“Minions” and “Despicable Me 3” Director Kyle Balda Inspires Yoobee Wellington Animation Students
Our Yoobee Wellington Bachelor of Animation students had an unforgettable experience with Despicable Me 3 director Kyle Balda, who visited campus for what he called a “brief Q&A.” What followed was far more than that.
Kyle delivered an incredible lecture that explored artists' perspectives, creative processes, insightful industry knowledge, and even a look at the future of animation and storytelling.
From the moment he arrived, Kyle captivated the room with his warmth and energy. He shared highlights from his remarkable journey, from becoming an Animation Supervisor at ILM at just 24 years old, to directing Despicable Me 3, and now developing his own indie games and films. His story was both inspiring and deeply relatable for our aspiring animators.
Kyle and his wife Janet, both avid gamers, instantly connected with our students. Conversations flowed from lighthearted Minion memories to deep technical and philosophical discussions about creativity, storytelling, and artistic growth. The students were fully engaged throughout the talk and Q&A session, eager to learn from Kyle’s experience and insight.
Even after the session ended (despite being warned that there might not be time for portfolio reviews), many students stayed behind to chat and share their work. The classroom was buzzing with excitement, and it was wonderful to see such energy, curiosity, and passion on display.
To wrap up the visit, our students presented Kyle and Janet with a thank you card and Wellington Chocolates on behalf of the Wellington Campus. Kyle and Janet both shared how much they enjoyed their time with us, especially the thoughtful questions from our students, which they said reflected the curiosity and creativity that define Yoobee learners.
A huge thank-you to Kyle and Janet Balda for sharing their time, insights, and passion with our Yoobee community. The visit was a true highlight for our students and a reminder of the exciting future that awaits in the world of animation and storytelling.
