Tell us what you do...
I'm a pipeline TD. On paper this means I take care of the software that manages the flow of information, keeping track of it all the way from when we get plates from the client to when we deliver finished work back to them. In reality, however, as we are such a small studio I'm more of a jack of all trades.
On any given day I could be writing code, QC'ing deliveries, troubleshooting artist or production problems, managing the data ingest process, setting up the tools for new projects, and even sometimes notifying clients that we are delivering to them.
What’s been the most thrilling thing about working?
The most thrilling thing about working here for me is the environment. I get to be involved with a close knit team who consistently put out top notch material.
What skills did you learn at MDS that are relevant now?
MDS gave me a core set of skills that I've been able to build on. Learning how to use Maya and Nuke under experienced tutors was fantastic, and I draw on those skills almost every day.
I'm very appreciative of the broad base we learned before specialising. It has enabled me to be familiar with most areas of post-production and thus be able to work in my specialisation more effectively.
What didn’t you learn, but wish you had?
There aren’t really any one or two things I wish I had learnt. I'm always learning new things and would like to keep doing so.
What’s one thing you still want to do in your career?
Next step for my career could be many things. I don't have a specific goal and I think it would be good to keep as many avenues as possible open for now.
What tips would you give others looking to get into your field?
It can be very intense working in this field sometimes. Don't think that it'll be easy or stress free.
If you want to get into this field, find something that motivates you and focus on achieving that. Is it your name on the credits of a blockbuster? Working with local filmmakers? Whatever it is, there will be a steep learning curve so you will need determination and motivation.
Don't fret if you don't get a job straightaway. Getting ‘into the industry’ is more a matter of right time, right place than anything else. While you cannot control time, you can control place. I’ve seen how keeping in touch with producers and keeping yourself in close proximity to work can yield more success than almost everything else.
