I supervise a team of artists who work to bring the director and production designer's vision to life through a 3D virtual world. Our team looks at designs and concepts and recreates those concepts in such a way that allows the director to film the movie. Specifically, I meet with production and art departments to manage everything that is created. I also lead the department and look into pipelines and protocols that best help our department and other related departments. It's a challenge to step up to the high expectations that are set working with the talented production designers and the director. However, it's something that brought me here in the first place.
Q&A
What's surprising about your job?
Just the breadth of things that I do on any given day. It could be anything from solely doing logistical work (looking at/creating spreadsheets, meetings, and reviewing assignments) to getting into the minute details of jumping on the box and working on environments and assets myself.
First job in film?
My first job in the industry was creating 3D assets for the first Avatar.
Most exciting thing about working on the sequels?
I've worked on a bunch of films over the span of my career, but hands down this film has some of the most best looking designs and concepts that I've seen.
Favorite memory from the first Avatar?
Virtual production was brand new during that time, but being able to see for the first time how Jim shot on stage was a great memory.
Most memorable thing from seeing Avatar in theatres?
As the first film was my first paid job in the industry, it was amazing seeing the things that I worked on actually come to life. I could see how the work was done and there's something immensely satisfying about seeing that on the big screen for everybody to enjoy.
Best advice received working in film industry?
The best advice I've ever received was to "have fun." It wasn't anything profound, but when working in this industry, it's always a good reminder to enjoy what I'm doing because we are creating something that people are here to enjoy.
What's a fun fact about yourself?
I really enjoy exploring new places, but I have the worst sense of direction out of everybody I know.
