In a bustling Vancouver studio, Catherine Winder’s vision comes to life. The walls hum with the energy of storytellers, animators, and creative minds collaborating to redefine what animated entertainment can be. For Catherine, this isn’t just work; it’s her life’s purpose. From her earliest days navigating the uncharted paths of global animation projects to her current role as the CEO of Wind Sun Sky Entertainment (WSS), Catherine has always been driven by a singular mission: to tell stories that captivate, inspire, and connect audiences across generations and platforms.

Her journey is a tapestry woven with bold choices and groundbreaking ideas, transforming challenges into opportunities and merging traditional storytelling with the possibilities offered by cutting-edge technology. In Catherine’s hands, a story is more than just a sequence of events; it’s an experience that immerses, engages, and lingers in the hearts of viewers. Today, she leads one of the most innovative studios in the world, shaping the future of animated entertainment while staying rooted in the timeless art of storytelling.

The Beginning of a Visionary Journey

Catherine’s passion for storytelling began early in her career, fueled by a desire to bring authentic visions to life. Her initial projects, such as Aeon Flux for MTV and Todd McFarlane’s Spawn for HBO, exemplified her innovative approach to animation. By assembling bespoke teams and creating tailored production pipelines, Catherine quickly established herself as a disruptor in a traditionally formulaic industry.

Her commitment to non-traditional methods continued with her leadership roles at Blue Sky Studios, where she contributed to the success of Ice Age, and at Lucasfilm Animation, where she played a pivotal role in Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Reflecting on these experiences, Catherine notes, “Each project was unique, requiring a custom approach. It’s about understanding the creative DNA of the property and aligning it with a production strategy that honors its vision.” These formative years laid the foundation for her bold decision to establish Wind Sun Sky Entertainment in 2016, a studio built on creativity, flexibility, and innovation.

“My love for digital storytelling and animation stems from working with global talents to authentically bring storytellers’ visions to the screen.”

Building Wind Sun Sky Entertainment

At its core, Wind Sun Sky Entertainment was conceived as a studio that would challenge traditional norms. Catherine’s vision was to create a dynamic, project-agnostic ecosystem capable of adapting to the specific needs of each property. From the outset, WSS distinguished itself with the launch of three groundbreaking series: Super Dinosaur, Invincible, and Psi Cops. Each of these projects underscored WSS’s commitment to blending compelling storytelling with technical excellence.

“Audiences today want more than just passive viewing experiences,” Catherine explains. “They want to engage with characters and worlds across multiple touchpoints.” This understanding became a cornerstone of WSS’s strategy, leading to collaborations with prominent creator-economy partners like Viral Nation. Through these partnerships, WSS brought multi-platform storytelling to life, including projects like Camp McCarty, a vibrant digital universe featuring animated shorts, Roblox experiences, and more.

One of WSS’s most notable achievements was its adaptation of the popular Roblox game Twilight Daycare into an animated series. With over 2 billion plays and 1.6 million premiere viewers, the project was a resounding success. “Our goal was to meet audiences where they are,” Catherine notes. “By merging traditional storytelling with emerging platforms, we’ve been able to create experiences that resonate deeply with modern viewers.” This project earned WSS the prestigious 2024 Cartoons on the Bay Pulcinella Metaverse Award, cementing its status as an industry innovator.

Achievements and Milestones

Under Catherine’s leadership, WSS has achieved remarkable milestones, blending creative ingenuity with tangible results. Another standout project, Future Chicken, exemplifies WSS’s entrepreneurial spirit. Instead of following traditional production methods, the studio adopted a test-and-learn approach, launching the project on platforms like YouTube and Roblox to gather real-time audience feedback. This iterative process led to the creation of comedy-driven shorts set to debut in 2025. “Future Chicken is a testament to the power of adaptability and collaboration,” Catherine shares. “It’s about creating content that evolves with audience preferences.”

The studio’s innovative approach extends to its work in the metaverse, where WSS has adapted popular Roblox games like Creatures of Sonaria. These projects underscore the studio’s ability to leverage technology to enhance storytelling without compromising its emotional core. “Our focus has always been on using technology as a tool to deepen connections, not replace them,” Catherine explains.

“By immersing ourselves in platforms like Roblox, we’re not just telling stories—we’re building worlds where audiences can interact and create their own narratives.”

Challenges and Resilience

The journey of an independent studio is not without its challenges. Competing with industry giants on a modest budget has required WSS to operate with agility and creativity. Catherine’s leadership has been instrumental in navigating these hurdles. This lean operational structure has allowed WSS to scale globally without losing sight of its core values.

Catherine’s ability to foster a collaborative and transparent team culture has been key to WSS’s resilience. Daily stand-ups, open communication, and a fearless approach to problem-solving have become integral to the studio’s operations. “Empowering our team to share ideas and take ownership of their work has been critical to our success,” she notes. This environment not only encourages innovation but also enables WSS to pivot quickly in response to industry changes.

“We’ve stayed intentionally small, focusing on strategic partnerships to expand our resources while maintaining our independence. When resources are limited, you learn to prioritize innovation and efficiency.”

Storytelling: The Heart of WSS

At the core of Catherine’s success is her unwavering belief in the power of storytelling. “Great stories are about creating connections that transcend boundaries,” she emphasizes. “Whether it’s a traditional animated series or an immersive digital experience, the emotional core of the story must remain intact.” This philosophy drives every project at WSS, ensuring that the narratives resonate deeply with audiences.

One example of this philosophy in action is Jingle Jangle, developed in collaboration with The McCarty family. By blending live-action and animation, WSS created a rich, immersive world that preserved the creators’ vision while captivating audiences. Similarly, the studio’s development of universe bibles has ensured consistency and authenticity across all content expressions. “A universe bible serves as a foundation for storytelling,” Catherine explains. “It aligns every aspect of the project with the property’s core vision.”

The Role of Technology

As the animation industry embraces AI, VR, and other emerging technologies, Catherine remains committed to balancing innovation with storytelling traditions. “Technology should enhance the story, not overshadow it,” she asserts. This approach is evident in WSS’s collaboration with Langara College, where the studio developed AI-driven characters for early childhood education. These characters, capable of responding to body language and speech, demonstrate the potential of technology to create deeply personalized and impactful experiences.

WSS’s work in immersive platforms like Roblox further illustrates this balance. Projects like Creatures of Sonariahighlight the studio’s ability to create engaging, multi-platform narratives while staying true to the essence of storytelling. “Our focus has always been on crafting experiences that feel authentic and emotionally resonant,” Catherine adds.

“By leveraging tools like AI, we can craft narratives that respond to audience emotions in real time, making the experience uniquely immersive. But no matter the technology, the heart of the story always comes first.”

Mentorship and Legacy

Catherine’s influence extends beyond her work at WSS. Her book, Producing Animation, now in its third edition, is widely regarded as a definitive resource for industry professionals and aspiring creators.

Her career journey, marked by calculated risks and bold decisions, serves as an inspiration to the next generation of creators. From accepting her first job at Disney Animation Tokyo—despite not fully understanding the role—to pioneering animatics for Todd McFarlane’s Spawn, Catherine has consistently pushed boundaries. “Stepping out of your comfort zone is where growth happens,” she advises. “It’s not always easy, but the rewards are worth it.”

Catherine is also deeply committed to mentorship and supporting women in the industry. She has always been dedicated to creating a collaborative environment where women have a voice, are provided equal opportunities, and are paid fairly. By fostering this environment of collaboration and support, she has cultivated a culture of innovation at WSS. ‘When people feel valued and empowered, they produce their best work,’ she says. This dedication to nurturing talent ensures that WSS remains a hub for creative excellence.

“The animation industry often reinvents the wheel. I wanted to create a guide that would streamline processes and provide a roadmap for success.”

Leadership That Inspires

Catherine’s leadership style is defined by her ability to build cohesive teams and inspire creativity. “Great leadership is about empowering others to achieve their full potential,” she explains. “When you align passion with purpose, extraordinary things happen.”

Her advice to aspiring leaders is both practical and profound: “Surround yourself with talented people, communicate openly, and trust your instincts. If something isn’t working, address it quickly. Life is too short to settle for mediocrity.”

The Road Ahead

As Catherine continues to lead Wind Sun Sky Entertainment, her vision remains firmly focused on the future. With a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and storytelling, she is shaping the next era of animated entertainment. 

Catherine Winder’s journey is a story of resilience, creativity, and visionary leadership. From her early days challenging conventions to her current role as a pioneer in animation, she has left an indelible mark on the industry. Her legacy serves as a powerful reminder that at the heart of every innovation lies a human connection—a truth she has championed throughout her illustrious career.

“The possibilities are limitless. By staying true to our core values and embracing new technologies, we can create stories that resonate across generations.”