IDM Workshops :)
BIG SPACE
February 4, 2019: Madison Thomas
"Madison Thomas is an award winning filmmaker and educator based out of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Thomas works as a Writer, Director and Editor on several productions across Canada and her own films have played festivals worldwide.
Thomas is known for creating unique blends of genre and format in her work which often reflect on her own experiences growing up in the inner-city as a mixed race Indigenous woman." (from Website)
1. What challenges did you face when starting out in the creative industry and how did you deal with them?
2. What are some more activities you do when decompressing from your work that don't turn into long-lasting distractions?
3. How do you keep relationships with the people you network with?
Madison was a great surprise for the first day of the second semester. Her visit was personally easing, knowing how she was in the same position as us today, only without the amount of equipment and opportunities we're privileged to have. The documentary she showcased about teenagers was very well done and relatable. She talked about her own experiences and shared helpful tips for when we go off into the creative industry. On top of it all, her positivity was incredibly infectious, carrying on into the pitch activity at the end, and even after the workshop.
BIG SPACE
February 8, 2019: Capilano University
"Capilano University is a teaching-focused university offering a wide range of programs and services that enable students to succeed in their current studies, in their ongoing education, in their chosen careers, in their lifelong pursuit of knowledge and in their contribution as responsible citizens in a rapidly changing and diverse global community." (CapU Mission Statement)
thank you kelly for the photos :)
1. Are classes more focused on skill enrichment or early employment after graduating?
2. What qualities of a student do you guys find the most beneficial for them when going to your school?
3. What scholarship opportunities are available for us now, or in the near future?
Overall, I found the video conference session very engaging. I found myself hooked when the teachers from the creative faculty started showcasing their students' work and their community-based learning environment for the students that have gone there. Their campus looked absolutely beautiful and all their courses seemed genuinely appealing from the way they promoted them. I found myself heavily considering the possibility of learning there to enrich my drawing, confidence and overall readiness to go into the creative industry.
BIG SPACE
February 11, 2019: Derek Brueckner
"Derek Brueckner is a visual artist who works and teaches in Winnipeg, Canada." (from Website)
He has developed art exhibitions locally and internationally, showcasing his masterpieces dealing with the concepts of the human figure. He runs classes at the Winnipeg Art Gallery and is an instructor at the University of Manitoba School of Art.
1. What difficulties did you face on your art journey
2. What do you think is the best approach when studying or drawing human anatomy in dynamic poses?
3. Have you or how have you transitioned into digital art with your understanding of traditional art?
The workshop was really fun! Derek passed on his knowledge onto us by answering our questions on art and sharing his experiences in preparation for our futures, aswell as providing information on the University of Manitoba's School of Art. We had quick 5-minute drawing sessions on the human body in different poses, with the help of some models of course! We had the privilege of getting more personal with Derek and even had him pose for us with Mr. Leduc! The afternoon was very well spent.
BIG SPACE
February 21, 2019: Colin Giles
"I am currently the Creative Director of Animation Concept Art and Classical Animation programs at Vancouver Film School. I have been invited to speak on the school's behalf at numerous events such as SIGGRAPH, SPARK Animation Festival, and The Vancouver Sun/CBC Student Video Awards. Further, I am editor of Cartoon Brew-ED the educational initiative for the top rated animation website CartoonBrew.com." (Colin Giles, from Website)
"Colin has over 17 years' experience as a Character Animator, Animation Director, and Designer, with credits in traditional and computer animation. His credits include work for Cartoon Network, Disney Interactive, and HBO." (VFS Faculty Page)
1. How developed should our skills and understanding of art be when starting at VFS?
2. How does employment look after taking animation concept art compared to other courses you offer?
3. What motivates you to create?
The video conference with Colin was refreshing and very informative. The conference felt more and more comfortable as it went on because of how nice Colin was. He talked about the animation concept art course at Vancouver Film, and answered a few questions I had about it. He was really fun all throughout, even showing us his ID card for Disney! The experience has only kept my interest in going to Vancouver persist.
BIG SPACE
February 25-28, 2019: Tomas Pajdlhauser
"I’m an artist and Creative Director based in Ottawa, Canada and co-owner of Birling, a local skateboard brand and shop. By day, I work as an Art Director for animated TV shows and movies and have worked with clients including Disney, Warner Brothers, Nickelodeon, National Geographic, and Mattel. I’ve always been interested in the tactile and physical process of design work and in recent years have shifted my focus from digital commercial design to projects that highlight my love of travel and adventure. My personal work is based primarily on my lived experiences captured on-the-go in sketchbooks." (Tomas Pajdlhauser, from Website)
1. How has traveling improved you as an artist?
2. What do you find most difficult and most easy when working in the industry?
3. How do you decompress from your workload with your job as an art director?
The few days we had with Tom were very relaxing. We pretty much had a break from stress every afternoon which I was very thankful for. Throughout the week, Tom talked to us about working in the industry with his job as a creative art director in his very own studio, his growth as an artist, and went through drawing and painting workshops with us. It was very fascinating whenever he spoke or when he would demonstrate his art. I looked forward to this workshop with him, and still do now, awaiting the next time he'd visit the IDM room.
BIG SPACE
March 4-5, 2019: Loogaroo
"Started in 2009, Loogaroo is what you'd call an boutique animation agency.
We're a group of very creative artists who share common goals and interests, Cartoons, Games, Design, Advertising. This team is in it for the long haul and not only want to earn your business, but keep earning it." (from Website)
1. How was your studio's journey through the creative industry?
2. Are there any recommendations you would suggest when starting or creating an animation studio?
3. How far do you think is too far when having fun in a professional environment?
These past two days were exhausting but most of all fun. Melanie and Jessica were so funny. Even with the work involved it was very entertaining and worth all the time I gave in for. We would be in class all day learning how to animate in Adobe Flash, which was a bit frustrating when starting out, but Melanie and Jessica were very diligent with all of us got us through. I would really love to work with them.
BIG SPACE
March 18, 2019: Alain Delannoy
"Alain Delannoy is one of Winnipeg’s finest animators.
Currently teaching a multimedia course at the Université de Saint-Boniface he has created an excellent body of hand crafted animated works over the last 17 years. They reveal a creative mind which is restless, philosophical and searching." (Winnipeg Film Group)
"Born in Winnipeg, Canada, Alain Delannoy is an independent animation filmmaker. He has created several short animated films, which have screened internationally in such festivals as the Palm Springs International Shortfest, the Montreal World Film Festival and the Foyle Film Festival in Northern Ireland. His film « FRACTION » (2012) was awarded the prize for Best Experimental Film at the Rhode Island International Film Festival and was presented in the Best of the World Program at the Hiroshima Animation Festival in Japan. Currently, Delannoy teaches animation and video production at the Université de Saint-Boniface in Manitoba." (Vimeo)
1. What advice would you give to any aspiring artists?
2. Do you feel any pressure when working on films and how do you overcome it?
3. Hard question, but which of your films is your favorite?
First thing, I completely loved Alain's short film. The Talk was very entertaining and I found his journey through film festivals so fascinating. He talked about his entire process when working on it for 3 years. He found solutions for some scenes he was trying to make work that made the outcome so much better. Then once done, he entered his film into film festivals that brought him to many different places, finding the spot where a cast member had their Talk (at the Abe Lincoln statue) and meeting Whoopi Goldberg. Alain's time with us was a really nice break before our presentations.
BIG SPACE
March 22, 2019: Jennifer Pazdor
I am pursuing a Joint Communications degree with Red River College and The University of Winnipeg and am a Public Relations major in the CreComm class of 2019.
I enjoy doing public speaking and have previously spoken at conferences for safe and caring schools in connection with a national award-winning mental health project. I am also currently running Love Your Mind, a mental health initiative focussed on providing people with the skills to practice their own self-care and wellness.
I enjoy creating new projects and collaborating with new people. One of my favourite things is creating an event or strategic plan and seeing the end result of all the work put in. (Jennifer Pazdor, Linkedin)
I enjoy doing public speaking and have previously spoken at conferences for safe and caring schools in connection with a national award-winning mental health project. I am also currently running Love Your Mind, a mental health initiative focussed on providing people with the skills to practice their own self-care and wellness.
I enjoy creating new projects and collaborating with new people. One of my favourite things is creating an event or strategic plan and seeing the end result of all the work put in. (Jennifer Pazdor, Linkedin)
1. What would you say brought out the public speaker out of you?
2. What are some healthy activities you would recommend?
3. How would you personally comfort someone going through any unhealthy thinking?
This workshop was something that resonated with me, amongst others, who can relate to the anxiety that Jennifer went through herself. It was nice hearing the perspective of someone that was like some of us when faced with the fear of public speaking before, and very inspiring knowing that she has found success after overcoming that fear. She was very open speaking about her own experience and provided advice in keeping our minds healthy.
BIG SPACE
March 22, 2019: Madeleine Daigle
I am a graduate from Carleton University's Information Technology Multimedia and Design program. I am interested in a permanent full time position within the information technology field related to multimedia and design, media content creation and information management. (Madeleine Daigle, LinkIn)
1. What inspired you to become a UX designer/researcher?
2. What was your journey like when pursuing your career?
3. How do you deal with any obstacle you face when working?
Maddy was such a delight in the afternoon alongside the workshop with Jennifer Pazdor. She told us a bit about her job and what it's like, having to gather research in order to find ways to enhance the layouts or experience that we users use when on the internet. She had us do a fun little activity with our groups that included some memes for us to enjoy. I left class that day with a smile on my face. It was great to have her to leave things off on a good note before spring break.
BIG SPACE
April 11-12, 2019: Hesham Hammoud
Hesham, a Lebanese-Canadian, was born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and is the youngest of 5 siblings. As a child, his favourite past time was watching movies which would later develop his interest in the film industry. After attending Hillcrest High School, Hesham attended Carleton University, where he received an Honours Degree in Information Technology – Interactive Multimedia and Design. In 2011, to further pursue his love for film, Hesham moved to Vancouver, British Columbia to attend the Vancouver Film School for 3D Animation & Visual Effects. Throughout that time, he became very familiar with the VFX industry but also discovered his passion for acting.
Since moving to Vancouver, Hesham had the opportunity to be an extra on many Film and TV productions. Through his experience, he gained lots of valuable knowledge and many contacts, which helped him realize that acting was his true passion. With that realization, Hesham decided to seriously pursue his new found passion and train as an actor, soon after signing with an agent. (Website)
1. What was life like in Vancouver when you were studying there?
2. How much fun would you say you had along the way?
3. Are there any more tips you could think of for a new creative going into the industry?
Hesham's talks these past two days got to me. It got real. He talked about his experiences going through the industry as an actor, being given opportunities and having to overcome some difficulties along the way. It was really helpful, especially when he gave us demos of going through a job interview. That was really fun to watch.
BIG SPACE
April 16, 2019: Anita LeBeau
Anita writes, directs and edits in documentary and animated film. She has created two award-winning animated films with the National Film Board of Canada, and with Scott Collins, created a number of documentary projects through MTS - Stories From Home (Art City, the Starry Night Exchange series). Anita does contract freelance animation and graphic work. She has a full working knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite and Toon Boom Animation software. She also presents an Artists in the School (Manitoba Arts Council) residency in Winnipeg schools called Scraphic Novels, with writer Karin Adams. (OnScreenManitoba)
Just completed an animated short with the NFB, entitled A Change of Scenery; also completed the independent animated short FACE|TIME; animator on Canot Cocasse (Media Rendezvous, Loogaroo Animation); Scraphic Novels through the Manitoba Arts Council's Artists in the School program; teaching animation at the University of Manitoba School of Art; and miscellaneous other things that keep me forever busy. (Anita Lebeau, LinkedIn)
LinkedIn | IMDb | OnScreenManitoba | Louise | Big Drive
1. How long did it take to do each of your projects?
2. How was your journey like when you started your first project? Did you recieve alot of support from your friends and family?
3. What are some activities that you do to decompress from working?
Anita's come in a few times this semester, so we were already familiar with her. Although she was kinda shy, which pretty much all of us in animation relate to, this workshop really let us get to know her. She was really sweet and humble with everything she showed us, which were some films nothing short of amazing. She showed us some of the process that went behind each of her projects. They were all so wholesome with inspiration coming from her own family and experiences growing up.
BIG SPACE
April 17, 2019: Carole Vivier & MFM
Carole Vivier, CEO & Film Commissioner for Manitoba Film & Music, is a passionate champion of Manitoba’s creative and cultural sector. For three decades, she has been at the forefront of developing Manitoba's film and music industries into international success stories. Her tireless efforts have earned her a reputation as an effective and forward-thinking business leader. In addition to her work at MFM, Carole currently serves on the Board of Directors at the National Screen Institute, the Winnipeg Convention Centre, and formerly, the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television, Canadian Film Centre Feature Film Advisory Committee, Burton Cummings Theatre Performing Arts Group, Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, Film Training Manitoba, Society for Manitobans with Disabilities, and others. Carole was also instrumental in bringing the JUNOS to Winnipeg in 2005 and was Co-Chair of the 2014 Winnipeg Juno Host Committee. In 2012, Carole was a recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, awarded to Canadians who have made significant contributions to their community and country at large. In 2014, Carole was a recipient of the Order of Manitoba, the highest honour awarded for service to one’s province. (OnScreenManitoba)
1. Do you think Manitoba is at a good place in the creative industry at the moment?
2. What recommendations would you give to someone trying to get their foot in the door of the industry?
3. What do you think the future of the creative industry has in store for Manitoba?
Today's workshop welcomed alot of guests from Manitoba Film & Music. They opened up alot of what Manitoba has to offer regarding the creative industry. I saw Winnipeg in a new light afterwards. They each talked about how they started and how they've been working in the industry. Carole shared stories about how she's networked with people throughout the years, grasping those opportunities for them and the upcoming generation of hopeful creatives (us!).
BIG SPACE
April 25, 2019: Kara Vallega
I’m Kara! I’m a Canadian with a passion for VFX that started with filmmaking. I wanted to improve the films I made and VFX allowed me to do that. Eventually I fell in love with compositing and went to Vancouver Film School to pursue it as a career and now I get to live everyday doing what I love. (Kara Vallega, LinkedIn)
1. What goals do you have for the future?
2. Were there any problems that rose when going to VFS? How did you overcome them?
3. Do you have any tips you would tell younger Kara Vallega?
Unfortunately this workshop was delayed, but it just made me look forward to it more. I look up to Kara, aspiring to be as professional and hardworking as she is. This workshop was really important for me to take note of for my future. She talked about her experiences in Sisler IDM to going to Vancouver Film School and to working on her first movie and to now where she's resting at home. A well deserved break because her journey sounded intense. She gave us some tips on learning and going into the industry that were interesting to know for us to take into the future.
BIG SPACE
May 16, 2019: Jeff Bell
Jeff Bell, COO, Vice President and Producer brings Art and Computer Science together. Part of the team that brought Alias | Wavefront’s Maya to market, and later as CG Supervisor, VFX Supervisor and Executive in such companies as IDT Entertainment and Starz Animation Jeff was an integral contributor to memorable features including ‘Everyone’s Hero’, ‘Hoodwinked 2’, and Tim Burton’s ‘9’. Recent credits include ‘Ozzy’ and ‘Next Gen’ as Producer. (Tangent Animation)
1. What was it like working in a group in these projects?
2. What would you say you're looking for when hiring junior animators?
3. Is there anything different you would do from the past?
Jeff Bell was quite fun! The workshop was the first time I've ever introduced a guest speaker, although I still need to work on my handshakes. Jeff was a Sisler alumni, surprisingly knowing some of our teachers like Mr. Gordon. He showed us a breakdown of his experiences and a few of his works, especially Next Gen. It was really cool seeing how a scene was developed through storyboarding, animatics, animating, lighting, and effects to the final revision that was stunningly beautiful to see unfold.
BIG SPACE
June 11, 2019: Glenn Sylvester
Glenn Sylvester is currently an animation teacher in Capilano University and a true industry veteran, having worked on Star Wars, Men in Black, Ghostbusters and so much more as a visual effects artist and animator. Throughout his years, he has worked with big names such as Brad Bird and Ryan Reynalds.
1. How would you say animation changed your life?
2. What qualities do you look for in students and junior animator for their success?
3. What's it like studying at Capilano?
With everything that he's done, Glenn Sylvester was really humble, even with all the experience that he's had and projects that he's worked on. He was a delight to have come in and share his journey with us. I actually got to talk to him the day before about our project and what he does as a teacher now at Capilano. He ended off our year on a great note. This was our last workshop this semester, right after our student showcase. It's amazing knowing someone like him came in to watch our project.
