The webcast "UNIKALU with Asta Lesauskiene" presents another unique personality - animator, founder and manager of animation studio "MeinArt" Meinardas Valkevičius. The young man from Vilnius is not only fully immersed in animation, but also engages in triathlon, is extremely active and sociable. In addition to all his activities, he is also a father of two children.
In the thirteenth episode of the podcast, the ambitious animator talks about a couple of decades of undying passion for animation and extraordinary career ambitions. Animation is his way. At the age of seven, he already knew what he wanted to be. He couldn't stand the popular Russian movies in his childhood, but after getting acquainted with Disney animation, he fell in love with it so much that today he has a tattoo of the hero of his favorite movie on his hand.
- You get up early in the morning, do sports, carry out many civic projects and founded a unique studio. Where did we meet, in what unique place?
– At the magical animation studio MeinArt. In Vilnius. I have been an animation fan for over 20 years. Almost 10 years ago, I founded an animation studio with the hope that it will create animated films not only for Lithuania, but for the whole world. Our highest goal is to win an "Oscar" for Lithuania for an animated film. I believe it, the whole team believes it.
- And how are you achieving your goals?
- Like from a textbook. Everything is according to plan.
- You have contracts with serious companies, how do you manage it?
- Because of the talented team. I communicate with a lot of people, I go to a lot of places, I talk, and most of the dirty work is done by the team. Thanks to the team, we are where we are.
- There are many talented people. But what is that code, the password?
- We are all talented, but in one team the talents must match. I pay a lot of attention to it when choosing people. Maybe even too much.
- How did the desire to create animation arise?
- This is my natural state. I knew what I wanted to be since I was seven. This is my way, I can't even imagine another way. I have worked as a waiter, a printer, but I didn't see the point in it.
- What qualities do you need to be an animator?
- The most important thing is to think creatively. You can become a professional, 10 thousand. hours in the relevant job. You don't necessarily need to graduate to become a professional. There are books, there is Google, there are many resources available. Sometimes, a person sends a portfolio, it can be seen that he doesn't pay anything, but he has a great desire and does it. Not a single member of the team came this way - they really want to, they are full of determination.
- What is your most successful project?
- We are working on several projects, which I hope will enlighten the whole world. We will be completing several big projects this year and next, the most successful of which is our animated short film Look. He toured the whole world - 130 festivals, won 16 awards. This cartoon is about pollution. Now we can create a video that is a whole lot higher.
- We all remember our childhood, we have a favorite hero. What is your favorite hero?
- Without a doubt, Mickey Mouse. I grew up with Disney animation. To be honest, I grew up with Russian animation and hated it until I was blue. And when the Internet appeared, video tapes, movie theaters, when I saw Disney animation, I didn't want anything else. I am a mega fan of hers. I even have a tattoo of Mickey Mouse on my arm. It keeps me from forgetting what I'm doing because I have a lot of all kinds of activities. The tattoo reminds you not to give up on the track.
- The use of animated advertisements and animated heroes to achieve various goals is becoming more popular. Why do you want to use animation?
- Creating a real advertisement is more expensive than using animation. On the one hand, it is easier for an actor to play his role, animation is more difficult, but overall it is cheaper. During the quarantine, people feel nostalgic and old cartoons are back on the wave. People feel more comfortable with vintage animation characters.
- Do your children watch cartoons?
- The big one is already four and if I let him watch movies 24 hours a day. per day, he would watch that much. I myself watch videos 24 hours a day. per day, the wife says that less would be enough. I consider Paddington Bear a masterpiece. There is nothing wrong with him. Both my son and I love cartoons because it's colorful and beautiful.
- Are there any Lithuanian animated heroes that symbolize the Lithuanian character?
- I remember the comic "Chiuka the Pig". It's not my favorite hero, but my favorite heroes are ours right now. There are not so many animated films created in Lithuania that it is possible to choose a hero. Maybe because of the lack of animation. There is a hero of Kakė Makek, parents and children love him, recognize him, he is probably the most famous at the moment. But probably because there is no alternative. Several studios are creating alternative heroes that will get into the fight.
- Does animation increase citizenship? I had the opportunity to see studio works, where the symbols of Lithuania are remembered.
- Why not? The animation is sweet and sentimental for the viewer, and if there is a holiday or occasion, we create a short film in the studio. There were the Olympic Games, the celebration of the centenary of Lithuania - we made short films. Even during the quarantine, we made films about what can be done at home. When there is no client standing behind us, we create the best videos that can be added to the portfolio and shown to everyone. Then we don't limit our imagination, we experiment with the technique. Our animation is sarcastic, we like to bite, make fun.
- You do triathlon, this sport requires various abilities and endurance. Is there a connection between this sport and your work?
- My wife, who has to put up with all this, needs more endurance here. Sometimes we get angry because I'm not at home often. To be honest, if you looked at me, you wouldn't say I exercise much. But I really like to eat, so I exercise a lot. In every sense, I am strict with myself, I am a perfectionist, I like to criticize others and myself. This is my biggest problem, either a joy or a curse.
Sport at work really helps. I sit a lot at work, there is a lot of stress. I don't turn on my phone during sports, I do what my eyes can see - I ride a bike, swim or run.
- I am a person of the generation when redheads were bullied because of their hair color as a child. Did you experience it?
- In every possible sense. I even got a brick over my head once. Just for nothing. Our cartoon "The perfect fit" reflects my youth and the desire to be myself and not pay attention to others. Nowadays, I don't see a big problem anymore, I believe that everything is going well.
- Redheads are sensitive people, but very stubborn. Maybe childhood makes redheads grow a thick skin, to prove that we can, that we will endure? What would you wish for children, teenagers who are bullied?
- Ignore it. I suffered myself, I thought that when I grow up, I will show it. I consider myself a strong man, but inside I am a flower. It hurts me when I am criticized. We all experience moments when it seems like the whole world is against us. But bad things come to an end, just as good things come to an end sooner or later. It is important to believe in yourself and not do bad things.
And for myself, I wish I could not stop doing what I do, be just as crazy, maybe even more. Be determined, persevere and don't give up. No matter how hard it is, I don't let myself stop.
