Tink Tank Animate is the brain child of Writer/Director/Animator TAWD b. DORENFELD.
For the past number of years, prior to his relocation to Detroit, Michigan, Mr. Dorenfeld has been an instructor, curriculum developer, and program designer at Los Angeles based Exceptional Minds, the leaders in Trade School Animation for Artists on the Autism Spectrum. Prior and currently, Dorenfeld's 25+ professional career has primarily been as a Writer/Director/Producer & Animator of Award Winning Feature Films, Music Videos, Commercials, Design, and Online Gaming. It is from the combination of all of these skills that has lead Dorenfeld to become first a special muse for the Artist on the Autism Spectrum, and now a muse for individuals across the spectrum of Neuro-Diversity through his creation of Tink Tank Animate LLC in Detroit, Michigan. Watch us in Action
"We wanted to take a minute to thank you for coming into Harry’s life. We have not been this excited about a program since Harry was in kindergarten (13 years ago) and qualified for Music Therapy for his speech goals. When you find a therapy program that truly benefits your child with autism, it’s like finding a pot of gold." - Molly Schad, Mother of Harry Schad
For the past number of years, prior to his relocation to Detroit, Michigan, Mr. Dorenfeld has been an instructor, curriculum developer, and program designer at Los Angeles based Exceptional Minds, the leaders in Trade School Animation for Artists on the Autism Spectrum. Prior and currently, Dorenfeld's 25+ professional career has primarily been as a Writer/Director/Producer & Animator of Award Winning Feature Films, Music Videos, Commercials, Design, and Online Gaming. It is from the combination of all of these skills that has lead Dorenfeld to become first a special muse for the Artist on the Autism Spectrum, and now a muse for individuals across the spectrum of Neuro-Diversity through his creation of Tink Tank Animate LLC in Detroit, Michigan. Watch us in Action
"We wanted to take a minute to thank you for coming into Harry’s life. We have not been this excited about a program since Harry was in kindergarten (13 years ago) and qualified for Music Therapy for his speech goals. When you find a therapy program that truly benefits your child with autism, it’s like finding a pot of gold." - Molly Schad, Mother of Harry Schad
the TINK TANK MENTOR/PRODUCERS • our Faculty
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Tawd b. Dorenfeld: BFA NYU Tisch School of the Arts - Double Major Film & Animation, w/ Minors in Children's Entertainment
Mentor/Producer Dorenfeld focuses on the Renaissance of the Arts of Storytelling and will be the guy helping you find your superpower that will allow you to be a prolific storyteller. He is also the CEO and designer of the Tink Tank Program, Techniques, Exercises, & Attitude. |
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Douglas (Doug) Freel: BFA Art Center Collage of Design Pasadena - Major Film & Music Production
Mentor/Producer Freel has spent over 30 years in the Director's seat, Writer's chair, and Content Developer's desk. Concept and Story has been at the heart of every decision Doug has made creatively throughout his career beside other co-conspirators of storytelling such as Spielberg, Fincher, Bay, Kerslake, and Dorenfeld. Doug's solo and collaborative work includes literally hundreds of music videos, and multi-camera concert events that produced era-defining imagery on music video television. As a Tink Tank Mentor/Producer Mr. Freel focuses on mentoring and producing Writing for the Screen, Conceptualizing Multiple Spots, Photography, Film, & Print. |
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RICHARD (Rick) BROWNELL: BFA NYU Tisch School of the Arts
Mentor/Producer Richard Brownell focuses on the written word in narrative form, historical form, biographical, screenplays, teleplays, stage plays, journalism, and other forms of writing. As an award-winning writer, Richard (Rick) has published several books on American history and culture for young adult and general audiences. His historical commentary and essays have been published by numerous periodicals and websites. He blogs at MrRicksHistory.com. You can follow Richard on Twitter and Instagram @RickBrownell. |
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KAT STEIH: Music Mentor - Resume coming soon
Mentor/Producer Kat Steih focuses on the composition of music in a myriad of forms, and what forms best suit you as an individual...this is not your average music program...this can use anything from the kitchen sink to your elbows, digital instruments to make musical sound and compose in Garageband and the likes. |
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KRISTIN KUCIA: MA, CSUSB - English Composition
Tink Tank Family Coordinator & Mentor. Kristin is a former English and Writing professor at University of Redlands, and author of the memoir, I Am My Son's First Sightword: Growing a Child with Autism (Amazon). Kristin comes from her role of Manager of Student Affairs at Exceptional Minds, a vocational school and animation studio for young adults with autism. As a the mother of a young man with autism who was mentored by Mr. Dorenfeld, Kristin has first hand knowledge of the highly positive results of the Tink Tank Programs. Currently, she is the Leader of Talent/HR in the BRIC Foundation, a non-profit organization that forges career opportunities for women and underrepresented populations in the entertainment industry; in addition, Kristin sits on the Board of Directors at Foothill Autism Alliance (Glendale, CA). At Tink Tank Animate, she manages the Tink Tank Family Connection group, and is an artist mentor as well. Contact: TinkTankFamily@TinkTankAnimate.com |
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MARTIN OLSON: Guest Mentor Fall 2002 / Spring 2021
Mentor/Producer Martin Olson will be joining the Tink Tank Animate Team in a very special capacity. Based on an Application Process individuals will be able to take One-on-One Writing Sessions with one of the most sought after Cartoon Writers in the Hollywood Industry. Martin Olson is best known for his tenure as a Staff Writer and Emmy Award Winner for Disney's Phineas & Ferb and as the voice of Adventure Time's Marceline's father Hunson Abadeer. Yes he is also Olivia Olson's actual father. |
PARENT/GUARDIAN TESTIMONIALS -
"Tawd is unlike any other teacher Alexandra has ever had. He has this natural way of interacting with special needs students that puts them at ease; it is a genuine natural ability to remain calm and not get rattled by unreasonable behavior. As a parent, you wish all teachers could possess such skills and demeanor. Tawd is that dream teacher that every parent of a special needs child imagines." - Kathy Adlawan, Mother of Alexandra Adlawan
"We wanted to take a minute to thank you for coming into Harry’s life. We have not been this excited about a program since Harry was in kindergarten (13 years ago) and qualified for Music Therapy for his speech goals. When you find a therapy program that truly benefits your child with autism, it’s like finding a pot of gold.
From the very first session you were able to interact with Harry on cognitive and creative levels that were lacking in other programs. My husband walked in from work one day and asked who Harry was talking to….it was the most interactive conversation we have ever heard with Harry! As the program has progressed, we noticed Harry’s passion for animation was showing signs of new development in many areas. Such areas included: self confidence, decision making, constructive feedback, team cooperation, collaborative thinking, active listening, & job skills to boot." - Molly Schad, Mother of Harry Schad
"I cannot express enough the pure joy of watching my son, Aden's confidence begin to soar and to continue to watch him believe in himself after completing his sessions with Tink Tank...Not to mention now amongst his peers he has the reputation of the 'Cool Kid' who make's animated movies." - Barbie Gerkensmeyer, Mother of Aden Gerkensmeyer
"My two eldest have made an incredible transformation with Tink Tank. They have a whole new way to communicate that they get from it and others can now understand them better. Pretty darn cool and something they can do anywhere...and as a job also!" - Mellisa Martinez-Areffi, Mother of Alex and Kennedy Areffi
PROFESSIONAL TESTIMONIALS -
"[TINK TANK's] approach in which they presume competence and look to problem-solve rather than place limitations, is highly motivating to their artists." - Benjamin Maixner, M. A. BCBAA, Director of Programs Exceptional Minds Studio
"The idea that an organization dedicated to Artists with Learning Disabilities and Autism that is completely focused on storytelling as the basis of all art and communication, is the greatest thing ever. Tink Tank is breeding the next generation of geniuses." - Martin Olson, Emmy Winning Songwriter & Staff Writer of Disney's Phineas and Ferb
“My name is Dr. Lynette Louise and I am commonly referred to as The Brain Broad because I work to improve brain function both at home and abroad. My specialty is autism and has been since I first began adopting multiply challenged children on the spectrum in the mid eighties. I have worked with Tawd Dorenfeld of Tink Tank Animate on several projects all of which either inform people about or directly assist folks on the autism spectrum. Tawd has an uncanny connection and understanding that surpass the typical therapist/artist when it comes to ASD individuals. He understands their need to stay within their own special interests while helping them to comply with the requirements of the technology and the industry itself. Tawd is a very talented person with unique abilities related to animation and ASD. Tawd is patient, flexible and varied in his knowledge of both the population and the desired skill sets. This is a huge plus for the spectrum individual wanting to focus in minute detail on the creations of their mind, creations that may be beyond the realm (and budget) of typical film making. Tink Tank Animate enables the animator to maintain a measure of control as they build their project. This "control" is a much needed aspect in developing an ASD individual’s confidence as they embark on their own personalized careers. Highly recommended.” - Dr. Lynette Louise aka The Brain Broad! International mental health expert and performer
PARTNERS, SUPPORTERS,
& VOLUNTEERS
LYNETTE LOUISE,
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EXCEPTIONAL MINDS
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KONA MEDICAL CONSULTING, Tink Tank ManagementKONA MEDICAL CONSULTING is made up of like minded individuals working to together to help practices open, grow, and sustain consistent growth. Kona has teamed up with Tink Tank Animate to manage and grow the LLC.
www.KonaMedicalConsulting.com |
SOME PREVIOUS & CURRENT TINK TANK ARTISTS
(note* some students were enrolled in Exceptional Minds under Tawd b. Dorenfeld's instruction)
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TYLER CUNNINGHAM - Age 17
In a speedy 3 months time (while plowing through his senior year in high school) Tyler single-handedly created his first complete Short Film under the guidance of Tink Tank Animate. Nolan Cook from the popular Art Band The Residents was so impressed he donated music tracks, along with Tom Zarzeki of the infamous Death Cat. Currently Tyler is creating Spec Pringle Commercials and a Music Video for hire (band to be revealed at a later date). PUSH has been awarded Third Place (Bay Area) in Disney's TEEN ANIMATION FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL 2019 NOW AVAILABLE TO WATCH on AMAZON PRIME https://www.amazon.com/PUSH-Tyler-Cunningham/dp/B07SQ3Z71G/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=push+tyler+cunningham&qid=1579715936&sr=8-1 |
HARRY SCHAD - Age 17
Within' a week's time Harry Schad has created his own Greetings Card company "Harryogram," and scooped up his first Freelance Writer/Director/Animator gig for a local bakery. Harry continues to expand his portfolio with Tink Tank where he will now also add Stop Motion Animation into his artillery of creative storytelling. In his first year with Tink Tank, Harry has created the bakery commercial, three short animated films, a stop motion promo for his hometown, and a number of greeting cards for print and animated. |
JUSTIN VALENTI - Age 23
When Justin told us he enjoyed doing Self Advocacy Speaking along with his passion for Illustration and his interest in music/sound, we took Justin on an unfamiliar path in which he himself took by the horns with a fury of passion & extreme focus to produce a most powerful Radio-Play with an Illustrated Companion Book all released on both Amazon Kindle & Audible. Click here to Listen to Justin Valenti's "Meeting the Girl." |
Some TINK TANKERs are not interested in the Glitz and Glamour of sharing their work with the world and prefer to just share with their family and friends. Those artists are not showcased here, other than us saying how much we appreciate their voices and how we are as equally proud of them as we are of those who chose to be featured here on the website.
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ALEXANDRA ADLAWAN - Age 24
Alexandra has been Produced and Guided by Dorenfeld for the past Year and a Half. Their working relationship has Produced a Children's Book, TV Series Bible, and a Number of Short Story Animations. Alexandra excels in Character Development, Writing, and Design of her unique Creative Characters entitled "The Outkasts," who all have "differences," and through storytelling Alexandra's Outkasts show those with Differences and Typicals how similar their daily lives really are. Alexandra currently has completed her Second Childrens' Book and working on her Third and Fourth, while PBS Long Beach will air her Flaw Cards animated short produced at Tink Tank Animate LLC. (Alexandra is currently an Exceptional Minds student, learning with Tawd via the Internet 5 days a week, 2 hours a day.) |
ANDRES LERMA - Age 22
Andres has been Produced and Guided by Dorenfeld for the past 2 years. Their working relationship has Produced two Bi-lingual Animated Series written by Andres and conceptualized by both Lerma and Dorenfeld. Andres does all of his own Design, Animation, Editing, & Soundtracks for his films. In the future Andres hopes to open his own Lerma Studios and continue to supply the world with, "Cute Cartoons that make people happy and learn." Currently Andres and Dorenfeld are Producing Andres Lerma's first self-made Feature Film with a running time of Approx 60mins. (Andres is currently an Exceptional Minds student with Tawd's Finisher Curriculum via the Internet 1 day a week, while continuing 2 days a week on campus at Exceptional Minds learning more of the Principles of Animation. Andres will continue his education in the Exceptional Minds Full Time Department, Fall 2018, to learn more employable skills in the field of Visual Effects, while still producing "Toon Andres the Movie" with Dorenfeld.) |
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THADDEUS STAUDER - Age 16
Thaddeus was Produced and Guided by Dorenfeld for a year and a half at Exceptional Minds. Thaddeus has the gift of storytelling and spends much of his time Drawing and Writing Illustrated Books with his Mom which in turn he produces into Animated Films with the guidance and assistance of Instruction. Considered more "impacted" Dorenfeld helps Thad stay on task and follow step by step instruction in order to complete the Animation on his own. As time passes Thaddeus has become more autonomous in his ways, although like many more "impacted" artists, Thad may always need an Empathetic Producer to help complete his projects. No one should ever feel shame about such assistance. Think about it, when has Spielberg ever made anything on his very own? (Thaddeus is currently an Exceptional Minds student who in fact benefits more with in person one-on-one instruction than virtual internet instruction and therefore has continued his time in his Local Area attending private lessons at Exceptional Minds. In time Dorenfeld hopes to be reunited with Thad to Produce more of his work.) |
EZRA FIELDS-MEYER - Age 22
Ezra was Produced and Guided by Dorenfeld for a year and a half at Exceptional Minds. Prior to Dorenfeld's guidance, Ezra was under the training and collaborating with one of the Founders of Animation for Autism, Howie Hoffman. Ezra excels in writing and conceptualizing. With design and storyboard guidance from Mr. Hoffman, Ezra began the above short "Pet Store," and then under Dorenfeld's guidance Ezra and Tawd took the storyboard and design and completed the entire project. Recognizing that Cut-Out Animation was a bit too challenging for Ezra to complete without hands-on guidance, both Ezra and Tawd agreed his next works should be hand-drawn so Ezra could find more autonomy in his work, something Ezra has taken great pride in, and his parents appreciate as they see their son find ways to express himself more and more on his own. (Ezra is currently an Exceptional Minds student who, much like Thaddeus, benefits more with in person one-on-one instruction than virtual internet instruction and therefore has continued his time in his Local Area attending private lessons at Exceptional Minds. In time Dorenfeld hopes to be reunited with Thad to Produce more of his work.) |
WORKSHOP STUDENTS
Ages range from 12 - 24
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WORKSHOP STUDENTS went through a 2 week workshop under Dorenfeld's guidance where classes of 5-10 students Produce their own individual Short Animated Films. These workshops do not teach the use of the Animate App. These workshops are designed to guide students in the Completion of a Story created by them. As in life, some students have more experience than others, but none-the-less those with less experience are assisted in ways and techniques to use their limited knowledge of the App to express themselves in a full manner. You do not have to animate as well as Walt Disney to express yourself to the fullest. Remember, a picture says a thousand words, therefore, a moving picture must tell a million.