The Spark Cast

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: Website LinkedIn 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.

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: Film Instagram Facebook LinkedIn 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.

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: Website Instagram Facebook 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.

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: 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.

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: Website Instagram Facebook Twitter 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: 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 · 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: 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.

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: 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.

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: LinkedIn Mainframe Studios 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.

Rick Mischel’s journey took him from the electric buzz of Broadway in New York to the sunny embrace of South Florida and now as Founder and CEO of Artists Animation Studio, to Kelowna, BC. 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.

Dawn Fidrick's journey from the vibrant stages in Drexel Hill to the dynamic film sets of New York City is one of taking chances and seizing opportunities. Raised on the East Coast, Dawn shares how early experiences sparked her love for performing. Following the tragic events of 9/11, she found herself in New York, embarking on a 12-year adventure in the city and transitioning from stage to screen. 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.

Faruk Heplevent's story begins with a passion for photography and a neighbour's friend who needed an apprentice. The mix of technical and creative appealed to the young enthusiast and the precision and technicality he learned in those early years paid off as his career developed. Faruk was one of the few individuals who could process film on the go - a skill that set him apart from other photographers. 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.

Growing up in the English Midlands, Georgina Hayns defied academic norms, discovering her passion for the arts in a technical college. Her journey reflects the transformative power of parental support and prioritizing passion over conformity. 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.

Zach Lipovsky has early memories of a childhood spent on sets surrounded by the buzz of TVs and master controls, thanks to his mother's career in television. But it was a transformative experience at the tender age of nine when Jurassic Park left an indelible mark on him. The youthful actor-turned-filmmaker invested his early earnings into the digital revolution, teaching himself visual effects and collaborating with a community of budding filmmakers. 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

Ashley Christine is used to battles, from growing up off the grid in the White Mountain National Forest and contending with the harsh elements of New Hampshire winters to navigating the social media landscape, she has dealt with both physical and mental battles. But how does a young woman go from studying mathematics at university to spending her days making TikTok videos about STEM? 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

Growing up among the steel mills of Hamilton, Ontario, Don Perro knew he wanted something different for his life but when his first attempt at getting out failed, he knew he needed to cast his net wider and the result was acceptance at art school in Vancouver where he found his comrades among the misfits studying animation at Emily Carr College of Art and Design (now known as Emily Carr University of Art and Design). 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.

There was little doubt that Lera Nyukalova would be an artist. Her first foray into art was sketching Sailor Moon but her passion and drive to learn and challenge herself led her first to university to study architecture and eventually to make the move from Kazakhstan to Vancouver to further her practice. 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.

Sam Fell was always drawn to creation and in the 1980s, he found himself in London, studying fine art and making interdisciplinary works of art, junk sculptures with speakers and cassette tapes inside, and eventually adding mechanics to move his works. It was around this time that he rediscovered stop-motion animation and the works of The Quay Brothers and Jan Švankmajer. 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.

Growing up on a dairy farm in Denmark, Brian Leif Hansen assumed he’d spend his life living near where he grew up, perhaps a farmer himself, but the universe had other ideas for him. 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.

From the moment she learned to read, Audrea Topps Harjo has been a creator, first turning words into worlds in her mind, and then sharing those stories she loved so much with her family as a performer. Her passion led her to filmmaking in various forms, from telling her own stories in her own voice as a director, to helping other creators bring their visions to life. 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.