September 28th, 2024 
Jerry Beck 
“Thanks, autism!’ was a key takeaway excerpted directly from the educationally-focused September 26 Jorge Gutierrez one-man show at Victory Theatre Center in Burbank. The audience, comprised of audibly appreciative neurodivergent performing and visual artists from local adult day program Spectrum Laboratory, could not get enough of Gutierrez’s uplifting, autobiographical 450-slide presentation, animation career retrospective, and overall morale boost. In fact, the excitement carried on beyond the proscenium and into voluminous attendee social media posts in the following days.
Decorated animator Gutierrez played headliner in Fighting With Autism, a tailored, exclusive, free-of-charge, one-night seminar. It sprang from a Eureka moment of Jason Weissbrod and Garth Herberg, founders/principals of the nearly 10-year-old Spectrum Laboratory. Weissbrod and Herberg became acquainted with Gutierrez via the inaugural Autism in Entertainment Conference (AIE) held at Skirball Center on April 5. Gutierrez’s spring confab keynote speech was such a crowd-pleaser that Weissbrod approached him about a fall encore for Spec Labbers. On Thursday night, Gutierrez exceeded expectations.
Gutierrez dazzled the 70+ attendees with his can-do spirit and hundreds of corresponding visuals. Memorable images included photos of his humble beginnings as child cosplayer (Pinocchio and Batman were go-to togs) and budding illustrator in Mexico; his nail-biting CalArts interview, (complete with on-the-spot Jules Engel tough love directed at his portfolio), admission, and matriculation; his early work experience at Disney, Sony, and Nickelodeon; his many animation project pitches, passes, greenlights, and cancellations; and his family as artistic inspiration throughout.
After Gutierrez took bows, audience questions, and selfies, host Jason Weissbrod effused, “Jorge’s presentation was one of the most uplifting workshops we’ve done at Spectrum Laboratory. His guidance was truly inspirational on how to live a happier and more fruitful life. His hilarious stories were filled with keen insight into, not only his amazing mind and career, but how he feels the autistic creative brain can be a superpower to help you tell your own unique story.”
Garth Herberg added, “Jorge inspired us all at Spectrum Laboratory with his heartfelt stories highlighting his amazing perseverance, creativity and desire to fight with (not against) autism to bring his ideas into the world.”
Judi Uttal, Autism in Entertainment founder and chair, was on-site to represent the neurodivergent career training and meaningful employment cause. Under the supervision of film production veteran/AIE Work Group member Paul Hemstreet, Judi’s son Josh gave a repeat performance of sorts. Josh had served on the all-neurodivergent media team that received payment to film the April AIE Conference. He did the same at Fighting With Autism.
Of the special evening, Judi said, “Kudos to our friends at Spectrum Labs for treating their students to the wonderful musings of Jorge Gutierrez. AIE was thrilled to be at the Victory Theatre to support this talented group of entertainers. Jorge is so amazing, and his talk showed the value of thinking differently, focusing on the process (not solely the product), channeling life’s successes and failures to fuel growth, and working hard.”
Audience member, podcaster and Autism Resource Project founder Gilda Evans reviewed the event thus: “So grateful to Jorge for sharing his heart and his art with us. They are one in the same – golden! – and help make the world a better place!”
Spectrum Laboratory head of voiceover/instructor Cathy McAuley and her daughter Remington Radcliffe put their heads together and summarized the evening with poetic flair. “After hearing Jorge, it inspired us to create this quote: Talent lies silent without the support of one’s unrelenting noise of tenacity.”
To learn more about Spectrum Laboratory’s public performances, especially the Wednesday, October 30 onstage musical extravaganza SPEC-O-WEEN, please visit https://www.speclabs.org/event-details/spec-o-ween-2.
About Spectrum Laboratory: The Spectrum Laboratory educational formula is a creation of Jason Weissbrod and Garth Herberg. Concocted in 2015, LA-based Spectrum Laboratory celebrates neurodiversity and inclusion in the arts. A.k.a. Spec Labs, this pioneering collective and 501(c)(3) non-profit organization empowers and mentors student artists in acting, film, music, and voiceover. Participants pursue their passions while learning to be successful within the larger entertainment industry. Notable alums include Dani Bowman and Abbey Romeo of Netflix’s Emmy-winning hit series LOVE ON THE SPECTRUM and Domonique Brown of Netflix’s coming-of-age seriocomic serial ATYPICAL.
About Autism in Entertainment:
Established in May 2022, the Autism In Entertainment Workgroup includes educators, professionals, and family members who believe that individuals on the autism spectrum can contribute in entertainment-related fields, including film, television, social media, and game design. The goal of Autism In Entertainment is to drive employment efforts in entertainment-related careers.
About Orange County Asperger’s Support Group (OCASG):
The Orange County Asperger’s Support Group is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for autistic teens, adults, and their families in the community. We achieve this through providing support, organizing social activities, and education. Our goal is to empower the autism community by creating a safe and welcoming environment where individuals and families can connect with others who share similar experiences and challenges. We believe that through support and education, individuals with autism can achieve their full potential and become valued members of the community. For more information, visit www.ocaspergers.org or contact ocasupport@gmail.com.
About Jorge R. Guiterrez
Emmy and Annie award-winning Jorge R. Gutierrez is a Mexican animator, painter, voice actor, writer and director. A CalArts Experimental Animation BFA & MFA graduate, Gutierrez has completed various films, cartoons, and paintings exploring his love affair with Mexican pop and folk culture. Gutierrez was director and co-writer of the Guillermo del Toro-produced animated feature THE BOOK OF LIFE, which earned him a 2014 Golden Globe award nomination. Along with his wife and muse, Sandra Equihua, they created the multiple Emmy Award-winning animated series EL TIGRE: THE ADVENTURES OF MANNY RIVERA for Nickelodeon. Gutierrez most recently created, wrote, and directed the event series MAYA AND THE THREE for Netflix. The project won two Annie awards and four Emmys.
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