Masha Martynenko Ellsworth

Hello and welcome! I'm Masha Martynenko Ellsworth, a lead technical director at Pixar Animation Studios and an indie filmmaker with a passion for storytelling. I’m thrilled to have you here to learn about my indie film projects and share in my love for art and culture.

About Me

By day, I am a lead technical director in the characters department at Pixar Animation Studios, and by night, I am an indie filmmaker. My career began in 2007 as an intern on Pixar’s Oscar Award-winning "Ratatouille," where I worked on sets and lighting. I then transitioned into character work for Pixar feature films such as "Up," "Toy Story 3," "Brave," "Cars 2," "Inside Out," "Finding Dory," "Cars 3," "The Good Dinosaur," "Coco," "Incredibles 2," "Onward," "Turning Red," and “Inside Out 2.“

Born and raised in northern Ukraine, I graduated from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, with a double degree in Computer Science and Visual Art.

My Projects

"Little t" is a product of Pixar’s co-op project, in which employees are provided with start-up funding to create their own short animated films. Most of the work was done pro bono by professionals from the animation industry, drawing from companies like Pixar, Netflix Animation, DreamWorks Animation, Sony Animation, and DNEG, along with artists from around the globe. Contributors came from a variety of backgrounds, drawn together by "Little t’s" compelling story.

"Bound" is my newest co-op project close to my heart, inspired by my Ukrainian roots and my love for the folk song "Galya Carries Water." It's a love story about Galya and Ivanko, who face the highs and lows of a relationship, testing their strength together. I've always wanted to share this tale, and I made sure the film looks like it was cross-stitched, honoring traditional Ukrainian craftsmanship. The music, created with authentic Ukrainian instruments and vocalists, adds another layer of cultural richness. As a Ukrainian, I'm thrilled to share the beauty and complexity of our culture with the world through this film.

Explore and Enjoy

On this site, you’ll find insights into my work, updates on current and upcoming projects, and a glimpse into the creative process behind my films. I invite you to explore, enjoy, and join me in celebrating the magic of animation and the beauty of storytelling.

Thank you for visiting, and I hope you find inspiration and joy in the stories I share.

Warm regards!