Sunday, February 21, 2016

Kids Choice Award T-Rex Animation!


I loved working on this project!  I got to animate the T-Rex chasing after Blake Shelton for Buster

It's a really fun spot and I couldn't be happier how it all turned out.  Jurassic Park was THE movie that made me really want to get into animation and visual effects. Most people point to Star Wars as their inspiration to get into the industry - but nothing could beat that first reveal of the brontosaurus or the t-rex attack in the rain.  I remember reading everything I could about it leading up to it's release.  I can remember seeing it that first time while on vacation in Chicago.  It was also the first "traditional" movie I ever saw as an IMAX release on yet another vacation.  It was one of the most impactful filmgoing experiences I had ever had.  It's the one franchise I dream of working on.  So the chance to bring a version of that to life on Nick was too good to pass up!

I had a great time working with Buster, and really excited how it all came together.  It's a really fun spot, and I had a blast animating it.  At 2am when you're getting a little punchy, it's great to look up and remember that you're animating a t-rex chasing after a country star.  Good times :)


Friday, February 19, 2016

Featured Talent Spotlight


I was recently featured in the Talent Spotlight feature on Eric Miller Animation Studios, where I'm helping work on their "Bink" animated webseries.  It was very gracious of them to interview and feature me as part of their crew.

Sunday, February 14, 2016

Heather's "Deadpool" Title Shot


About a month ago Heather got some 911 work to help out on Deadpool - which is amazing.  The website Art Of The Title had an amazing interview/breakdown of the opening title sequence which she did for Blur Studios.  Click the "credits" at the bottom of the list and you can see her credited for her quick turnaround on this amazing shot!

See the whole article HERE

Saturday, February 13, 2016

KFP3 Cycle Animation




Here's a little look at some of my cycle animation work for Kung Fu Panda 3.  My supervisor Spencer realized that we had already done 2 previous panda films and never had a single patron eat or drink anything.  This was due to the old crowds system, and prop parenting, etc.  So Spencer's only request was for a longer cycle (to cover the length of the shot) and have them actually eat the dumplings.

I orchestrated a whole conversation between the six different variations of this cycle, so they are saying things like "Mmm, dumplings are delicious" while the pig comments "Pork? You don't say?"

I also learned that I've been holding chopsticks wrong in my reference video.  A thanks to my old co-worker D'lun Wong for correcting me before I had gone too far in the animation!

What's crazy is that I did this animation almost exactly 2 years ago.  A lot has happened in those two years.  Back then the storyline of KFP3 was much darker, several characters were also much more serious, and at least two new characters had different celebrity voices.  The last time I saw a version of this movie it was about 80% storyboards, 10% previs, and 10% a title card that says "final battle begins"!

Monday, February 8, 2016

Heather's Super Bowl Ad


With our move to Tennessee, Heather has been able to maintain a nice freelancing career.  Her contacts got us the Waterpik gig.  She has done two VR projects, one for The New York Times, and one for Blackthorn Media.  Now she's working with a new client - Buster Design.

Last night Heather had another Super Bowl commercial!  The one you see above is a spot by Buster for CBS Sports.  She came in at the 11th hour for the final shot's matte painting of the city.  Really great work over a really crazy weekend!  Check out the company's site at this link: http://www.stuncreative.com/buster/cbs-sports-super-bowl-50-brand-spot/