How did you get into CG film making?

Michael: I was studying my undergrad degree which was technology related but I really wanted to get into art. One of my teachers recommended looking into film making so I could combine my technical background with my love of art. I researched it, and toyed with the idea and my family was like, "Yeah do it!" They were super supportive of me, so I applied myself, and here I am!

Joel: It was just a natural progression when you never grow out of drawing things like dinosaurs and monsters with crayons! I was always captivated by art. In high school I was given an introductory class to some basic 3D software which gave me some understanding about what goes into CG film making. Around this time I remember seeing films like Toy story and Monsters, Inc., recognizing the level of artistry and hard work that goes into making these films. My new love and appreciation for the medium and the artwork involved brought me to study classical animation in Toronto where I applied everything I was learning to the CG medium.

What does an Apprentice do in your department?

Julie: I work in the Sets and Characters Team, mainly in Sets. I work on building assets, modeling the environment and props around the characters. So... rooms, architecture, then we fill it with stuff to make it look lived in.

Joel: I was surprised at how much I was a part of the team working as an apprentice animator. As an apprentice I work along side the other animators and I am given production shots to animate. Working as an apprentice animator is very hands on and learning on your feet. The entire studio functions as one large team all working towards the same goal. My specific role in the animation department requires me to work closely with other departments such as layout and FX to get my shots done.

Michael: I work in the Lighting team, working side by side with them and the Lighting Supervisor. I also receive direction on a per shot basis from the Director. I was quite amazed that there was that level of interaction for me. The majority of my time is spent working on very specific shot lighting notes. It's impressive seeing how a shot changes over time through all the small but important changes I make. It's amazing to think that when I watch this later I can say, "that is my shot, I worked on that".

What do you have to consider when creating your work?

Daniel: There's a lot to keep track of. Who is the character and how do they behave? How do they move? What thoughts are going through their head, and how can I make them express those thoughts through their actions?

Michael: I think it's a combination of two different sides. The technical and the artistic. Technically speaking you have to know the tools very well and how to use them efficiently. Lighting is very artistic. There are lots of things you have to consider such as colour, value, contrast, leading the eye around, creating areas of interests, and all of those combined, create the mood and emotion of the shot based on the storyline. You can't just make it look pretty, it has to be relevant to what is going on to the character's mood and motivation to do it correctly.

What is your favourite part about working at Pixar Canada?

Joel: Being surrounded by so many motivated and talented people. This has allowed me to learn so much. The team that Pixar Canada has created is amazing, everyday I have fun and enjoy work.

Daniel: There's always this great vibe around the studio. Everyone is excited to be working here. They're excited about what they're working on. There's this constant air of enthusiasm and it makes for a great working environment.

What do you find the most challenging in your work?

Joel: The biggest challenge so far has been tackling Pixar's proprietary software and learning it. The pumpkin carving competition was also a pretty intense experience. Carving a good pumpkin under pressure gets the heartbeat going.

Julie: Probably learning the technical aspects of the job like using Linux, MEL, remembering commands, "all one word, or spaced? - or _? / or \?" It doesn't help that my typing is atrocious. It's getting a lot better.

Can you describe a typical day?

Joel: Raid the kitchen for food. Attend rounds or dailies. Animate, hang out, chat and grab lunch with the crew. Animate some more and raid the kitchen some more.

Daniel: First, must have tea, check my tasks and emails, work for a bit, until the team has a morning 'scrum'. Then the rest of the day depending on production schedule, I'm either modeling, set dressing, rendering for a review or looking for chocolate.

What are you most proud of in your work as an Apprentice so far?

Michael: Truthfully, it is being considered part of this team. Pixar has such an amazing history and to be part of the future of Pixar with Pixar Canada is a very surreal experience. It is a dream come true to be working at Pixar Canada.

Daniel: Honestly, getting the chance to work here. Pixar has an incredible reputation. I've adored Pixar's films for years, and I am proud to have the chance to be a part of the team.

Julie: Corny, but being part of the team: not just Sets and Chars, but Pixar Canada as a whole. It was especially apparent at our first John Lasseter review. The room where we watched JL holds 10 people, but that day felt like 50. You could feel the energy in the room. Everyone, all departments pulled through. It was a great day, indeed.

Do you have any advice to give someone whose dream is to become a Technical Artist or Animator?

Julie: Be open to critiques. It's hard as an artist to have your work critiqued, but there's value in it. Listen to people who know what they're doing, and you'll start to see and approach things differently. It definitely makes you a better artist.

Joel: Always strive for excellence and integrity in your work. Study live action films and life. Study great animation and understand what makes it great. Try everyday to learn something new and improve yourself as an artist.

What is your favourite place/thing to do in Vancouver?

Joel: SNOWBOARDING!

Daniel: I'm still exploring the area, but so far my favourite thing has been just walking down Granville St. on the night of some big event. There's always something strange and fun to see. Once I get my hands on a snowboard, though, I'm changing mine to Joel's answer!

Julie: Walking along the seawall with my husband is always nice.

Michael: I really enjoy going out with people and experiencing the city. I can't wait until summer because I will go camping and hiking often.