"Meni" was born in Montreal, Canada, where he majored in film production at Concordia University. After several years of working as a graphic designer and film editor, Meni moved to Los Angeles to work on visual effects. His first major project was working as a visual effects artist on the Academy Award winning film Titanic and national advertising spots for Nike, 7Up, and Coca Cola. He then graduated to Visual and Digital Effects Supervisor for such projects as Miramax's A Wrinkle in Time, and Paramount's Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
In 2000, Meni made the jump to writer/director with a string of highly successful animated short films including Siggraph's Ray Tracey in Full Tilt, Microsoft's Mech Warrior: Vengeance, and the acclaimed The Freak, which is the recipient of over a dozen international awards. In 2004, Meni was the visual effects director on the Tears For Fears music video Closest Thing To Heaven and then went on to direct the music video for the Brazilian band Udoras Fade Away.In 2005, Meni went into production on his first feature length film Battle For Terra, based on the short he made by the same title, for Fox Searchlab in 2003.
Battle for Terra, the story about Senn (Justin Long) and Mala (Evan Rachel Wood), two rebellious alien teens living on the beautiful planet Terra, a place that promotes peace and tolerance. A planet that has long ago rejected war and weapons of mass destruction.
When Terra is invaded by human beings fleeing a civil war and environmental catastrophe, the planet is plunged into chaos. During the upheaval, Mala befriends an injured human pilot (Luke Wilson) and each learns the two races are not so different from one another. Together they must face the terrifying realization that in a world of limited resources, only one of their races is likely to survive.
About the production of the movie
Three years ago, as first time feature animation producers, we were told that making Battle For Terra outside the studio system was impossible. Together, with Aristomenis Tsirbas, a first time feature animation director, we set out to test that theory. We were lucky enough to bring Evan Spiliotopoulos on board to write our screenplay. Evan had extensive experience writing for animation at Disney and other studios. Not only did he deliver an amazing script, he lent us his expertise and patience.
Armed with his script, we were able to attract a dream cast. From the extraordinary Brian Cox, to the comedic delight, David Cross, to the heart of the film itself, Evan Rachel Wood, each actor filled the characters with their strong and unique personalities. Luke Wilson rounded out the cast with his reluctant everyday hero appeal, and his sense of humor. And of course our animation staff worked all hours, sometimes six or seven days a week, to match the incredible voice talent with awe inspiring animation.
Despite time and budget constraints, everyone involved took this as a chance to try to do something remarkable. In our sound design, we made sure that every sound in the film is unique, creating the sounds of an alien world from scratch. Our composer, Abel Korzinewsi, used unusual instrumentation like glass harmonicas or seven foot drums to build the world of the Terrians, and to give the film an otherworldly sound.
"Meni" will be attending Starfest for a special presentation on Battle For Terra on Saturday, April 18, 2009 in the Starfest Main Events Room where he will be happy to field your questions and share information.
