Tell us about your career journey, how did you get started?

My career journey in the CG animation and VFX industry spans over 15 years. It all started with a focus on 3D using tools like Maya and Blender. During my time at university, I discovered the power of programming and automation through my graduation project. This led me to venture into compositing, where I continued to refine my scripting skills. The ability to deliver results quickly and effectively through automation set me apart from others.

Recognising the potential for improvement within my studio, I began developing simple tools to assist my colleagues and ensure consistency across our productions. This collaborative approach not only streamlined our workflow but also fostered a more cohesive team dynamic.

 I’ve had the privilege of working on incredible projects at renowned studios. At Framestore, I contributed to groundbreaking films like “Gravity,” “47 Ronin,” “Dictator,” “Clash of the Titans,” and “Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows,” focusing on Roto Paint and tools development.

I also had the opportunity to work with Czech TV, where I played a role in compositing and pipeline development; it was a valuable experience that allowed me to further refine my skills.

During my time at Eallin and then RUR, I worked on various commercials, collaborating closely with clients. My responsibilities included on-lining with clients, compositing, and tools development.

I later had the pleasure of working at MagicLab, contributing to some memorable Netflix originals. In this role, I worked on tasks such as on-lining with clients, color grading, compositing, and pipeline development.

In addition to my industry experience, I’ve had the opportunity to share my knowledge and passion as a teacher at FAMU. I’ve been involved in teaching color grading and digital post-production, along with conducting workshops on green-screen shooting.

What has been your biggest career success before joining Ynput?

Definitely my time at Framestore. I had the opportunity to work on complex Roto paint tasks for high-profile projects like “Gravity” and “47 Ronin.” At that time, we faced the challenge of limited tools for seamless integration between Silhouette and Nuke, which impacted our workflow. To overcome this hurdle, I took the initiative to develop custom tools that bridged the gap between these two software platforms. This not only streamlined our workflow but also significantly enhanced our overall efficiency in delivering top-quality results.

What has been your biggest success while at Ynput?

One of my biggest successes at Ynput has been seamlessly integrating Nuke and Hiero, enhancing the workflow and enabling efficient collaboration among artists. Additionally, our focus on Colorspace management has improved visual quality and consistency across projects. Lastly, the development of our Webpublisher tool has provided a user-friendly platform for sharing and publishing creative content, strengthening our communication with clients.

Why did you choose to join Ynput?

I was drawn to join Ynput due to my hunger for challenges and my strong belief in the company’s vision to revolutionise the industry. Ynput presented an exciting opportunity for me to be at the forefront of change, working alongside a passionate team dedicated to pushing boundaries and redefining how animation and VFX studios operate. The prospect of being part of a company that actively seeks innovative solutions and embraces new technologies was incredibly appealing, and I knew it was the perfect environment for me to thrive and make a lasting impact.

What do you enjoy the most about working at Ynput?

Our open and inclusive culture. From day one, I’ve experienced a welcoming and collaborative environment that fosters creativity and encourages diverse perspectives. The emphasis on inclusivity allows everyone to feel valued and respected, creating a sense of belonging within the team. This culture of openness extends to our workflows and decision-making processes, where ideas are shared, feedback is encouraged, and innovation thrives. Being part of such a supportive and inclusive culture truly enhances the work experience and fuels my passion for contributing to Ynput’s mission.

What’s a typical day like for you at Ynput?

A typical day at Ynput begins with enjoyable conversations and interactions with the team, setting a positive tone for the day ahead. I then dive into overseeing my assigned domains, carefully prioritizing tasks to ensure efficient progress. This involves reviewing and testing new features and bug fixes, ensuring the smooth functionality of our products. As a part of our innovative approach, I actively contribute to the design of novel features that cater to the unique needs of our clients.

Another essential aspect of my day involves being responsive to client inquiries, promptly addressing their concerns and striving to meet their requirements. I take great satisfaction in providing exceptional support and ensuring our clients’ success. Lastly, I actively engage in optimising our company’s operations by constantly seeking out opportunities for automation and streamlining processes, helping us deliver the best possible solutions to our clients.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to pursue a career as a 2D TD?

My advice to someone aspiring to become a 2D Technical Director would be to start by engaging in open discussions with team members from your department. Identify pain points and challenges in the current digital content creation (DCC) processes and workflows, and collaboratively brainstorm potential areas where automation and technical solutions could bring significant benefits. Research existing tools and solutions that already exist in the industry, and consider how you can leverage or modify them to address specific needs, rather than starting from scratch.

When developing original solutions, take a holistic approach. Begin with a minimal design that establishes a solid foundation, and then incrementally add enhancements based on feedback and evolving requirements. It’s important to avoid over-engineering and prioritise simplicity and usability. Throughout the development process, actively involve your team, encourage their input, and conduct regular testing and feedback sessions. This collaborative approach will help identify potential design flaws and ensure that the tools effectively meet the specific requirements and workflows of your team.

Remember to stay open-minded and adaptable, refining your designs and solutions as necessary to align with the evolving needs of your team and the industry at large. Embrace a continuous learning mindset, stay up to date with the latest trends and technologies, and actively seek opportunities for professional growth and development.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of work, my family brings me immense joy, and I cherish the moments spent having fun with my son and wife. Being able to create lasting memories and share laughter together is truly priceless.

In my leisure time, I find great pleasure in delving into the world of science fiction through books. It’s a captivating escape that allows me to explore new realms of creativity, expand my imagination, and be transported to extraordinary worlds. It’s a wonderful way to unwind and ignite my curiosity about the unknown.