Biografia
I was born in Valencia, Spain, clutching a pencil—imagine the gynecologist’s reaction.
From childhood, I was immersed in drawing, comics, illustration, and animation. By 14, I was already published in Camacuc and Metropolis, two national comics (one shut down because I criticized politicians XD). While others played soccer, I sketched corrupt politicians and superheroes battling self-esteem issues. My parents invested in drawing classes, but animation was up to me. How did I learn? By painstakingly copying "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" frame by frame from VHS. At home, they still joke that Eddie Valiant is a distant relative. Later, I studied Arts and Crafts in Valencia. Classes bored me so much I and a few fellow geeks would sneak off to empty classrooms to draw. Those classmates now create for Marvel and DC. I’m still waiting for a chance to put Jessica Rabbit in The Avengers.
Afterwards, I worked at a small production company and taught myself 3D—again, self-taught because courses are expensive. One day, I declared, “I’m starting my own company.” People said it was impossible and complicated. Being reckless, I ignored them and launched LEX LUTOR—yes, like Superman’s villain but without the "h." Brilliant idea, until I met the 67 lawyers at DC Comics. So I renamed it HAMPA STUDIO, keeping the villain theme. Stubborn and a bit manic, I grew the company from TV commercials to winning the contest to produce The Fluvi’s Adventures. Then came Margarita, my short film nominated for a Goya in 2008. That’s when the real ride began.
Short films, series, movies followed… along with insomnia. Highlights include The End (Animamundi Award 2011), The Shadowsters on HBO and Movistar+, My Talking Tom with over 60 billion views, children’s series like Cry Babies, BFF, Lucky Bob, Bloopies, Vip Pets, Bubiloons—over 28 billion views. Yes, billion with a “b” and then another big “b.” Films such as Buñuel in the Labyrinth of the Turtles (Goya, two Annecy Crystals, EFA, Annie Award nominations, Oscar shortlist). Plus countless gray hairs. Other projects: 200% Wolf, Spiked, Chica y Lobo, The Treasure of Barracuda, Memoirs of a Man in Pajamas, Black is Beltza, Mironins (with more awards)—and surely some I’ve forgotten because they’re holding open doors.
Today, I still run Hampa Studio, with over 230 people and 15 productions underway simultaneously. It’s basically like managing a circus, but with more rendering.
One thing I know for sure: ever since that kid copying Roger Rabbit on VHS, whenever someone tells me “you can’t do that,” I know I’m going to prove them wrong.
