Carlos Saldanha

Carlos Saldanha, a renowned Brazilian animator, director, producer, and voice actor born on 24 January 1965, is best known for his work with Blue Sky Studios until its closure in 2021. His most prominent works include directing Ice Age: The Meltdown (2006), Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (2009), Rio (2011), Rio 2 (2014), Ferdinand (2017), and Harold and the Purple Crayon (2024), and co-directing Ice Age (2002) and Robots (2005). Saldanha's talent has led to multiple award nominations, including a 2003 Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Short Film for Gone Nutty and a 2018 nomination for Best Animated Feature for Ferdinand.

Saldanha was born in Marechal Hermes, Rio de Janeiro and had an early interest in cartoons and drawing. However, his career took a change in direction when he discovered the impact of computer-generated imaging on animation. He pursued a major in computer animation at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan and graduated with a Master's degree in Computer Art in 1993. His career took off at Blue Sky Studios, where he worked closely with Chris Wedge. His directorial works, such as Rio, showcased his hometown and have been globally acclaimed, grossing millions worldwide. In 2012, he signed a five-year exclusive deal with 20th Century Fox to develop and produce animated and live-action projects. Currently, Saldanha is progressing his career with Sony Pictures Entertainment and his own venture, Ventre Studio.