Animax leadership team
Michael mattox | executive vice president, animax
Michael, a dynamic leader with an extensive background in entertainment operations, boasts a career spanning renowned venues and productions. Formerly Director of Theatrical Services at SeaWorld® San Diego and Operations Production Manager for Cirque du Soleil®’s “Mystère” in Las Vegas, he oversaw diverse departments, from technical production to costume services. With a tour de force career including roles at VEE Corporation, Cityneon, and pivotal involvement in launching exhibitions globally, Michael’s expertise extends from producing large-scale shows to creating immersive experiences across iconic cities like Las Vegas, Singapore, and Madrid. Beyond his industry contributions, he's dedicated time to academic instruction at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, shaping future talent in entertainment engineering and theatre. Holding degrees from West Virginia University and UNLV, Michael's passion isn't confined to the stage—he actively mentors young adults in entertainment and supports organizations aiding the disabled community.
dAVE nIXON | dIRECTOR OF CREATIVE DESIGN
Dave, a West Virginia native, has a background in sculpting developed over a lifetime and fine‐tuned while training at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Dave has over 30 years’ experience with Animax. Dave currently serves as the Director of Creative Design, providing guidance and oversight to every project that comes through our shop. Dave is responsible for high profile master sculpts created exclusively and utilized globally, for the Walt Disney Company, Universal Studios and others.
paul fly | director of production
A Tennessee native, Paul Fly is currently acting as the Director of Production. A graduate of Austin Peay State University, Paul has spent his career working in themed entertainment, trade show and puppetry/animatronics companies. Nearly 15 years of experience with Animax allows Paul to oversee the technical production processes, align the design with the creative approach and ensure the finished product is held to the highest standards based on the design intent.
JEREMY TOEDTER - MANAGER OF BUSINESS CAPTURE
Jeremy Toedter is our Manager of Business Capture. He received his Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree from Rutgers University with a concentration in Technical Directing. He then earned his Master’s of Fine Arts degree from Florida State University with a concentration in Technical Production. Throughout his 15 years in the themed entertainment industry, Jeremy has founded a scenic shop, worked in various roles in experiential marketing and managed projects for Artistic Entertainment Services and MadeFirst here in Nashville.
In his own words; “I know that it is cliche but I love all the projectsthat we get to do. My favorite projects are the ones that I seefamilies and kids interact with. It was part of the reason I leftexperiential marketing; I wanted to leave a lasting impact on people.I wanted to see the look on the faces of people I never met whenthey see their favorite characters come to life in front of them.”
