The success of Prime Video’s Annie Award-nominated Invincible is due to many talented people, but the person responsible for making sure all of those people deliver quality work on time and within budget is Marshell Becton. As producer of what is arguably the most complex animated series on TV, Marshell’s job presents no end of challenges. But with the show’s second season set to return in just a few weeks, she’s the epitome of grace under pressure. As part of Skybound’s series of interviews celebrating Black History Month, we chatted with Marshell about her path to Invincible, the advice she has for those considering a career in her field, and lots more. Here’s what she had to say…
What’s your origin story?
I grew up on a small family farm in Tennessee. I quickly found a love for TV but specifically animation. I was a Disney animation kid for sure, but I fell in love with Transformers. This was the first time I saw real conflict, friendships, and consequences in an animated show. I couldn’t wait to be part of something like that.
I started my career as a PA on America’s Next Top Model and continued to cast many reality shows for the first few years here in LA. But I still loved animation, so I switched careers and hustled to get into animation. I’ve now produced stop-motion, 2D, CG, adult animation, and pre-school series as well as a ton of animated commercials and shorts.
How did you come to work at Skybound?
I was finishing up a series at Netflix and trying to decide what the best next step would be. I had lunch with Marge Dean and the rest is history…
Can you describe your role as Producer of Invincible?
As the producer I oversee the schedule, budget, and delivery of the series. Invincible is a challenging show to produce because there are no boxes to put it in. There’s no road map to say, “Do it like this.” It stands out all on its own, which is really cool and dynamic but also a great puzzle to solve. It’s a delicate dance between maintaining the quality of the series, a healthy crew, and balancing the schedule and budget. Spinning plates!
What do you like best about working on Invincible?
I’m working with a great team! Some new faces and some I’ve worked with before. The art and comics are really cool too!
Which episodes of Invincible are you proudest of?
I like the Atom Eve special. Although I didn’t produce it, it’s one of my favorites!
Do you have any favorite Skybound comics or Invincible merch?
I’m a huge Walking Dead fan, so I have lots of merchandise from that comic.
What else do you nerd out over?
Travel! I love traveling with my family and exploring new places/cultures. My daughter really loves anime so we’re heading to Japan soon. I can’t wait to explore with her.
Do you have any advice for someone considering a career in your field?
Figure out what kind of producer you are before becoming one. Easier said than done, I know, but it’s important. There are no wrong answers. Knowing the type of leader you desire to be will keep you balanced and honest. Are there goals you want to achieve as a producer? Things you’d like to see done differently? On every series I produce, I promote diversity and inclusion. It’s not just a hot button word for me. It’s really important to me.
Once you know what kind of producer you want to be you also need to diversify your work. Produce or PM all kinds of shows to learn what to do and what not to do. Animation is an ever-expanding field, so you have to keep learning!
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INVINCIBLE™ © 2023 Robert Kirkman, LLC & Cory Walker. SKYBOUND and all related images are owned by Skybound, LLC. IMAGE COMICS and all related images are owned by Image Comics, Inc. All rights reserved.
