We spoke with Jennifer about discovering her passion at an early age, taking the big leap into the role of CEO, and her leadership during a pandemic.

• Jennifer Twiner McCarron on IMDb

• Atomic Cartoons Website
• Atomic Cartoons on Instagram
• Atomic Cartoons on Twiter

• Thunderbird Website
• Thunderbird on Instagram
• Thunderbird on Twitter
• Thunderbird on Facebook

00:00 - Welcome
00:17 - Introduction
01:19 - Sources of Inspiration
04:06 - Creator/Leadership Crossroads
07:06 - Trusting Ones Skills
11:58 - Diversity and Authenticity
17:56 - Pandemic Work/Life Balance
24:10 - Supporting Remote Workers
27:07 - COVID-19 Aftermath
29:14 - Lessons Learned and Future Goals
32:38 - Parting Advice

How do a Broadway star and a VFX executive come together to create an animated short film? The story behind how Cops and Robbers, a new short film from Timothy Ware-Hill and Arnon Manor, came to be, is inspiring and speaks to the power of Ware-Hill’s writing, performance and conviction.

We recently spoke with Ware-Hill and Manor about the inspiration for the film, the challenges of working with over 30 artists to create a six-minute project, and how answering an Instagram DM started the ball rolling on the project.

• Cops and Robbers — Official Trailer
• Timothy Ware-Hill on IMDb
• Arnon Manor on IMDb

00:00 - Introduction
00:55 - Coming together
07:53 - A Taste of Chocolate
13:22 - Tipping points
19:25 - Animation collaboration
25:20 - Quilt of experiences
33:08 - Equity and inclusivity
40:26 - What's next
48:24 - Closing

Joseph Hodges’ first passion was flight, but after a failed attempt at the pilot’s exam, he opted for his second passion: architecture. His designs were always seen as too big and ambitious for real buildings, but when Joseph found himself working on the set of Hook, his passion for design found an outlet, and over his career he has worked on everything from period dramas, and sci-fi, to contemporary dramas.

We recently caught up with Joseph to talk about his experiences working on Hook, his long run on 24, and how he’s staying creative outside of the Hollywood system.

• Joseph Hodges on IMDb

00:00 - Welcome
00:16 - Introduction
01:07 - The Desire to Create
03:25 - The Architecture of Movies
07:22 - Beamed to Hollywood
13:06 - Hook and Dracula Workmanship
18:55 - Refreshing Star Trek
25:01 - Keeper of the Look of 24
34:29 - Ongoing Learning
39:49 - Regrets Would Feel Fake

A number of years ago, Taylor K. Shaw was looking to staff her project with black animators, people who looked like the characters that she was creating, but the task proved to be more difficult than she anticipated. Eventually, she did find one black female animator, but the search led her to think that there had to be a better way to find these creative individuals, and to create a space for black women to collaborate, inspire each other, and raise each other up. What started as the Black Girl Animators Collective led to Black Women Animate, a mission-driven animation studio that is changing the landscape and pushing boundaries in the animation industry.

We recently caught up with Taylor to discuss the catalyst of how BWA came to be, the accomplishments and challenges of the studio’s first four years, and what’s next for both the studio and Taylor.

00:00 - Welcome
00:16 - Introduction
01:18 - Born to express
03:32 - Power to control narrative
09:02 - Building an animation community
14:38 - JLove — Creative accomplice
19:58 - The world is waking up
24:01 - Family encouragement
27:55 - Pursuing purpose
32:12 - Pandemic driven shift
36:21 - Fueling one's creativity
41:10 - Closing

If you attended a Spark festival in years past, chances are that you’ve seen DaCosta Bayley’s work. A self-taught, award-winning illustrator, DaCosta has been creating professionally since 1995. Working under the studio name CHOCOLATE SOOP®, DaCosta has produced designs across various media, has launched the popular “MARCH of ROBOTS” drawing challenge on Instagram, collaborated with artists around the world, and has worked with major brands like Nintendo, Sony, Hasbro, Wacom, and Google.

We recently caught up with DaCosta to talk about how he broke into the industry, how his passion for robots developed, and what he’s working on now.

• Chocolate Soop Website
• Chocolate Soop on Instagram

Mindy Johnson is an award-winning author, historian, educator, and filmmaker. She is a leading expert in women’s roles in animation and film history. Her work in the field has garnered her a number of prestigious awards, including the 2020 ASIFA-Hollywood Animation Educators Forum Faculty Grant and the 2019 Academy Film Scholar Award. But, did you know that Mindy is also a Grammy-nominated musician?

We recently caught up with Mindy to discuss her varied interests, multiple careers, and how a passion for life-long learning has made her a leading and essential voice in the study of women’s roles in Hollywood history.

00:00 - Welcome
00:28 - Introduction
01:11 — From Minnesota to Neverland
20:31 — Familiar Waters
27:50 — Teaching and Learning
37:46 — Tinker Bell
40:12 — Ink & Paint
47:38 — Pencils, Pens & Brushes
51:54 — Current Projects
54:26 — Getting Women’s History Right

• Mindy Johnson Creative
• Mindy Johnson on IMDb
• Tinker Bell — An Evolution
• Ink & Paint
• Pencils, Pens & Brushes
• Sounds of Blackness — Familiar Waters
• Mindy Johnson Playing the Harp

Host: Marina Antunes
Sound & Music: Michael Edlund
©2021 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

One might assume that as a three-time Oscar nominee and one of the co-founders of the celebrated Cartoon Saloon, Tomm Moore might be an aloof figure. Instead, he’s warm and fathery wth a rebel streak and a spirit that bucks popular trends.

It’s this outsider spirit and willingness to follow their hearts that has put Cartoon Saloon on the map, and though it hasn’t always been easy, the studio has flourished into a collaborative enterprise that feels more like a family than a studio.

We recently caught up with Tomm to talk about the early days of the studio, his passion for history, his compulsive need to draw and his next project.

00:00 - Welcome
00:26 - Introduction
01:10 - Compulsive Drawing
08:12 - Cartoon Saloon
13:19 - The Rich Folklore Well
16:32 - Cultivating Studio Culture
24:59 - Developing Concepts
32:31 - Connected to Nature
38:40 - Next Generation Animators

• Cartoon Saloon
• Tomm Moore on IMDb
• The Secret of Kells
• Song of the Sea
• WolfWalkers
• WolfWalkers on Apple TV+

Host: Marina Antunes
Sound & Music: Michael Edlund
©2021 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Denver Jackson has always wanted to be a storyteller. In 2012, he began his journey by creating a 9-minute short film titled Cloudrise. Nine years later, Cloudrise is an independent studio, and Denver has made three short films, a webseries, and now an upcoming feature film titled Esluna: The Crown of Babylon.

We recently spoke with Denver about his creative process, working as a solo animator, and how he overcame the challenges of making a feature film on his own.

00:00 – Welcome
00:30 – Introduction
01:12 – Learning by Doing
08:59 – Visual & Storytelling Style
20:53 – One-Person Ensemble
30:20 – Getting the Job Done
41:30 – Upcoming Projects

• Cloudrise Pictures
• Denver Jackson on IMDb
• Cloudrise (Short)
• ESLUNA: The First Monolith (Web Series)
• Esluna: The Crown of Babylon (Feature)

Host: Marina Antunes
Sound & Music: Michael Edlund
©2021 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Ann Marie Fleming is a prolific filmmaker, visual artist, and storyteller who has spent the bulk of her career exploring themes of history, family, and memory — both her own and others’.

Be it her powerful short film You Take Care Now, which explores the trauma she experienced as a young woman, or The Magical Life of Long Tack Sam which explores the life of her great grandfather, or the adventures of Stickgirl, Ann Marie has long shared personal stories with the world.

We recently spoke with the artist about inspiration, creativity and why she continues to tell and explore deeply personal stories in her art.

00:00 — Welcome
00:32 — Introduction
01:22 — Adjusting to a New Culture
07:08 — Entranced by Animation
11:26 — You Take Care Now
22:26 — New Shoes
28:07 — Sources of Inspiration
30:57 — Stickgirl
36:57 — Compulsion to Share
40:58 — Sources of Motivation
47:18 — Advice to my Younger Self

• Sleepy Dog Films
• Ann Marie Fleming on Vimeo
• Ann Marie Fleming on IMDb

Host: Marina Antunes
Sound & Music: Michael Edlund
©2021 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

In his dayjob, Tibo Charroppin is a director and video editor for the ACLU, but in his spare time, he’s a visual effects wiz who, with the help and support of his partner Olivia Boone, edits their beloved cat Lizzy into famous movie scenes.

With a passion for problem solving and learning, and maybe out of a little bit of boredom, Tibo posted the first video with Lizzy on Reddit. Eventually, that little video turned into OwlKitty, an Instagram and YouTube sensation that brings joy, laughter and technical marvel with each short clip.

We spoke with Tibo about how OwlKitty came to be, his process for creating movie magic, and his white whale.

00:00 — Welcome
00:41 — Introduction
01:37 — 1918
04:20 — Digital Artist
12:26 — ACLU
14:12 — OwlKitty is Born
22:24 — Monetization Considerations
24:52 — Planning a Video
29:08 — Filming Patience
33:12 — Post Production
37:20 — White Whale
39:46 — Hobby vs. Work
42:14 — Problem Solving Approaches
46:04 — Making People Smile

• Website
• YouTube Channel
• Instagram
• Facebook

Host: Marina Antunes
Sound & Music: Michael Edlund
©2021 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Michelle Grady’s career in the CG industry started small: an unpaid job working in the equipment room of a post-production facility. Determined and in need of a paying job, she soon found herself as the receptionist.

Michelle has come a long way since that first receptionist job, all the way to Executive Vice-President and General Manager of Sony Pictures Imageworks, and her career has grown alongside Vancouver’s expanding production business.

We recently spoke with Michelle about her humble beginnings, the challenges of leadership, making mistakes, and how taking chances has shaped her career.

• Sony Pictures Imageworks
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Michelle Grady on LinkedIn

Host: Marina Antunes
Sound & Music: Michael Edlund
©2021 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Marv Newland didn’t plan to be an animator but after a career that spans over half a century, more than twenty films, and some of the industry’s most notable prizes, it’s safe to say that he’s done alright for himself. Especially when one considers that the film that launched his animation career almost didn’t happen.

From his first project Bambi Meets Godzilla, to last year’s Katalog of Flaws, Marv’s films blend his style, sensibility, and sense of humour, in a unique and instantly recognizable package.

We recently spoke with Marv about creativity, developing your style, and what keeps him inspired to continue making films.

• Marv Newland on IMDb

Host: Marina Antunes
Sound & Music: Michael Edlund
©2021 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Jinko Gotoh’s love for animation began as a child in Japan. But as someone who didn’t draw, she could never have guessed that she would go on to produce some of the largest animated blockbusters of all time, from Finding Nemo and Fantasia 2000 to Mortal Kombat and Space Jam, among many, many others.

The realization that animation could be a career path didn’t come until she studied engineering at Columbia University, where she stumbled upon a programming course.

We recently spoke with Jinko about her career, straddling cultures, technology, and her advocacy work.

• IMDb.com
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Netflix Animation
• Women in Animation

Host: Marina Antunes
Sound & Music: Michael Edlund
©2021 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Michael Fukushima spent the majority of his career fighting for improved diversity and inclusion behind the scenes of the National Film Board of Canada. This wasn’t an accidental role: Michael saw the advantage of working for change from inside an organization and dedicated much of his career to advancing minority voices within the NFB.

The road was not always easy but the fruits of his labour are evident in the legacy he left at the NFB after a 31 year career with the institution including new mandates for more inclusivity, as well as the ongoing Hothouse program.

We recently had a chance to speak with Michael about his career as a filmmaker, producer and champion for the under-represented.

• IMDb.com
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter
• National Film Board of Canada

Host: Marina Antunes
Sound & Music: Michael Edlund
©2021 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Sharon Taylor is proof that passion, determination, and curiosity can take you anywhere.

Sharon’s career at Animal Logic started more than 15 years ago when she answered a newspaper ad for the position of assistant accountant. She eventually moved from accounting to production and today, she’s the studio’s Group Chief Operating Officer, a position that has included expanding the studio’s operation and setting up Animal Logic Vancouver in 2015.

We recently had a chance to speak with Sharon about her career, clearing the runway for creatives, and what makes Animal Logic such a special place to work.

• Animal Logic
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter
• YouTube
• LinkedIn

Host: Marina Antunes
Sound & Music: Michael Edlund
©2021 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Before stepping into the role of educator, Larry Bafia was an animator with a love for stop-motion. His passion for the form eventually landed him at Will Vinton Studios working on such iconic commercials as the California Raisins.

Larry eventually made the move to feature films and after his first project was cut short, he found himself at Pacific Data Images where he was at the forefront of a new era for animation: CG.

We recently spoke with Larry about his career in the animation industry, his second career in education, and his next film.

• Centre for Digital Media
• LinkedIn
• IMDb
• Twitter

Host: Marina Antunes
Sound & Music: Michael Edlund
©2021 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

As a child growing up in Burnaby, British Columbia, Prem Gill knew she wanted to work in TV, but she never imagined she would be helping to shape the mass media industry in British Columbia and across the country.

As CEO of Creative BC, Prem leads the organization responsible for maintaining and growing BC’s diverse creative sector — from films and TV, to magazine and book publishing. It’s a huge mandate, but one that Prem and her team have successfully continued to grow and nurture; even through a worldwide health crisis.

We recently had a chance to speak with Prem about her career, navigating the constantly changing technology landscape, and how mentorship has been integral to her career.

• Creative BC
• Creative BC on Facebook
• Creative BC on Twitter
• Creative BC on Instagram
• Creative BC on LinkedIn
• Prem Gill on LinkedIn
• Prem Gill on Twitter

Host: Marina Antunes
Sound & Music: Michael Edlund
©2021 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Donald Mowat’s love for film started early, but it was seeing Stanley Kubrick’s Barry Lyndon at the age of 12 that sparked his love for make-up specifically.

Today, Donald is one of the industry’s most sought-after makeup artists working with some of the world’s most notable directors including John Carpenter, Guillermo del Toro, Martin Scorsese, Sam Mendes, and David Mamet among many others.

Over the past decade, Donald has worked closely with Denis Villeneuve. Their latest partnership Dune, a project in which Donald is make-up and hair department head as well as prosthetic designer, is the culmination of Donald’s vast experience and his working relationship with Villeneuve.

We recently had a chance to speak with Donald about his career, the challenges of making Dune, how technology is changing the industry, and he provides great insights for young people interested in starting their careers in film.

• IMDb
• Twitter
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Host: Marina Antunes
Sound & Music: Michael Edlund
©2021 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Growing up in Mongolia, Munkhtsetseg “Muunuu” Nandigjav, wanted to be a fashion designer or a lawyer. Though she didn’t ultimately pursue either career, they both influenced her career choice as an educator: she works in a field that mixes the creative and technical and she commands audiences.

Muunuu’s passion for learning and education led her to teach, preparing future creative professionals both as an educator but also as a leader with SIGGRAPH, an organization that she first discovered as a young student.

We recently had a chance to speak with Muunuu about growing up in Mongolia, how online learning is changing education, and her work as Conference Chair for SIGGRAPH 2022.

• SIGGRAPH
• Munkhtsetseg Nandigjav
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Host: Marina Antunes
Sound & Music: Michael Edlund
©2021 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Amir Nasrabadi’s love for animation grew out of watching cartoons as a child: Peanuts, Rocky & Bullwinkle, and pretty much anything else he could find on TV, but he never imagined that he’d one day find himself working in the industry that sparked his creative passion.

A career in finance seemed like a great idea; it was stable and as a career counselor told him, “there will always be a need for accountants,” but after years of working as an auditor, he followed an inner instinct to search for something new, and that search lead him to his first position in the film industry.

Now with 20+ years of experience, Amir is a veteran and leader of the industry, having worked at some of the largest and most respected companies in animation, including Pixar, Paramount Pictures Animation, Illumination Entertainment, and Disney.

We recently had a chance to speak with Amir about his career, taking risks, and how his curiosity has shaped his work as a leader.

• Walt Disney Animation Studios
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Amir Nasrabadi

Host: Marina Antunes
Sound & Music: Michael Edlund
©2021 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

If you were to ask David Burgess about being involved in two of the three films that are considered “game changers” in modern animation history, he’ll chalk it up to luck but in reality, it’s a combination of hard work and a willingness to take chances: moving to Toronto after college without a job lined up, moving to LA without a job lined up, leaving Disney for the new world of CG.

David has always worked and been motivated by the concept of loving what you do and his career is a testament to his love of creativity, energy, and new challenges.

A veteran of the industry with 30+ years of experience, David has worked on some of the biggest movies of our generation including Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King, Shrek 2, and Trolls. We recently had a chance to speak with him about his career, taking chances, and how technology has changed how he works.

• IMDb
• David Burgess on LinkedIn
• Animal Logic on LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Facebook

Host: Marina Antunes
Sound & Music: Michael Edlund
©2021 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Like many animators, Ere Santos discovered his love for animation at a young age but rather than wait until he was “grown-up” to pursue his dream, he started on it immediately. With a copy of Blender, an animation school syllabus, and a dream to work at Pixar, eight-year-old Ere was on his way.

A decade later, Ere found himself standing at the gates of Pixar for his first day of work.

The journey to working in animation has been long and challenging but through it all, Ere has persevered, working through the challenges and rejection to make a career for himself and now he’s looking ahead to the next stage of his creative life.

We recently had a chance to speak with Ere about his self-guided journey to working in animation, inspiration, and his self-dubbed lofty goals for the future.

• Twitter
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Host: Marina Antunes
Produced by: Michael Edlund
©2022 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Isabel Bailin always knew she wanted to be a creator, but it wasn’t until she arrived at Barnard College, and had the opportunity to intern at various networks and studios that she discovered her passion for finding independent voices.

Now the Director of Development for Frederator Studios, the company responsible for such hit shows as Adventure Time and Castlevania, Isabel finds herself in a position to discover, nurture, and champion creatives.

We recently had the opportunity to speak with Isabel about the career advantage of internships, the changing landscape of adult animation, and how self-care is crucial to career development.

• LinkedIn
• Barnard College
• Frederator Studios
• Facebook
• Twitter

Host: Marina Antunes
Produced by: Michael Edlund
©2022 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC.

MEGABYTE: AMPD Technologies · Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix.

KILOBYTE: Atomic Cartoons · Bardel Entertainment Inc. · BRON Studios · Mainframe Studios · Sony Pictures Imageworks.

BYTE: CMPA BC · Centre for Digital Media · DigiBC · Foundry · Scanline VFX · The Little Dev Shop · NOX VFX · Unreal Engine · Versatile Media · Wacom Store Canada.

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.

At 14, Nagin Cox knew that she wanted to be a space explorer but being an astronaut was not her main goal. Keenly aware that the true early explorers were robots, Nagin focused her energy on becoming an engineer with a dream of working at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).

How does an Indian girl from Kansas City find her way to being a systems engineer at NASA? With a lot of hard work, perseverance, and a can-do attitude.

We recently had the opportunity to speak with Nagin about her road to JPL, working remotely on Mars, how technology is changing her work, and finding balance between her personal and professional life.

Episode Links

• Nagin Cox
• Twitter
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook

Host: Marina Antunes
Produced by: Michael Edlund
©2022 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC.

MEGABYTE: AMPD Technologies · Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix.

KILOBYTE: Atomic Cartoons · Bardel Entertainment Inc. · BRON Studios · DNEG · Mainframe Studios · Sony Pictures Imageworks.

BYTE: Animasia Animation Studio · CMPA BC · Centre for Digital Media · DigiBC · Foundry · Scanline VFX · The Little Dev Shop · NOX VFX · Unreal Engine · Versatile Media · Wacom Store Canada.

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.

Mike Lasker always knew that he wanted to make things no one had ever seen before. Curious about early VFX and inspired by Jurassic Park, The Abyss and Terminator, Mike found himself at Syracuse University, studying computer graphics. He eventually landed in New York City, working on everything from medical animation and architectural previsualization to commercials before deciding that he wanted to make movies.

The need to expand his horizons eventually led him to LA and a job at Sony Pictures Imageworks, where Mike has spent 16 years honing his skills, and doing what he always wanted to do: make things no one has ever seen before.

We recently had the opportunity to speak with Mike about how his early days in New York prepared him for his move to Sony, working his way up the studio ranks, and how his passion for wowing audiences keeps him motivated.

Episode Links

• Mike Lasker
• Sony Pictures Imageworks
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram

Host: Marina Antunes
Produced by: Michael Edlund
©2022 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC.

MEGABYTE: AMPD Technologies · Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix.

KILOBYTE: Atomic Cartoons · Bardel Entertainment Inc. · BRON Studios · DNEG · Mainframe Studios · Sony Pictures Imageworks · WildBrain Studios.

BYTE: AMD · Animasia Animation · Centre for Digital Media · CMPA BC · DigiBC · Foundry · Ghost VFX · NGX Interactive · NOX VFX · Scanline VFX · The Little Dev Shop · Unreal Engine · Versatile Media · Wacom Store Canada.

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.

Growing up in Apartheid South Africa, Nosipho Maketo-van den Bragt recognized that there was something “off” about the world around her, but it wasn’t until her family moved to Zimbabwe at the age of 10 that she saw what life could be like.

Becoming a lawyer was an act of rebellion, a way of fighting for herself and for her community, but it was the creation of Chocolate Tribe, the studio she founded with her husband, that has fully visualized Nosipho’s vision of a better world, one that is equal, open, vibrant, and creative.

We recently had the opportunity to speak with Nosipho about being a child in a household of active rebellion, the pressure of being a woman in a role of authority, and the importance of making time for yourself.

Episode Links

• Chocolate Tribe
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Instagram

Host: Marina Antunes
Produced by: Michael Edlund
©2022 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC.

MEGABYTE: AMPD Technologies · Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix.

KILOBYTE: Atomic Cartoons · Bardel Entertainment Inc. · BRON Studios · DNEG · Mainframe Studios · Sony Pictures Imageworks · WildBrain Studios.

BYTE: AMD Canada · Animasia Animation · Centre for Digital Media · CMPA BC · DigiBC · Foundry · Ghost VFX · NGX Interactive · NOX VFX · Scanline VFX · The Little Dev Shop · Unreal Engine · Versatile Media · Wacom Store Canada.

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.

If Matthew Celestial has a life mantra, it’s likely “Focus on the wins.”

A shy kid who came out of his shell in public, Matthew often found himself at the centre of the group, uniting friends under a common love for tv and film, but it was his passion for the stars that led him to attend university to pursue astronomy. The cosmos had other plans for him.

An encounter while on a practicum led him to make a connection that changed his life and opened the door to a career in public relations, first for Paramount Canada before eventually striking out on his own.

We recently spoke with Matthew about his journey into the world of PR, the challenges of keeping up with the ever-changing media landscape, dealing with difficult clients, and he shares some tips and tricks for individuals looking to start marketing their brand.

Episode Links

• Statement Strategies
• Twitter
• Instagram

Host: Marina Antunes
Produced by: Michael Edlund
©2022 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC.

MEGABYTE: AMPD Technologies · Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix.

KILOBYTE: Atomic Cartoons · Bardel Entertainment Inc. · BRON Studios · DNEG · Mainframe Studios · Sony Pictures Imageworks · WildBrain Studios.

BYTE: AMD Canada · Animasia Animation · Centre for Digital Media · CMPA BC · DigiBC · Foundry · Ghost VFX · NGX Interactive · NOX VFX · Scanline VFX · The Little Dev Shop · Unreal Engine · Versatile Media · Wacom Store Canada.

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.

Vancouver-native Maisha Moore has always been creative, dabbling in everything from sculpture to music. For a time, she was convinced that she’d be making music for Disney movies before finding that her passion lay elsewhere, notably in animation.

After graduating from Capilano University’s 3D program, she spent a year working outside the industry before landing a job as a shader and eventually making the transition to her true calling, design.

We recently spoke with Maisha about learning on the job, how thinking about the big picture is essential for working in teams, and how important networking is to career advancement.

Episode Links

• Instagram

Host: Marina Antunes
Produced by: Michael Edlund
©2022 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC.

MEGABYTE: AMPD Technologies · Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix.

KILOBYTE: Atomic Cartoons · Bardel Entertainment · BRON Media Corp. · DNEG · Image Engine · Mainframe Studios · Sony Pictures Imageworks.

BYTE: AMD Canada · Animasia Animation · Centre for Digital Media · CMPA BC · DigiBC · Foundry · Ghost VFX · NGX Interactive · NOX VFX · Scanline VFX · The Little Dev Shop · Unreal Engine · Versatile Media · Wacom Store Canada.

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.

James Curtis didn't set out to become a biographer but his interest in film and his passion for research led him to the job while still in university. What began with curiosity and a bit of luck, eventually resulted in his first book, a biography of director James Whale.

Though writing never came easily, James continued to pursue his love for research and truthtelling while also developing a career as an executive in the insurance and computer industries. Over the course of 25 years, James’ passion for biographies has yielded eight books and along the way, his "side hustle" became his full-time job.

We recently spoke with James about his passion for research, overcoming subject block, and why biographies are important.

Episode Links

• www.jamescurtis.net

Host: Marina Antunes
Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund
Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman
©2022 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC.

MEGABYTE: AMPD Technologies · Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix.

KILOBYTE: Atomic Cartoons · Bardel Entertainment · BRON Media Corp. · DNEG · Image Engine · Mainframe Studios · Sony Pictures Imageworks.

BYTE: AMD Canada · Animasia Animation · Centre for Digital Media · CMPA BC · DigiBC · Foundry · Ghost VFX · NGX Interactive · NOX VFX · Scanline VFX · The Little Dev Shop · Unreal Engine · Versatile Media · Wacom Store Canada.

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.

Carla Patullo always knew she wanted to make music. Her parents insisted that if this was the path she wanted to pursue, she needed to go to school, which is how Carla found herself at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, one of two women in the music program.

Beyond earning a degree, Carla left Berklee with something else: a passion for new and unique music that she hadn’t been exposed to growing up but it was film scoring that called to her and after a few years of writing music and touring with her band White Widow, she began work in the film industry, scoring everything from documentaries to horror films.

We recently spoke with Carla about her creative process, the challenges of being an openly gay woman working in a largely male industry, and the balance of creating commercial work to fund the important work.

Episode Links

• www.carlapatullo.com/
• Instagram
• Shadowmaker

Host: Marina Antunes
Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund
Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman
©2022 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC.

MEGABYTE: AMPD Technologies · Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix.

KILOBYTE: Atomic Cartoons · Bardel Entertainment · BRON Media Corp. · DNEG · Image Engine · Mainframe Studios · Sony Pictures Imageworks.

BYTE: AMD Canada · Animasia Animation · Centre for Digital Media · CMPA BC · DigiBC · Foundry · Ghost VFX · NGX Interactive · NOX VFX · Scanline VFX · The Little Dev Shop · Unreal Engine · Vancouver Film School · Versatile Media · Wacom Store Canada.

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.

The movies have always been a part of Leonard Maltin’s life and while a career as a critic and historian was never "the plan," he's been reporting on film for nearly 60 years.

From fan zines to television, Leonard has been a part of the cultural film conversation for decades and he continues to share his knowledge and passion for the medium on a weekly basis.

We recently spoke with Leonard about his career, legacy, and the power of curiosity.

Episode Links

• www.leonardmaltin.com/

Host: Marina Antunes
Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund
Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman
©2022 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC.

MEGABYTE: AMPD Technologies · Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix · TrickFilm.

KILOBYTE: Atomic Cartoons · Bardel Entertainment · BRON Media Corp. · DNEG · Image Engine · Mainframe Studios · Sony Pictures Imageworks.

BYTE: AMD Canada · Animasia Animation · Centre for Digital Media · CMPA BC · DigiBC · Foundry · Ghost VFX · NGX Interactive · NOX VFX · Scanline VFX · The Little Dev Shop · Unreal Engine · Vancouver Film School · Versatile Media · Wacom Store Canada.

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.

Tracey Goessel's first passion was medicine. Inspired, in part, by Star Trek, and with a goal of financial independence, she attended medical school and had a successful career as a clinician and trauma doctor before becoming an entrepreneur.

Her success as an entrepreneur allowed Tracey to pursue her other passion: silent film. Her love for Douglas Fairbanks Sr. led her to write First King of Hollywood: The Life of Douglas Fairbanks, considered by many to be the key biography of the early Hollywood legend, and in 2014, Tracey founded the Film Preservation Society. The goal of the organization is to rescue all 460+ Biograph films directed by D.W. Griffith between 1908 and 1913.

We recently spoke with Tracey about her passion for silent film, how her career as a physician has informed her work as a film historian, how technology is aiding her preservation work, and why film preservation is important.

Episode Links

• www.filmpreservationsociety.org
• Twitter
• Facebook

Host: Marina Antunes
Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund
Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman
©2022 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC.

MEGABYTE: AMPD Technologies · Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix · TrickFilm.

KILOBYTE: Atomic Cartoons · Bardel Entertainment · BRON Media Corp. · DNEG · Image Engine · Mainframe Studios · Sony Pictures Imageworks.

BYTE: AMD Canada · Animasia Animation · Centre for Digital Media · CMPA BC · DigiBC · Foundry · Ghost VFX · NGX Interactive · NOX VFX · Scanline VFX · The Little Dev Shop · Unreal Engine · Vancouver Film School · Versatile Media · Wacom Store Canada.

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.

Sometimes being a studio founder means doing the work no one else wants to do: from cleaning toilets to finding the work that keeps the studio lights on.

While it's been some time since Cartoon Saloon co-founder Nora Twomey, had to clean a toilet, she’s not below doing what needs to be done to stay creative and independent.

We had the opportunity to speak with Nora about her early love for drawing and animation, the ups and downs of running a studio, how she stays creative, as well as her latest feature film My Father's Dragon, a beautiful adaptation of Ruth Stiles Gannett's award-winning children's book.

Episode Links

• Cartoon Saloon
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Twitter
• Watch My Father's Dragon

Host: Marina Antunes
Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund
Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman
©2023 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC.

MEGABYTE: Animal Logic · Capilano University.

KILOBYTE: Atomic Cartoons · Image Engine · Industrial Light & Magic · Mainframe Studios.

BYTE: CMPA BC · Scanline VFX · The Little Dev Shop.

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.

Henry Selick's artistic talents were noted at an early age but he shied away from the attention, turning instead to another creative outlet: music. While in college studying math and science, he rediscovered his love for art and eventually found himself at CalArts.

Unable to keep up with the ferocious pace at Hanna-Barbera, Henry went knocking on Disney's door, a relationship that eventually led him to direct the ground-breaking The Nightmare Before Christmas.

We spoke with Henry about his inspiration and early passion for art, his penchant for the macabre, the evolution of stop-motion and his latest film Wendell & Wild.

Episode Links

• Watch Wendell & Wild

Host: Marina Antunes
Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund
Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman
©2023 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC.

MEGABYTE: Animal Logic · Capilano University.

KILOBYTE: Atomic Cartoons · BRON · DNEG · Image Engine · Industrial Light & Magic · Mainframe Studios.

BYTE: CMPA BC · Digi BC · Scanline VFX · The Little Dev Shop · Vancouver Film School.

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.

Peggy Holmes is proof that a career in animation can start at any age. Before animation, she had an enormously successful career as a choreographer for film and stage, even going on the road with Michael Jackson on two tours.

So how did she get from choreography to directing? We spoke with Peggy about her first career, the transition into animation at Disney, her move to Skydance Animation, and the making of the studio's first animated feature film Luck.

Episode Links

• Skydance Animation
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Watch Luck

Host: Marina Antunes
Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund
Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman
©2023 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC.

MEGABYTE: Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix.

KILOBYTE: Atomic Cartoons · BRON · Doberman Pictures · DNEG · Image Engine · Industrial Light & Magic · Mainframe Studios · WildBrain Studios.

BYTE: Animasia BC · CMPA BC · Digi BC · Scanline VFX · The Little Dev Shop · Vancouver Film School.

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.

Growing up with his grandmother in Rhode Island, Kevin Lima doesn't remember a time when he didn't draw. That passion for creativity led to puppetry and, eventually, CalArts.

A successful career at Disney followed, working on Disney Renaissance classics The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin, later transitioning into directing a trio of cult favourites: A Goofy Movie, Tarzan and the live-action/animation hit Enchanted.

In our conversation, Kevin discusses his career trajectory, his sources of inspiration, his passion for storytelling, and the vital skill of knowing when a story isn't working.

Episode Links

• LinkedIn
• 'Twas Entertainment

Host: Marina Antunes
Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund
Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman
©2023 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC.

MEGABYTE: Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix.

KILOBYTE: Atomic Cartoons · BRON · Doberman Pictures · DNEG · Image Engine · Industrial Light & Magic · Mainframe Studios · WildBrain Studios.

BYTE: Animasia BC · CMPA BC · Digi BC · Scanline VFX · The Little Dev Shop · Vancouver Film School · Versatile Media.

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.

Karissa Valencia spent her youth travelling between the bustling metropolis of San Diego and the peaceful Santa Ynez Chumash Reservation. Growing up with a foot in both of those worlds deeply affected both the stories Karissa tells and how she tells them.

In our conversation with Karissa, she shares insights into what it's like to craft stories for young children, the process of "indigenizing" her award-winning series Spirit Rangers, and how her native identity and being a woman have shaped her storytelling.

Episode Links

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Spirit Rangers

Host: Marina Antunes
Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund
Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman
©2023 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC.

MEGABYTE: Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix · Tickfilm.

KILOBYTE: Atomic Cartoons · BRON · Doberman Pictures · DNEG · Image Engine · Industrial Light & Magic · Mainframe Studios · WildBrain Studios.

BYTE: Animasia BC · CMPA BC · Digi BC · Scanline VFX · The Little Dev Shop · Vancouver Film School · Versatile Media · Walt Disney Animation Studios.

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.

Ron Clements's animation career began while he was still in high school and working part-time at the local television station in Sioux City, Iowa. An ill-fated trip to New York changed his career, leading a young Ron to Los Angeles and a job at Hanna-Barbera before landing his dream job: Disney.

In this conversation, Ron talks about his early passion for drawing and experimentation with film, the highs and lows of his career; from being at the forefront of the "Disney Renaissance" with the release of The Little Mermaid to the disappointment of Treasure Planet, and the shift to CG animation.

Host: Marina Antunes
Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund
Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman
©2023 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC.

MEGABYTE: Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix · Tickfilm.

KILOBYTE: Atomic Cartoons · BRON · Doberman Pictures · DNEG · Image Engine · Industrial Light & Magic · Mainframe Studios · WildBrain Studios.

BYTE: Animasia BC · CMPA BC · Digi BC · NOX VFX · Rotomaker · Scanline VFX · The Little Dev Shop · Vancouver Film School · Versatile Media · Walt Disney Animation Studios · Wētā FX

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.

Elizabeth Baron fell in love with computing at an early age, a passion that led her to study computer science at Eastern Michigan University. Hailing from a self-proclaimed "Ford Family," Elizabeth began her career at the car manufacturer shortly after graduation and over the years moved around various departments, eventually running Ford's Immersive Virtual Environment Lab, a lab she also helped to create.

In our conversation with Elizabeth, she recounts her early years at Ford and the challenges and achievements of her career at the company, being awarded the Dr. Haren Gandhi Research and Innovation Award, her passion for SIGGRAPH, the challenge of starting a new career after 30 years with the same company, and she shares some insights into what she believes to be the challenges of immersive technologies.

Episode Links

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Unity

Host: Marina Antunes
Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund
Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman
©2023 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC.

MEGABYTE: Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix · Tickfilm.

KILOBYTE: Atomic Cartoons · BRON · Doberman Pictures · DNEG · Image Engine · Industrial Light & Magic · Mainframe Studios · WildBrain Studios.

BYTE: Animasia BC · CMPA BC · Digi BC · NOX VFX · Rotomaker · Scanline VFX · The Little Dev Shop · Vancouver Film School · Versatile Media · Walt Disney Animation Studios · Wētā FX

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.

Math always came easily to Alain Chesnais, something he partially attributes to genes. That ease has lent itself well to his career, helping him navigate studies in math, science, and eventually computing.

Working with groundbreaking computer scientist Henri Gouraud greatly impacted the trajectory of Alain's career, in part by introducing him to computer graphics.

Alain has devoted his career to innovation and research, and some of his achievements include the development of Maya, a tool that is now widely used in the CG industry, as well as TrendSpottr, a predictive analytics tool for social media.

In our conversation with Alain, he shares insights into his career including his work with SIGGRAPH and how he played an instrumental role in the launch of SIGGRAPH Asia. He also shares tips on being an effective leader, and provides insight into emerging trends he is most excited about.

Episode Links

• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Website

Host: Marina Antunes
Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund
Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman
©2023 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC.

MEGABYTE: Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix · Tickfilm.

KILOBYTE: Atomic Cartoons · BRON · Doberman Pictures · DNEG · Image Engine · Industrial Light & Magic · Mainframe Studios · WildBrain Studios.

BYTE: Animasia BC · CMPA BC · Digi BC · NOX VFX · Rotomaker · Scanline VFX · The Little Dev Shop · Vancouver Film School · Versatile Media · Walt Disney Animation Studios · Wētā FX

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.

Growing up the youngest of five in rural Illinois, Brenda Chapman's passion for drawing was encouraged by her mother. Working her way through school, Brenda began her formal studies at Illinois College before applying and being rejected by CalArts.

Brenda did eventually make it to CalArts where she met Joe Ranft, an encounter that changed the trajectory of her career.

Over the course of this conversation, Brenda shares her experience in the industry, from her first animation job on Hulk Hogan's Rock 'n' Wrestling and early career at Disney, writing and directing the Oscar®-winning Brave, the importance of mentorship, and how she stays creative.

Episode Links

• LinkedIn
• Website

Host: Marina Antunes
Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund
Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman
©2023 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC.

MEGABYTE: Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix · Tickfilm.

KILOBYTE: Atomic Cartoons · Doberman Pictures · DNEG · Image Engine · Industrial Light & Magic · Mainframe Studios · WildBrain Studios.

BYTE: Animasia BC · BRON · CMPA BC · Digi BC · NOX VFX · Rotomaker · Scanline VFX · The Little Dev Shop · Vancouver Film School · Versatile Media · Walt Disney Animation Studios · Wētā FX.

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH · SIGGRAPH Asia.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.

Henrique Reginato was always artistically inclined but he came to visual storytelling through, of all things, radio.

After a series of false starts, Henrique found himself far from home and family at Vancouver Film School. The goal was simple: finish the program, return to Brazil and start a career but the universe had other plans and instead, Henrique found himself working and settling down in Vancouver.

After years of working in studios, Henrique ventured out on his own in 2020 and launched NOX Visual Effects, a visual effects bureau with a focus on compositing but being "the boss" sometimes means making mistakes. In our candid conversation, Henrique shares valuable tips on surviving contract work, the importance of networking and mentorship, and insight into launching a business.

Episode Links

• LinkedIn
• Website

Host: Marina Antunes
Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund
Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman
©2023 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC.

MEGABYTE: Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix.

KILOBYTE: Atomic Cartoons · Doberman Pictures · DNEG · Image Engine · Industrial Light & Magic · Mainframe Studios · WildBrain Studios.

BYTE: Animasia BC · CMPA BC · Digi BC · NOX VFX · Rotomaker · Scanline VFX · The Little Dev Shop · Vancouver Film School · Versatile Media · Walt Disney Animation Studios · Wētā FX.

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH · SIGGRAPH Asia.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.

For Debi, it's simply in her nature. A disruptor at her core, she's always pushed the envelope of tradition, asking “why” at every opportunity but it was the discovery of early Baroque opera and the spirit of innovation present in the early days of the art form that inform her work.

In our conversation, Debi takes us on an insider's journey through her career, from the early days of discovering that music was something you could do for a living to how her love for video games informed her first VR project and she shares insights into how failing doesn't necessarily mean failure.

Episode Links

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram

Host: Marina Antunes
Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund
Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman
©2023 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC.

MEGABYTE: Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix.

KILOBYTE: Atomic Cartoons · Doberman Pictures · DNEG · Image Engine · Industrial Light & Magic · Mainframe Studios · WildBrain Studios.

BYTE: Animasia BC · CMPA BC · Digi BC · NOX VFX · Rotomaker · Scanline VFX · The Little Dev Shop · Vancouver Film School · Versatile Media · Walt Disney Animation Studios · Wētā FX.

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH · SIGGRAPH Asia.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.

His love of art developed into a fascination with photography and movement. Unbeknownst to him, JM had stumbled into the world of motion design and his “weird fascination” became the cornerstone of his career.

JM’s versatile, unpretentious approach to creative collaboration has served him well, leading to a 20+ year career and collaborations on everything from film to music videos; working with major brands from around the globe including Netflix, Adidas, Doritos, Paul McCartney, and Lady Gaga among many others.

In this candid conversation, JM shares insights into the world and history of motion design and how AI is disrupting the status quo. Along the way, he also shares valuable tips on working with difficult clients, staying creative, and finding a work/life balance.

Episode Links

• Website
• LinkedIn
• IMDb
• Instagram
• Facebook
• X
• Behance
• Vimeo
• Blay Studio

Host: Marina Antunes
Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund
Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman
©2023 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC.

MEGABYTE: Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix.

KILOBYTE: Atomic Cartoons · Doberman Pictures · DNEG · Image Engine · Industrial Light & Magic · Mainframe Studios · WildBrain Studios.

BYTE: Animasia BC · CMPA BC · Digi BC · NOX VFX · Rotomaker · Scanline VFX · The Little Dev Shop · Vancouver Film School · Versatile Media · Walt Disney Animation Studios · Wētā FX.

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH · SIGGRAPH Asia.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.

With a willingness to learn and take on new challenges, Athena rose to the role of Director of Programming at Teletoon before making another big leap and leaving behind the world of acquisitions for the world of creation, first as Head of Development at Nelvana Studios and most recently, as Vice President.

With a career that spans many aspects of project creation from, development to delivery, Athena has seen and experienced it all: from early morning pitch meetings gone wrong to delivering projects with lasting impact. In our conversation, Athena shares insights into the ups and downs of content creation, management in a post-pandemic world, the importance of believing in yourself and your work, and she provides invaluable tips and advice for content creators selling their work.

Host: Marina Antunes
Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund
Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman
©2023 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC.

MEGABYTE: Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix.

KILOBYTE: Atomic Cartoons · Bardel Entertainment · Doberman Pictures · DNEG · Image Engine · Industrial Light & Magic · Mainframe Studios · WildBrain Studios.

BYTE: Animasia BC · CMPA BC · Digi BC · NOX VFX · Rotomaker · Scanline VFX · The Little Dev Shop · Vancouver Film School · Versatile Media · Walt Disney Animation Studios · Wētā FX.

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH · SIGGRAPH Asia.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.

From the early days of experimenting with Ken Perlin at NYU’s Media Research Lab, Athomas saw the possibility for technology and performance to converge. While not immediately apparent, each new career experience was another step in bringing the two disparate disciplines together.

Throughout our conversation, Athomas shares the excitement and challenges of his time at the Media Research Lab and how that led to him being an Artist in Residence to a researcher. We also explore how his work and career coincided with the rise of various technologies, from mocap to real-time rendering, that have shaped the work he does today and he shares some insight into the future of this new form of storytelling.

Episode Links

• Shocap Entertainment
• Pepper’s Ghost Media
• Lifelike and Believable
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• YouTube

Host: Marina Antunes
Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund
Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman
©2023 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC.

MEGABYTE: Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix.

KILOBYTE: Atomic Cartoons · Bardel Entertainment · Doberman Pictures · DNEG · Image Engine · Industrial Light & Magic · Mainframe Studios · WildBrain Studios.

BYTE: Animasia BC · CMPA BC · Digi BC · NOX VFX · Rotomaker · Scanline VFX · The Little Dev Shop · Vancouver Film School · Versatile Media · Walt Disney Animation Studios · Wētā FX.

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH · SIGGRAPH Asia.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.

A skilled problem solver with a knack for breaking down complicated problems and navigating complex work environments, Audrea has made a name for herself as someone you can turn to when you need help, be it setting up something new or stepping in to bring teams into alignment.

From Washington, DC, to LA, New Zealand and back, Audrea has not only worked everywhere but she’s also worked with everyone and in our conversation, she shares insights into her career, from the early days of working at Sony Pictures Imageworks to adventures at Electronic Arts and Lightstorm Entertainment. Along the way, she discusses culture shock, “otherness,” and how taking risks has been a cornerstone of her career.

Episode Links

• Inclusion FX
• Inclusion FX Instagram
• Instagram
• X
• YouTube

Host: Marina Antunes
Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund
Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman
©2023 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC.

MEGABYTE: Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix.

KILOBYTE: Atomic Cartoons · Bardel Entertainment · Doberman Pictures · DNEG · Image Engine · Industrial Light & Magic · Mainframe Studios · Sony Pictures Imageworks · WildBrain Studios.

BYTE: Animasia BC · CMPA BC · Digi BC · NOX VFX · Rotomaker · Scanline VFX · The Little Dev Shop · Vancouver Film School · Versatile Media · Walt Disney Animation Studios · Wētā FX.

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH · SIGGRAPH Asia.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.

While a love for puppets and animation was always with him, that didn’t seem like a viable option for a career so he did the next best thing and trained to be a chef. While he didn’t realize it then, that early training prepared him for the life of an animator: building stamina, and cultivating an eye for precision and detail.

Leaving behind a successful career in the kitchen, at 24 Brian took a leap and enrolled in a program at the world-renowned Animation Workshop and the rest, as they say, is history.

In our conversation, Brian shares memories of growing up on a farm and takes us through his whirlwind, if short-lived, career in the culinary arts. He then shares his animation path and how he applied lessons learned throughout his career to tackle his biggest challenge: Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio.

Episode Links

• Website
• IMDb
• LinkedIn

Host: Marina Antunes
Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund
Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman
©2023 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC.

MEGABYTE: Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix.

KILOBYTE: Atomic Cartoons · Bardel Entertainment · Doberman Pictures · DNEG · Image Engine · Industrial Light & Magic · The Little Dev Shop · Mainframe Studios · Sony Pictures Imageworks · WildBrain Studios.

BYTE: Animasia BC · CMPA BC · Digi BC · NOX VFX · Rotomaker · Scanline VFX · Vancouver Film School · Versatile Media · Walt Disney Animation Studios · Wētā FX.

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH · SIGGRAPH Asia.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.

Sam taught himself stop motion and eventually, found himself making the trek from London to Bristol, the home of Aardman Animations. He felt at home in the artist-driven studio where he continued to hone his craft and storytelling from Peter Lord, before embarking on his career as a director.

In our conversation, Sam shares his road to the director’s chair, from his early days as a directionless teen in London to working with Peter Lord in the early years of Aardman to his move into CG and the blending of tech and tradition that has led to his latest feature film Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget.

Episode Links

• Website
• IMDb
• Watch Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget

Host: Marina Antunes
Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund
Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman
©2024 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC.

MEGABYTE: Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix.

KILOBYTE: Atomic Cartoons · Bardel Entertainment · Doberman Pictures · DNEG · Image Engine · Industrial Light & Magic · The Little Dev Shop · Mainframe Studios · Sony Pictures Imageworks · WildBrain Studios.

BYTE: Animasia BC · CMPA BC · Digi BC · NOX VFX · Rotomaker · Scanline VFX · Vancouver Film School · Versatile Media · Walt Disney Animation Studios · Wētā FX.

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH · SIGGRAPH Asia.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.

Lera found solace and inspiration in the dynamic urban landscape of the city, keeping a visual diary that would eventually become "Visual Diaries," a collection of paintings that span a decade of personal memories, emotions, and the ever-evolving beauty of Vancouver.

In our conversation with Lera, she shares her tale of growth, harnessing both familial encouragement and the sprawling resources of internet forums to refine her craft amidst the biting critiques that shaped her resilient spirit. She also shares insights into the blending of job-honed techniques with bold forays into 3D modelling, all while maintaining the integrity of her vision against the relentless tick of the clock.

Episode Links

• Website
• Instagram
• TikTok
• LinkedIn
• IMDb
• Facebook

Host: Marina Antunes
Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund
Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman
©2024 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC.

MEGABYTE: Animal Logic.

KILOBYTE: Bardel Entertainment · Industrial Light & Magic · The Little Dev Shop · Sony Pictures Imageworks · WildBrain Studios.

BYTE:Cinesite · DigiBC · Vancouver Film School.

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH · SIGGRAPH Asia.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.

It was here that Don fell in love with education and he set a goal for himself: work in the industry for a decade and then turn his life to teaching, a goal he achieved just shy of his 10-year plan.

In our lively discussion, Don recounts some of the experiences that shaped his career, from the string of rejection letters and bad interviews that nudged him in the direction of finding his true calling, to his experience setting up the world-renowned animation program at Capilano University and his 20+ year career as an educator.

Episode Links

• Website
• LinkedIn

Host: Marina Antunes
Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund
Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman
©2024 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC.

MEGABYTE: Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix.

KILOBYTE: Bardel Entertainment · Industrial Light & Magic · The Little Dev Shop · Sony Pictures Imageworks · WildBrain Studios.

BYTE:Cinesite · DigiBC · Vancouver Film School.

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH · SIGGRAPH Asia.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.

In our conversation with Ashley, she shares her fascinating transition from small-town life to a career in mathematics, her unexpected path to becoming a STEM content creator, and the importance of personalized guidance in this field. She shares insights into her approach to dealing with online toxicity and negativity and the resilience it takes to promote STEM education effectively.

Episode Links:

• Website
• TikTok
• YouTube
• Instagram

Host: Marina Antunes
Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund
Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman
©2024 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC

MEGABYTE: Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix

KILOBYTE: Bardel Entertainment · Industrial Light & Magic · The Little Dev Shop · Sony Pictures Imageworks · WildBrain Studios

BYTE:Cinesite · DigiBC · Vancouver Film School

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH · SIGGRAPH Asia

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH

In this chat, Zach speaks candidly about the highs and lows of an artist's life, emphasizing the importance of finding joy in the journey and not just the destination. We touch on the delicate act of juggling personal creative projects with commissioned work, offering insight into how these endeavours can fuel each other. The power of collaboration comes to the forefront as well, with anecdotes about successful partnerships that illustrate the potential when combining forces in the film industry. Additionally, we discuss the crucial aspects of pitching and preparation for filmmakers, including a riveting account of how a dramatic pitch meeting landed Zach a job directing the upcoming Final Destination film.

Episode Links:

• Website
• Instagram
• IMDb

Host: Marina Antunes
Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund
Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman
©2024 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC

MEGABYTE: Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix

KILOBYTE: Bardel Entertainment · Industrial Light & Magic · The Little Dev Shop · Sony Pictures Imageworks · WildBrain Studios

BYTE:Cinesite · DigiBC · Vancouver Film School · Wētā FX

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH · SIGGRAPH Asia · INFilm

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH

From childhood struggles to professional success, Georgina's story is a testament to embracing individuality. Her career trajectory highlights the importance of internships, networking, and mentorship. Working with industry giants like McKinnon and Saunders and collaborating with Tim Burton shaped her career and honed her craft.

Delving into the intricacies of puppetry, we explore armature-making, resilience, leadership in creative teams and the culmination of all her training coming together in Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio. Georgina's experiences offer a rare glimpse into the elusive world of stop-motion animation.

Episode Links:

• Instagram
• IMDb
• LinkedIn
• ShadowMachine

Host: Marina Antunes
Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund
Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman
©2024 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC.

MEGABYTE: Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix.

KILOBYTE: Bardel Entertainment · Industrial Light & Magic · Sony Pictures Imageworks · The Little Dev Shop · WildBrain Studios.

BYTE: Cinesite · DigiBC · Vancouver Film School · Wētā FX.

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH · SIGGRAPH Asia  · INFilm.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.

Rather than being angry after losing a job to CG, he saw it as the future for the industry and started The Scope, a CG studio dedicated to automotive marketing. He didn't know how a CG studio works, what tools and equipment he would need or how he would find artists but he had an idea: bring the creative to CG-generated automotive marketing.

While The Scope didn't begin as a tech company, Faruk and his team have embraced new technology to help drive their core value of creativity. If a tool can be used to help artists be more creative and deliver better assets to clients, it's worth exploring. The result is not only an award-winning studio but one that consistently innovates. Their latest achievement is Scope City, a procedurally designed full CG city location.

In this conversation, Faruk shares insights into how technology changed and continues to change the marketing landscape, finding work-life balance and discusses other use-case scenarios and the future for Scope City.

Episode Links:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Company LinkedIn
• Instagram

Host: Marina Antunes
Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund
Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman
©2024 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC.

MEGABYTE: Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix.

KILOBYTE: Bardel Entertainment · Industrial Light & Magic · Sony Pictures Imageworks · The Little Dev Shop · WildBrain Studios.

BYTE: Cinesite · DigiBC · Vancouver Film School · Wētā FX.

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH · SIGGRAPH Asia  · INFilm.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.

Dawn reveals the serendipitous moments that shaped her career in New York's film and theater scene. From responding to an ad that led to a key indie film project to a chance encounter in a coffee shop that turned into a lifelong partnership and filmmaking journey. She shares her growth from assistant director to producer and delves into her experience with the project Signs of Life, highlighting the emotional journey and strategies for maintaining momentum post-completion.

Whether you're an artist or a fan of behind-the-scenes stories, this episode promises a rich blend of personal anecdotes and professional insights from Dawn's journey in the creative arts.

Episode Links:

• Website
• LinkedIn

Host: Marina Antunes
Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund
Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman
©2024 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC.

MEGABYTE: Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix.

KILOBYTE: Bardel Entertainment · Industrial Light & Magic · Sony Pictures Imageworks · The Little Dev Shop · WildBrain Studios.

BYTE: Cinesite · DigiBC · Vancouver Film School · Wētā FX.

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH · SIGGRAPH Asia  · INFilm.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.

His early days as a Club Med kids' club counselor and a number of other unexpected roles laid the foundation for an extraordinary path through the entertainment realm, a journey that brought him to Vancouver for a tenure at Rainmaker Studios, where he faced the daunting challenge of steering the company away from the brink of disaster. He shares the bold decisions, the difficult layoffs, and the personal sacrifices made to keep the dream alive. It's a tale of resilience and leadership, where transparency and respect become the keystones of a remarkable recovery.

His career in the boardrooms of Technicolor and Sony Pictures ImageWorks, and his pivotal role in the animation renaissance at Bardell have all led to this latest challenge: the formation of Artists Animation Studio where Rick looks forward to continuing a legacy of fostering a culture of creativity and innovation.

Episode Links:

• Website

Host: Marina Antunes
Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund
Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman
©2024 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC.

MEGABYTE: Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix.

KILOBYTE: Bardel Entertainment · Industrial Light & Magic · Sony Pictures Imageworks · The Little Dev Shop · WildBrain Studios.

BYTE: Cinesite · DigiBC · Vancouver Film School · Wētā FX.

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH · SIGGRAPH Asia  · INFilm.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.

Growing up in the sprawling serenity of Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Amy Tang's childhood is brimming with rural charm and the purest of pleasures but Amy's dreams and aspirations for the performing arts were bigger than her small-town roots. Her story is one of transformation, from farm life to city dwelling, and how the stark contrast of Winnipeg's urban sprawl shaped her cultural identity and nurtured her dreams of one day gracing the stage as a Disney princess.

In our conversation, Amy shares the unpredictability of her career, from the world of voice acting and a career in the healthcare sector which started as a part-time job that evolved into a passion for supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities. The entirety of her experience has led her to her current position as a supervising producer, supporting and leading artists to do their best work.

Episode Links:

Host: Marina Antunes
Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund
Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman
©2024 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC.

MEGABYTE: Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix.

KILOBYTE: Bardel Entertainment · Industrial Light & Magic · Sony Pictures Imageworks · The Little Dev Shop · WildBrain Studios.

BYTE: Cinesite · DigiBC · Vancouver Film School · Wētā FX.

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH · SIGGRAPH Asia  · INFilm.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.

By his own admission, Wilson Tang’s career path has been anything but linear but one constant has guided his choices: change.

Beginning his career as an architect, his passion for design and the urge to create worlds led Wilson to leap into animation, a step in his career that would make him the ideal candidate for Industrial Light & Magic. Just when he thought he’d made it, his itch to try something new led him to Electronic Arts to build and lead the Need for Speed team.

The advent of cellular phones and the growing mobile gaming market caught Wilson’s attention and in 2010, he co-founded Exploding Barrel Games, a mobile game studio that proved so successful that it was acquired by Kabam in 2013. After over a decade in the gaming industry, Wilson has taken on his next project, this time in the evolving landscapes of AR and VR.

In our conversation, Wilson shares the strategic vision that guides YumeBau and the potential for immersive technology to shape our future. He shares insights into the future of VR, offering creative tips for those looking to stay ahead in the industry amidst the rise of AI and other emerging technologies. He also reflects on the significance of creativity and the invaluable lessons he hopes to pass down to future generations, emphasizing the importance of nurturing one's artistic passions and the power of collaboration.

Episode Links:

Host: Marina Antunes
Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund
Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman
©2024 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC.

MEGABYTE: Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix.

KILOBYTE: Bardel Entertainment · Industrial Light & Magic · Sony Pictures Imageworks · The Little Dev Shop · WildBrain Studios.

BYTE: Cinesite · DigiBC · Vancouver Film School · Wētā FX.

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH · SIGGRAPH Asia  · INFilm.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.

From the quiet beginnings in a Malaysian town to the vibrant creative landscape of Christchurch, Alyssa Zarate’s journey is one of determination. With a passion for film and a dream to create but no direct line on how to get there, Alyssa’s career began in programming and over the years has evolved into a set of skills that have shaped her and her career.

From supporting herself with hospitality jobs between gigs, training in several different programs and taking jobs in diverse disciplines, she never lost sight of the final goal: storytelling. Alyssa constantly took chances, risks, and seized opportunities that would later prove invaluable.

In this conversation, Alyssa shares her story of perseverance, and how she went from labouring over matte paintings to contributing to notable series and films including "Spartacus" and Prometheus before finding herself in Vancouver and a long tenure at Sony Pictures ImageWorks before taking yet another leap: giving back to the community via her new project The VFX Mentor.

Episode Links:

Host: Marina Antunes
Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund
Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman
©2024 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC.

MEGABYTE: Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix.

KILOBYTE: Bardel Entertainment · Industrial Light & Magic · Sony Pictures Imageworks · The Little Dev Shop · WildBrain Studios.

BYTE: Cinesite · DigiBC · Vancouver Film School · Wētā FX.

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH · SIGGRAPH Asia  · INFilm.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.

Jorge R. Gutiérrez is a visionary Mexican filmmaker whose colorful childhood on the US-Mexico border turned into a rich tapestry of storytelling. Growing up in 1980s Tijuana, Jorge faced cultural clashes and tense encounters that sparked his creative fire.

Hear how a serendipitous twist led him to CalArts at just 17 years old, and discover his candid reflections on navigating the animation industry. Jorge talks about the importance of authenticity and how staying true to his roots brought projects like The Book of Life to life.

Get an inside look at how budget constraints and technological advancements shape his creative decisions, with fascinating insights into the VR experience Son of Jaguar. Jorge also opens up about his autism diagnosis, sharing how it has influenced his life and work.

This episode is a tribute to embracing failure, taking risks, and living a life filled with extraordinary experiences.

Episode Links:

Host: Marina Antunes
Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund
Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman
©2024 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC.

MEGABYTE: Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix.

KILOBYTE: Bardel Entertainment · Industrial Light & Magic · Sony Pictures Imageworks · The Little Dev Shop · WildBrain Studios.

BYTE: Cinesite · DigiBC · Vancouver Film School · Wētā FX.

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH · SIGGRAPH Asia  · INFilm.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.

Justine Emard is a visual artist whose career is a mix of relentless innovation and defiance of the art world's conventional boundaries. Her story isn't just about creation; it's a narrative that charts her evolution as an artist who integrates the realms of technology, dance, and music into a symphony of digital and physical installations that have captured the international stage.

In this episode, Justine shares her creative process, revealing how she finds harmony in the cacophony of virtual reality, coding, and augmented reality. Her collaborations with scientists, from the depths of archaeological discoveries to the peaks of neuroscience, are not merely a fusion of disciplines, but a dance where art and science elevate each other. Justine's reflections on inspiration, drawn from the elegance of natural systems to the intricate world of Japanese robotics, serve as a beacon for anyone navigating the creative landscape.

But it's not all about the art itself; it's also about the creator's journey as Justine discusses the significance of errors and the transformative potential they hold within the creative odyssey.

Episode Links:

Host: Marina Antunes
Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund
Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman
©2024 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC.

MEGABYTE: Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix.

KILOBYTE: Bardel Entertainment · Industrial Light & Magic · Sony Pictures Imageworks · The Little Dev Shop · WildBrain Studios.

BYTE: Cinesite · DigiBC · Vancouver Film School · Wētā FX.

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH · SIGGRAPH Asia  · INFilm.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.

Ever wondered how a mix of structured logic and creative expression can shape a tech career? Growing up with a mathematician father and an artsy mother, Ginger Alford's unique perspective led her to a vibrant career in software engineering and computer graphics.

Discover how a pivot from philosophy to computer science and an unexpected encounter with SIGGRAPH sparked Ginger's passion for advanced graphics and interactive techniques. Tune in as we explore Ginger's career, from her work on heads-up displays to her dedication to public engagement, including teaching at SMU to inspiring young minds at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. Hear how she makes math and science accessible and fun, emphasizing the creative aspects of these subjects.

We also dive into the evolving landscape of AI, immersive experiences, and the future of tech and storytelling. Ginger discusses the significance of SIGGRAPH as a hub for art and science collaboration and shares practical advice on balancing professional and personal commitments.

Episode Links:

Host: Marina Antunes
Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund
Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman
©2024 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC.

MEGABYTE: Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix.

KILOBYTE: Bardel Entertainment · Industrial Light & Magic · Sony Pictures Imageworks · The Little Dev Shop · WildBrain Studios.

BYTE: Cinesite · DigiBC · Vancouver Film School · Wētā FX.

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH · SIGGRAPH Asia  · INFilm.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.

Jeff Chiba Stearns’ transformative journey is one of a filmmaker whose creative roots trace back to a childhood spent on an orchard in Kelowna. Growing up in a remote setting, Jeff’s early experiences shaped his strong work ethic and artistic aspirations. Alongside apple picking, he was captivated by satellite TV of the 90s and its mix of “Japanimation” and adult cartoons. It was here that Jeff began to develop a style and unique creative voice that was later honed while attending animation school at Emily Carr University of Art and Design.

Those early days of finding his place in Vancouver’s thriving indie animation scene helped Jeff build a network and a resiliency that has supported him throughout his career. It was the unexpected success of a personal project made out of desperation that changed his life forever.

In this episode, Jeff speaks candidly about his approach to animation as a form of self-reflection, shares insights into his creative process as a storyteller whose work spans not only animation but also illustration, documentary filmmaking, graphic novels, children’s books and education, and stresses the importance of carving out a niche in the creative world.

Episode Links:

Host: Marina Antunes
Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund
Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman
©2024 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC.

MEGABYTE: Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix.

KILOBYTE: Bardel Entertainment · Industrial Light & Magic · Sony Pictures Imageworks · The Little Dev Shop · WildBrain Studios.

BYTE: Cinesite · DigiBC · Vancouver Film School · Wētā FX.

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH · SIGGRAPH Asia  · INFilm.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.

What inspires a creative genius to transform the mundane into the magical? Join us as we uncover the origins of a celebrated animator whose journey began in the gritty yet charming landscape of Preston. With stories that intertwine personal history with artistic evolution, Nick Park shares how a childhood steeped in creativity led to a lifelong passion for animation. Drawing from a tapestry of early experiences, including the influence of a photographer father and tailor mother, we explore the whimsical elements that define iconic works like Wallace and Gromit.

Our conversation traverses the early days of stop-motion magic, fueled by an adventurous spirit and family support. At the heart of Nick’s creative journey are beloved projects like A Grand Day Out and Creature Comforts, which garnered acclaim even before the age of social media virality. We celebrate the slow crescendo of Wallace and Gromit's cultural impact, revealing how these characters came to embody the quintessential charm of British animation.

We also pull back the curtain on the collaborative artistry that breathes life into these timeless characters. This conversation is a heartfelt homage to the enduring legacy of Wallace and Gromit, a testament to Nick’s inventive craftsmanship, and a warm tribute to the personal influences that continue to inspire.

Episode Links:

Host: Marina Antunes
Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund
Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman
©2025 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

TERABYTE: Creative BC.

MEGABYTE: Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix.

KILOBYTE: Bardel Entertainment · Industrial Light & Magic · Sony Pictures Imageworks · The Little Dev Shop · WildBrain Studios.

BYTE: Cinesite · DigiBC · Vancouver Film School · Wētā FX.

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH · SIGGRAPH Asia  · INFilm.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.

Joan Collins' artistic journey is a tale of unexpected twists and boundless creativity. As a young artist, Joan found herself deeply rooted in traditional art forms until she saw Supertramp live and found herself mesmerized by the multimedia magic of the concert. This pivotal moment set Joan on a path that would merge her love for art with the allure of visual technology. From crafting vibrant concert posters in college to exploring the digital realm in her graduate studies at UCLA, Joan's transition from watercolor and oil to the world of computer graphics is as inspiring as it is transformative.

In our conversation, Joan unveils the challenges and triumphs of producing tech shows for SIGGRAPH. What started as modest presentations transformed under her visionary touch into grand spectacles. Joan's ambition saw her pushing boundaries, which, as she candidly shares, sometimes led to unforeseen hurdles. Tune in to hear how Joan navigated these challenges and glean insights into how traditional and digital art can harmonize to create something truly extraordinary.

Episode Links:

Host: Marina Antunes
Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund
Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman
©2025 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to our sponsors!

MEGABYTE: Creative BC.

KILOBYTE: Industrial Light & Magic · Sony Pictures Imageworks · The Little Dev Shop.

BYTE: BCIT · Vancouver Film School · WildBrain Studios.

PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH · SIGGRAPH Asia  · INFilm.

ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.