✨ Episode Summary:
In this uncommonly creative episode, J.R. sits down with Dylan Coburn, a powerhouse in animation, illustration, directing, and storytelling whose journey spans nearly three decades. From drawing Donald Duck for Disney's Quack Pack in 1995 to directing Superman: Red Son and influencing The Rings of Power, Dylan shares a detailed behind-the-scenes look at how animation evolved — and how he stayed ahead of the curve.

Dylan unpacks his early days in animation, the industry’s shift to digital in the late '90s, and what it took to launch his own studio from scratch. We dive into the philosophy of storyboarding, the nuance of visual effects art direction, and how he brings massive properties like Percy Jackson, Minecraft: The Movie, and The Meg to life through visual storytelling.

Plus: Dylan talks about becoming an author of Pocket Screenplays, collaborating with AEW wrestling stars The Young Bucks, and how he balances creativity in an AI-driven world.

🎯 Key Topics Covered:

• Dylan’s first steps at Disney Animation and his training on Quack Pack

• His “I made it” moment: directing Superman: Red Son

• Founding his own studio in 2002 and surviving the digital animation revolution

• The importance of storyboards and his transition into directing and writing

• Behind the scenes of The Rings of Power, The Meg, and Adrift

• His role in AEW’s book launch with The Young Bucks

• The launch of his screenwriting trilogy: Johnny Whisper, Killer Bee, and The Punishing Night

• Deep dive into Minecraft: The Movie and its cultural impact

• Dylan’s take on AI in the creative process

• Why DC animation trumps live-action (and his work proves it)

📚 Dylan’s Pocket Screenplays:
Available at: https://pocketscreenplays.com
Titles:

• Johnny Whisper (Supernatural Horror)

• Killer Bee (Action Thriller)

• The Punishing Night (Psychological Thriller)

📌 Notable Quotes:

“When I saw my first stack of drawings come to life… I was seduced. That’s the magic of animation.”
“If you're dull, AI can beat you. But if you’re pushing yourself creatively, it never will.”
“Storyboarding is where filmmaking begins — everything else builds on top of it.”

📣 Connect with Dylan Coburn:
Website: https://pocketscreenplays.com
Instagram: [Insert IG if available]
Twitter/X: [Insert handle if available]
LinkedIn: [Insert link if public]

🔗 Related Links:

• Watch Superman: Red Son on Max

• Stream The Meg on Netflix

• Catch AEW events and find The Young Bucks' book online

• Learn more about The Rings of Power (Amazon Prime)

• Keep an eye out for Minecraft: The Movie (coming soon)

💬 Final Thoughts from J.R.:
Dylan’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless creativity. Whether it’s sketching orcs for The Rings of Power or writing horror in his own voice, he’s a master of many crafts—and an inspiration to anyone navigating the evolving world of art and tech.