About Ariel Gallegos Hopper

Production executive and director with extensive experience leading animatic and animation production from concept through final delivery. Rapidly promoted through multiple roles to Executive Producer, Director managing cross-functional teams and large freelance networks while overseeing complex 2D, 3D, and AI-driven projects. Skilled at balancing creative vision with operational execution, serving as a trusted client partner and team leader across high-volume production pipelines. Known for staying calm under pressure, solving problems creatively, and anticipating challenges to keep projects on schedule, on budget, and at the highest quality.

Executive Producer, Director

WB+TDP

Executive Producer & Director | 2024–Present

Lead end-to-end production of 2D, 3D, and AI animatics for market testing and broadcast, overseeing projects from concept through final delivery.
Manage and mentor a core team of up to 5 full-time producers as well as an internal team of editors and animators - fostering collaboration, accountability, and high-quality output.
Serve as primary liaison between clients, and creative teams, translating strategic objectives into executable creative direction.

Animatic Producer | 2022–2023

Led animatic production from script through post-production; managed freelance animation teams and delivery timelines.
Review scripts, storyboards, and animatics to ensure narrative clarity, brand alignment, and production feasibility.
Oversee a large roster of freelance editors, animators, illustrators, and artists, including hiring, onboarding, scheduling, and performance management.
Supervise all levels of production, including editing, sound integration, and final delivery specifications.
Implement workflow processes to optimize efficiency across multiple teams.
Maintain quality control standards to meet network, testing, and distribution requirements.

Art Producer | 2021

Supported visual development of storyboards as a client-facing team member
Develop and manage production schedules, budgets, and resource allocation to ensure on-time and on-budget delivery.

Production Coordinator

Pat Bates & Associates

Production & Artist Support: Assisted agents with pre- and post-production operations including preparing estimates, confirming talent and crew, securing studios, booking travel, and building call sheets. Stepped in to manage agent responsibilities when needed to ensure seamless project execution.
Visual Communications: Managed image requests and maintained the agency website, Instagram presence, and organized digital image archive. Produced bi-weekly newsletters and led the redesign of the agency website, newsletter template, and printed catalog.
New Business Development: Created and designed outreach materials showcasing artist portfolios, including PDFs and digital presentations. Conducted cold outreach in English and Spanish, tracked leads, updated CRM records, and coordinated client promotional mailings and gifts.
Accounting & Operations: Prepared and submitted invoices and advance requests, tracked outstanding payments, and addressed talent inquiries related to billing and expenses. Managed vendor documentation, billing records, and contract paperwork.