| Debra Solomon | |
| Occupation: | Animator, director, illustrator, author, producer |
| Nationality: | American |
| Known For: | Lizzie McGuire, Everybody's Pregnant, My Kingdom, Mrs. Matisse |
Debra Solomon is an American filmmaker, animator, illustrator, and author known best for being the animation supervisor and creator of the animated Lizzie from the Disney Channel show Lizzie McGuire (2001–2003). She has made a variety of short films, animated sketches, and title sequences since 1994. Many of her films focus on the struggles of womanhood and emphasizing the female identity with empowering images.[1]
Solomon's interest in film and animation began when she studied illustration at Pratt University. Once she completed her studies, Solomon became a freelance illustrator and later an animator.[2] While drafting her first production, Mrs. Matisse (1994), Solomon continued to illustrate and produced several books.[2]
Solomon has also curated festival programs at the ASIFA-East Animation Festival where she has presented her work. She is a board member for the ASIFA-East, as well as a member of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts and New York Women in Film and Television.[3]
Solomon began her career as an animator with her debut short film Mrs. Matisse (1994). Everybody's Pregnant (1998) was Solomon's next film, cited by Solomon as the film that allowed her to find her artistic voice. Many of her films are animated musicals, with themes of turning bad situations into humorous ones. Solomon writes and performs original music for her productions.
Solomon contributed to the television show Lizzie McGuire (2001–2004), designing the animated counterpart of the show's title character.[4] Solomon is credited as the creator and animation supervisor for the animated representation of Lizzie throughout the show.
After working for Disney, Solomon composed independent films over multiple years. These films were edited together as a 30-minute special on HBO titled Getting Over Him in 8 Songs or Less (2010). Solomon's most recent film is My Kingdom (2014), a short film about personal space and finding comfort in crowded areas of a busy city.
| Year | Presenter | Award | Film | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Best Sound Track | Mrs. Matisse | ||
| Giovani Leoni Prize | Special Jury Award | |||
| 1995 | ASIFA-East | Best Entry | ||
| 1997 | ASIFA-East | Animation Award for Best Commercial Film | The Parable of the Clown | |
| 1998 | World Animation Festival | Special Jury Award | Everybody's Pregnant | |
| Saint Barbara International Film Festival | The Bruce Corwin Award for Best Animated Short | |||
| Aspen Short Film Festival | Special Jury Award | |||
| New Haven Film Festival | First Place Audience Award | |||
| First Place Short Film Category | ||||
| First Place Audience Award | ||||
| Russian Film Festival | Animation Recognition Award | |||
| I Castelli Animati | Special Jury Award | |||
| New York Shorts Film Festival | Best Animated Short Film | |||
| Greece International Film Festival | Best Film - Dionysus Award | |||
| ASIFA-East | Best Entry in Commercial Films | The Parable of the Clown | ||
| 2004 | ASIFA-East | Animation Award - Best Commercial Film | The Blind Men and the Elephant | |
| 2014 | NY Best Animated Short | My Kingdom |