Meet the team: Martin “Murphy” Ličko
Tell us about your career in VFX and animation?
For over two decades, I have been involved in medium-scale VFX, animation, interactive media, games, and TV series productions. My expertise is in defining, aligning, and optimizing technical processes across various business environments worldwide, from independent boutique art studios to large-scale productions. Although I’ve worked on numerous commercials for major brands, my favorite projects have been TV series.
As Head of 3D at Eallin in Prague for “The Smallest Elephant in the World,” I built the team, set up workflows, and configured all necessary hardware and software, overseeing the production from a technical perspective. At Brown Bag Films in Dublin, I served as CG Supervisor for “Butterbean,” managing the technical aspects of production and coordinating with overseas outsourcing partners. At M2 Animation in Bangkok, I was the CG Supervisor for “LEGO Friends,” optimizing processes, workflows, data flow, and transitioning to a newly developed pipeline.
Currently, as Head of the Client Success Team at Ynput, I leverage my extensive production experience to help clients worldwide adopt the Ayon pipeline system (formerly known as OpenPype).
What has been your biggest career success before joining Ynput?
One of my biggest career successes was developing and implementing a new pipeline for the “LEGO Friends” TV series. Changing the pipeline and adjusting workflows during full production is extremely challenging, as any disruption in delivery is unacceptable. This task involved two crucial aspects: the technical side, which focused on fixing and improving the data and information flow through each department, and the human/artist side, which required changing mindsets, workflow habits, and encouraging team members to step outside their comfort zones.
Despite the challenges, we successfully managed to nearly double our throughput and episode delivery rate without increasing the number of artists. This accomplishment is something I am particularly proud of.
Why did you choose to join Ynput?
I joined Ynput because it allows me to bring modern technology and expertise to the entire industry. At Ynput, I can provide any team with access to a pipeline system that is typically only available in large studios. This has a significant impact, as it democratizes advanced tools and processes, making them accessible to smaller and independent studios. Working at Ynput enables me to make a broader contribution to the industry than I could while working for a single studio.
What has been your biggest success while at Ynput?
My biggest success at Ynput has been establishing the Client Success department and taking over the client-related agenda. This has been an ongoing and continuous process, where we’ve focused on ensuring that clients are fully supported and able to effectively adopt the AYON pipeline. Building this department from the ground up and creating a structured approach to client success has been rewarding and crucial to our clients’ and company’s overall success.
What do you enjoy the most about working at Ynput?
The multicultural aspect of our team. The CG industry is inherently diverse, and having team members from over 10 different countries shows our global reach and impact. This unique environment fosters a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives, making our work dynamic and innovative. It’s an experience I couldn’t easily find elsewhere.
What’s a typical day like for you at Ynput?
It starts with monitoring client requests and reports on Discord. I distribute these questions to the team for resolution. My day then includes client meetings and training sessions, which are crucial for ensuring our clients get the most out of the AYON pipeline system. Depending on the workload and planned interactions with clients, I also have time for planning, internal meetings to brainstorm or discuss complex issues, and improvements in our internal workflows.
Additionally, I check in with colleagues to see if they need any assistance, ensuring smooth operations across the board. My role primarily involves close collaboration with the client success team and other technical departments to deliver the best possible service to our clients.
What’s the most exciting project you’re currently working on?
The development of the AYON pipeline, the successor to OpenPype. The new, modern architecture of Ayon opens doors to many new possibilities and features, allowing our clients to focus more on the art and craft of CG rather than the technicalities.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to work in client success?
It requires a combination of leadership skills, a customer-centric mindset, and a deep understanding of client needs. Remember that success in this role often involves balancing strategic thinking, effective communication, and a genuine commitment to customer success. Continuously seek feedback, iterate on processes, and remain agile in your approach. Embrace challenges as opportunities to improve, and always prioritize building strong, trusting relationships with your clients.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
There’s only 24 hours in a day, and so many interesting things to explore! Southeast Asia is one of the most fascinating places I’ve had the chance to visit, and I would love to spend more time exploring its culture, history, and food. Photography is another passion of mine, as it allows me to capture the beauty of the world. I also enjoy gardening, getting my hands dirty with soil, and watching plants grow, bloom, and bear fruit after all the hard labor. These activities help me relax and recharge, providing a refreshing break from work.
