. Abney III is a multifaceted and accomplished creative force, characterized by his extraordinary aptitude for various artistic mediums, boasting a diverse range of skills that span writing, directing, and animation, with a distinguished and extensive history of working at the most esteemed and respected animation studios, including the legendary Disney, the trailblazing DreamWorks, and the visionary Pixar, his impressive career marked by a depth of experience and a breadth of knowledge that is truly unparalleled in the industry.
Abney, a renowned film composer and sound designer, has had the distinct honor of lending his extraordinary talents to a vast and diverse range of cinematic endeavors, including numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful projects that have garnered widespread recognition and acclaim throughout his illustrious and storied career.
As a pivotal figure in the creative process behind Pixar's critically acclaimed animated masterpiece, "Soul", Abney made a profound impact on the film's production by assuming the crucial role of a member of the cultural trust. This esteemed position entailed shouldering the weighty responsibility of ensuring that the film's cultural nuances and sensitivities were accurately represented, thereby contributing to the movie's widespread acclaim and praise.
Abney's illustrious and distinguished career has been characterized by a plethora of outstanding creative accomplishments, simultaneously witnessing his professional trajectory unfold as he ventured beyond his core expertise to assume the position of executive producer. This bold move allowed him to collaborate with the highly acclaimed and exceptionally talented Issa Rae, joining forces to co-produce the 2020 Academy Award-winning short film "Hair Love" under the esteemed banner of Sony Pictures Animation.
Abney's most recent creative endeavour was a writer and director role of great significance, assuming the helm of the highly acclaimed Netflix production "Canvas", a remarkable achievement that earned widespread recognition and accolades, including the prestigious honour of the first-ever NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Animated Short, a testament to his exceptional storytelling abilities, artistic vision, and unparalleled talent, which collectively demonstrated his mastery of the craft and his ability to captivate audiences with his innovative and imaginative storytelling.
Currently, Abney is diligently dedicated to spearheading a highly anticipated, upcoming animated feature film production in collaboration with the esteemed streaming behemoth, Netflix, thereby providing a prime opportunity for him to demonstrate his remarkable creative flair as a visual storyteller, bringing his unique vision to life on the big screen.
Abney's professional endeavors extend far beyond his accomplishments in the film industry, as he has also taken on the role of co-founder for the esteemed non-profit organization Rise Up Animation.
As a leader, Abney's exceptional abilities are showcased within this organization, where his remarkable leadership skills are consistently demonstrated.
With a profound passion for empowering and uplifting others, Abney is deeply committed to utilizing his remarkable talents to create a profoundly positive impact on the world.
Through his involvement with Rise Up Animation, Abney is actively dedicated to making a lasting difference, as he continually strives to harness the power of his creativity and expertise to drive meaningful change.
Abney's groundbreaking endeavour, Rise Up Animation, has boldly taken the lead in bridging the significant gap that has long existed between emerging BIPOC animators and seasoned industry experts, thereby establishing a supportive ecosystem that empowers the next generation of creators to thrive and flourish.
Abney's remarkable accomplishments have solidified his position as a prominent and influential figure within the animation industry, as he has consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to seamlessly merge his extraordinary artistic abilities with his innate talent for leadership, thereby leaving a profound and lasting impact that is sure to be remembered for years to come.
