Kenn Navarro
Co-Creator and Animation Director, Happy Tree Friends
Growing up in Manila, Philippines, Kenn could never turn away from a good cartoon, video game or comic book. Mesmerized by the dazzling images, fantasy worlds and cartoon conventions, he knew animation would be his lifelong passion.
After graduating with a BA in Industrial Design with an emphasis in Animation from San Francisco State University, Kenn worked on some independent music videos and small time animation projects at 6’2 Studios in Larkspur, California.
When Kenn joined Mondo Media in 1998, the company was expanding into a full-fledged studio that created and distributed original online content. After working on several video game projects, Kenn was given the opportunity to bring his talents to Mondo’s own style of irreverent Internet shows like “The God & Devil Show,” “Thugs on Film,” and “Like, News.” Later he partnered with Rhode Montijo to bring Happy Tree Friends to life.
Since its introduction on the Internet in 2000, Happy Tree Friends shorts can now be seen on MTV International in Europe, Latin America and certain Asian countries, as well as in the United States on G4 videogame television. Happy Tree Friends has won awards at the Annecy and Ottawa International Film Festivals, and has spawned a worldwide licensing and merchandise program.
Seeing the Happy Tree Friends toys and apparel is a dream come true for Kenn, who still loves creating the silly cartoons that make him laugh so much.