Dominic Carola began working for Walt Disney Feature Animation in 1993 and rose quickly through the animation ranks. He most recently animated on BROTHER BEAR,

and he was a lead animator for LILO & STITCH. His film credits include JOHN HENRY, MULAN, THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, POCAHONTAS and THE LION KING. Carola was the Director of Animation for Walt Disney's California Adventure Animation Pavilion, which was recognized for the THEA Award as the best themed attraction in 2001.

“The timing to launch Project Firefly was absolutely right, and the people were key to our decision. The day the announcement was made to close Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida, we knew it was the beginning of an opportunity to reunite so much great talent. Project Firefly is an ambidextrous animation studio, utilizing both 2D and 3D animation capabilities.”

Early in his career, Carola worked as a cartoonist for D.C. Comics while attending The New York Art Students League. His interest in animation and filmmaking led him to the prestigious California Institute of the Arts. While there, he became the recipient of the first ever Walter Lantz Animation Award for his 1992 student film CASTING CALL. Carola enjoys living in Orlando with his wife and two children.

Gregg Azzopardi has almost a decade of animation experience since starting at Walt Disney Feature Animation in 1994. As Director of Animation, Azzopardi draws on his traditional character animation background and training in the latest digital animation techniques.

“It was my life long dream to be a Disney Animator. My other dream was to follow Walt Disney's footsteps and start an animation studio. I know how lucky I am to realize not one but both of my dreams in one lifetime.”

Azzopardi's work can be seen on lead characters as Kenai Bear and Tanana in BROTHER BEAR and Lilo in LILO & STITCH. He has also contributed animation to Disney's MULAN and Disney Television's, HOW TO HAUNT A HOUSE. Other film credits include TARZAN, THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME and POCAHONTAS. In 1993 Azzopardi participated in the Turner Pictures Program for CATS DON'T DANCE.

Azzopardi holds a Bachelors of Fine Arts Degree in Film, from the prestigious California Institute of the Arts and an Associates of Applied Science in Advertising Design from the State University of New York, Farmingdale. He lives in Orlando , Florida with his wife and son.

“I have been drawing since I was two years old. Cartoons and animated characters have always been a huge part of my life. These characters were my "friends" when I was young. Now, bringing characters to "life" for my son and other children who believe in them is one of my greatest joys.”

John Webber is an experienced animator, spending almost 10 years at Walt Disney Feature Animation. Beginning in traditional hand drawn character animation, Webber made the transition to the latest digital animation techniques while still at Disney.

He has brought to life such characters as Kenai Bear in BROTHER BEAR, Lilo in LILO & STITCH, Disney's award winning JOHN HENRY and Mushu in MULAN. Additional credits include HERCULES, POCAHONTAS and FANTASIA CONTINUED. In 1993, Webber participated in the Turner Pictures Program for CATS DON'T DANCE.

He honed his skills at the number one school in the country for animation, The California Institute of the Arts. Also, Webber holds an Associates Degree in Advertising Design from St. Clair County College in Michigan . Webber is married with three children.

“The firefly is a great symbol to help stir up that sense of child-like wonder in all of us to perhaps look at things in a different light. We want to do all of this in a highly creative, entertaining way that is executed with true quality.”

Paulo Alvarado – Co-founder and Director, Story and Development

Paulo Alvarado brings to Project Firefly over a decade of experience with Walt Disney Feature Animation. Known for his strong story sense and visual development skills, Alvarado honed these talents through a background that includes work in animation, character design, clean-up, rough in-betweener, storyboarding, and visual development.

“Both of my parents have been instrumental in my success. My father loved to draw and wanted to become a comic artist. He helped me nurture my imagination. Some of the books I cherish most are the ones my father gave me on cartooning, animation and Disney. My mother, through her guidance and support, instilled in me a strong work ethic and perseverance. I am forever grateful to them both.”

Alvarado's visual development skills were utilized in Walt Disney's TREASURE PLANET as well as other character and story work for Disney development. Alvarado also has film credits that include Disney's ATLANTIS, BROTHER BEAR, LILO & STITCH, MULAN, THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, POCAHONTAS and ‘THE LION KING. Not only has Alvarado worked in film but also he has branched out as a freelance illustrator and children's book artist. Alvarado's work can be seen in "My Day Out" and in issues of Disney Adventures Magazine.

“Creating something out of nothing has always appealed to me. I like to take a clean slate and develop the story ideas and character designs that make people laugh. I look forward to doing it all my life.”

Alvarado is a graduate of Ringling School of Art & Design in Sarasota , Florida . He is married with two children.