In celebration of #InternationalWomensDay2023, we dedicate this month to the women at ILBE Studios (ILBES) and to women in animation across the globe. We are also thrilled to kick off our #MeetILBESpeople campaign and introduce to you one of the talented and passionate individuals who make ILBE Studios such an exceptional place to work: Meet Bojana Ivković, one of our incredible scriptwriters. 

We sat down with Bojana for an interview and asked her all sorts of questions about her work and experience. In the following interview transcript, we dive deep into Bojana's experience, her passion for storytelling, and what it means to be a part of the ILBES team. 

Q&A with Bojana Ivković 

You are a writer. Tell us something about how you got into writing and what writing means to you. 

B: Back in 2003, I saw an ad for a short story competition in Politikin Zabavnik. A few days prior, I had a very strange dream, and decided to turn it into a story and submit it to the contest. The story was called Zumi Zu, and it won second place. That award encouraged me to start writing and learn more about writing. The first stop on that journey was a prose workshop at the Belgrade Youth Center, led by Aleksandar Belčević, and later, I had the opportunity to learn from our most translated writer, Zoran Živković, who taught a creative writing course at the Faculty of Philology. Both of these experiences were invaluable for me. It is in our nature to constantly question ourselves and search for our purpose. Writing represents my purpose, but also my need. I love to write, and I love it when a story I've written makes someone laugh, think, or when it surprises them. 

How did this lead you to ILBE Studios? 

B: Well,another thing I love is animation. So over time, I started thinking about how to make an animated movie. And then came the great news - the first major animation studio in our country was about to open! A year later, a friend told me that the studio had posted a job opening fora scriptwriter. I remember that day, I couldn't wait for the end of my shift (at the job I did then) to come home and send my application. 

What does it take to become a successful scriptwriter and join ILBE Studios? 

B: Creativity and imagination are very important, but so is the ability to express yourself, which is why it is important to read a lot. Dedication, persistence, patience, desire, belief in your work, and a willingness to accept constructive criticism are also equally integral to being successful in this career. 

What would you say inspires you the most in your work? 

B: My love for animation and writing are the greatest source of inspiration for me, as well as the thought that what we do here will put a smile on children's faces and make them happy, and even be appreciated by adults who love animation. That’s what always motivates me. 

What does your day look like at ILBE Studios? Where do you find ideas? 

B:Days vary depending on whether I'm coming up with a new idea, researching, or writing/editing a text. What is common for each day is that I wake up early, around 7 a.m., and try to find time during the day (besides my regular duties) to read something and keep up with the latest updates and stories in our industry.I find inspiration and ideas in everyday life, books, dreams... It's important to pay attention and notice the things happening around us. 

What is your favorite animated movie?  

B: A very difficult question! It's impossible to choose just one… As I grew up, my perspective on the world changed, and so did my taste in animated movies. I grew up with Disney films and one of my favorites was Beauty and the Beast. Then I discovered Studio Ghibli and fell in love with movies like Howl's Moving Castle, When Marnie Was There, Spirited Away, Kiki's Delivery Service, Whisper of the Heart, My Neighbor Totoro... I also have to mention Pixar and their amazing movies like Toy Story, Up, Soul, Luca... And, as of a few days ago, the newest addition to my list is the movie Marcel the Shell with Shoes On.. What all of these movies have in common and what makes them special to me is,first and foremost, a great story. 

Which puffin from the animated series “Puffins Impossible” describes you the best? 

B: Tic is my favorite because we are very similar. We are both dreamers, we love art, we are forgetful, somewhat naive, clumsy, curious, and very empathetic. And now that I've said all of this, it seems to me that the only difference is that the hat looks much better on him. 

What superpower would you like to have and why? 

B: I would choose time travel. It would be great to be able to travel through history and meet all the amazing artists whose work I admire. 

What do you consider to be the greatest value of our studio? 

B: I believe that the value of a company/studio lies in its people and the energy they bring. ILBE Studios has made an excellent choice not only in bringing great artists together but also great people. I truly enjoy working here and being a part of such a team, where I constantly get to learn something new and interesting from the wonderful people I work with. 

Tell us about your approach to writing content for children. 

B: I love writing for children, and when you love something, it is really easy. I don't think about the approach that much, I simply put myself in their shoes and do my best to write something they will find interesting, funny, exciting, as well as educational. 

– More to follow – 

As an animation studio, we constantly strive to create great stories for the young and young at heart, knowing that none of it would be possible without the incredible people in our team.  

Stay tuned as we continue with our #MeetILBESpeople campaign throughout the month of March with some incredible stories dedicated to #EmbracingEquity and to celebrating women, especially in animation.