Carlos Saldanha

Biography

Carlos Saldanha, a visionary director in the world of animated films, was born on July 20, 1968, in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. His journey into the realm of animation began with a deep-rooted artistic instinct and a passion that led him to leave his hometown in 1991. Saldanha's fusion of a background in computer science with a natural artistic sensibility propelled him towards the bustling streets of New York City, where he sought to cultivate his skills and embark on a career in animation.

Immersing himself in the MFA program at New York's School of Visual Arts, Saldanha honed his craft and graduated with honors in 1993. During his time at SVA, he created two captivating animated shorts, "The Adventures of Korky, the Corkscrew" (1992) and "Time For Love" (1993), which showcased his burgeoning talent and were showcased at esteemed animation festivals worldwide. It was at SVA where Saldanha crossed paths with Chris Wedge, a pivotal figure in his career and one of the cofounders of Blue Sky Studios, who recognized his potential and invited him to join their esteemed team of artists.

His collaboration with Wedge extended to working as an animator on the short film "Bunny," a project that further solidified Saldanha's reputation as a skilled and innovative creator in the animation industry. Saldanha's directorial debut came with the critically acclaimed film "Ice Age" in 2002, a beloved animated feature that captured the hearts of audiences globally with its endearing characters and captivating storyline. He continued to leave his mark on the franchise as the director of "Ice Age: The Meltdown" (2006) and "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs" (2009), showcasing his ability to craft engaging narratives that resonated with viewers of all ages.

Beyond the Ice Age series, Saldanha also co-directed the animated film "Robots" in 2005, further expanding his creative repertoire and demonstrating his versatility as a filmmaker. His distinctive storytelling style, coupled with his technical expertise and artistic vision, has cemented his status as a prominent figure in the world of animated cinema. Saldanha's contributions to the industry have earned him accolades and admiration from peers and audiences alike, solidifying his legacy as a pioneering director whose work continues to captivate and inspire.