Animation Director
Proud to be a part of the Star Trek Universe!
Series/Creative Director: Ben Hibon
Show runners: Kevin & Dan Hageman
Drama
Directed 20 Episodes
over Two Action Packed Seasons
Two Time Emmy Awarded Children's TV Series
Favorite Animated Series from the Tell-Tale TV awards
It wouldn't be Star Trek without drama, and this series delivered in abundance. While action drove the majority of episodes, it was always anchored by deeply emotional moments that gave the story its real weight. Every character, new and established, carried a rich backstory that informed their performances from the inside out. It didn't take long for the team to channel that depth into even the most subtle of scenes. Here are a couple of my favorites featuring Dal and Gwyn.
This episode had its challenges, starting with the vines and, let's be honest, pretty much ending with them too! After a brief hiccup interpreting the set design, we managed to wrangle this one into submission. The result was a deeply satisfying journey that brought the crew together, (both the artistic and the animated), and showcased what they can do when guided by the core Star Trek paradigm: Cooperation, Acceptance, Teamwork, Respect, Hope, and Love.
I'm especially proud of how the sequence between Gwyn and Dal came together. A few adjustments were needed to work within the set, and yes, there are a couple of shots I'd love to revisit, but that's TV schedules for you! The sequence ultimately delivered an endearing, understated performance that quietly reflects how these two characters are growing closer through shared experiences and struggle.
S1 E19 - Super Nova Pt1
On top of being a technically challenging, asset-heavy, action-packed episode, this one contained a few quietly powerful moments where the characters are left fully vulnerable, speechless, stripped down to raw thought and emotion. A difficult feat to pull off in any animated performance.
This scene also required careful handling. What could have easily tipped into uncomfortable territory was deliberately crafted to ensure Gwyn remained in control despite Dal's advances. We drew on personal teenage experiences to bring truth to their dynamic. The animator did a wonderful job interpreting the notes, keeping both characters fully present in the moment.
Action
-
I'd be remiss if I didn't proudly link to an amazing review of our show. This guy got it!
Prodigy Review
Directing the action sequences across two seasons was one of the most rewarding challenges of the series for me. With a tight production schedule and complex choreography, I made it a priority to equip animators with detailed notes, sketches, and reference materials, paired with plenty of encouragement.
The show carried a cinematic, Spielberg-esque visual language, and alongside that ambition, we needed the characters' movements to feel grounded and real. Every punch, dodge, and collision had to carry genuine weight, putting the audience on the edge of their seat and making the peril viscerally real.
My first Episode rated "One of the Best ‘Star Trek’ Fight Scenes, Ever!
Created Layout, Camera and Animation
S1 E19 - Supernova Part 1
From the start, we knew this episode would push the limits of a TV episodic schedule. To prepare for the onslaught of sheer logistics, the team began planning the final two episodes earlier than any other. The result is truly an epic entry in the Star Trek canon, one that holds its own alongside any live-action Trek.
The relentless action across multiple sequences took its toll on the animation team, and it became necessary to bring back a portion of Gwyn and Asencia's fight sequences. Re-blocking cameras and choreography to streamline the action, while keeping the story engaging was essential in order to keep on schedule.
These shots, camera and characters, were fully animated by yours truly.
Prodigy - Season 2 Trailer
