Mixed Bag – Pilot | Lucas Scala

Mixed Bag - Pilot episode

“Mixed Bag” is a web-based fiction series created by Marisa Menotti, centered on a group of concession stand workers at a baseball stadium in Milwaukee, Wisconsin — with aspirations of becoming a full television show.

I was invited by Nicholas Capone to refresh the visual style of the character designs and lead the animation development for the pilot episode. For this, I created the character sheets for each main character and prepared their rigs in After Effects. Once that stage was complete, I assembled a team of animators and illustrators to bring secondary characters and elements to life.

My role: Head of Animation, Character Design and Composition

Creator and Writer: Marisa Menotti

Creative Assistance & Co-Writer: Sam Steinmetz

Production Company: Mixed Slate Productions

Executive Producer: Nicholas Capone

Co-Producer: Marisa Menotti

Director: Nick Gibbons

Head of Animation: Lucas Scala

Under the direction of Nick Gibbons (Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Too Many Cooks, Final Deployment 4, and much more), I took on the role of animation lead, overseeing more than 200 shots and nearly 20 minutes of animation.

The pilot follows a group of diverse and quirky food service workers navigating the daily chaos of a minor league baseball stadium. From taco vendor feuds to unpredictable health inspections, Mixed Bag delivers humor and absurdity in every corner. On Opening Day, Irwin — the new supervisor — faces pressure from all sides while trying to fit in, impress his bosses, and deal with a crime that will completely shake his world.

The goal of the pilot is to capture the attention of major streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon, paving the way for a full season.

For me, this pilot has been one of the most ambitious and rewarding projects I’ve ever worked on — an incredible opportunity to test myself as a lead animator, puppet designer, and character artist for a pilot with real potential to grow into a full series. I’m especially grateful to Nicholas Capone for giving me this opportunity, and for the chance to be directed by the highly experienced Nick Gibbons, who has been part of the Adult Swim creative universe for many years. I also want to thank Marisa Menotti for her creativity and relentless dedication that made it possible for the pilot to finally come to life.

Unfortunately, I can’t share any video material yet, as the project is currently in its pitching and sales phase. Still, I’m happy to share some process images, captured frames, and character development shots below.

I hope you enjoy this small preview.