Agora.Community

What Tech Skills Do Game Animators Need | Bobby Anguelov

16 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Piggy Backing off the question of juniors needing to know programming, Brent asks Bobby what the minimum technical skill set required would be for gam...

Will Generalists Make A Comeback | Bobby Anguelov

16 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

During this conversation, there was a lot of discussion around specialized knowledge of making games vs being a generalist. It seems in AAA titles, hy...

Constraints Are Good Things | Bobby Anguelov

16 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

No, We're not talking about parent constraints in Maya. When it comes to animation and video games, giving yourself boundaries to work within can forc...

The Downside Of Remote Work | Bobby Anguelov

16 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There's a lot of good that came from everyone being forced to work remotely. In this clip, Bobby discusses the downside of remote work and his persona...

Understand Other Studio Departments | Bobby Anguelov

16 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bobby and Brent are huge advocates of understanding other departments within the studio. You should listen to this if you want to become a favoured me...

What Junior Game Animators Should Know | Bobby Anguelov

16 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We had a question during our conversation with Bobby Anguelov if Junior Game Animators should know how to program. Bobby didn't think so but then goes...

A Conversation With Bobby Anguelov

16 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bobby Anguelov is a technical architect/principal programmer working in the video game industry. His core areas of expertise are Animation, AI, gamepl...

"Feel" In Game Animation | Dan Root

14 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this clip, David, Brent, and Dan talk about the importance of being able to "feel" the animation in games. A very good clip to listen to if you wan...

How Side Projects Fuel Your Career | Dan Root

14 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dan is a freelancer, teacher, and YouTuber! That's a lot of plates to keep spinning. It's a good thing that each of these things fuels one another. If...

Learn To Start Over | Dan Root

14 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A lot of our guests talk about learning to scrap your animation and start over. Dan talks about his experiences and why it's so important to be able t...

Where Can I Learn 2DFX? | Dan Root

14 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In our Q&A with Dan Root, a member in chat wants to know where can they learn 2DFX and where is a good place to get feedback. Dan tells all!

Learning Game Development | Dan Root

14 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If someone wants to learn game design/game development and make it their career, where's a good place to start? Dan and the gang give their thoughts.

Where To Learn YouTubing | Dan Root

14 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dan has had great success with his videos, and in this clip he answers a question on how he learned what worked when creating content for YouTube, and...

A Conversation With Dan Root

14 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In our next "A Conversation With" episode, we'll be sitting down and having a chat with Dan Root. Dan is a 2D animator based in Norwich, England. Bein...

Spielberg and Directing | PIERRE PERIFEL

07 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this clip, Pierre recounts the time he heard Spielberg talk about his fear every time he starts a new project, and also his own experiences when ta...

From 2D To 3D | PIERRE PERIFEL

07 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this clip with Pierre Perefil, he talks about the transition from 2d to 3d animation, Dreamworks' proprietary software, and how it was quite so eas...

You Don't Have To Be Good To Lead | PIERRE PERIFEL

07 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This is a great clip to listen to if you want to be a lead, but feel your skill level might not quite be there yet. Do you actually need to be a good ...

Imposter Syndrome | PIERRE PERIFEL

07 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Have a listen to Pierre's experiences with imposter syndrome and how he overcomes it.

Show Some Appreciation | PIERRE PERIFEL

07 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Being a director, or a supervisor...you have a lot going on at one time. It's easy to forget about the people that are getting the work done. Being a ...

Taking Feedback | PIERRE PERIFEL

07 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this clip, Pierre and the team talk about how to receive feedback on your work, and how it's not a personal attack.

Becoming A Supervisor | PIERRE PERIFEL

07 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this clip, the gang talk with Pierre Perifel about becoming a supervisor, and the qualities of being a good one.

A Conversation With Pierre Perifel

07 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Pierre Perifel is our next guest on 'A Conversation With'. A French filmmaker and animator, best known for his work at DreamWorks Animation, he is the...

A Conversation With Olivier Staphylas

16 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this conversation, we’ll be catching up with Olivier Staphylas, who has recently finished up working on Wish Dragon as Animation Director. Olivie...

Jump Into The Unknown | OLIVIER STAPHYLAS

16 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this short clip, Olivier talks about his desire of jumping into the unknown and how much it can help your career!

Olivier's Imposter Syndrome | OLIVIER STAPHYLAS

16 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This clip is proof that everyone, even Heads Of Character Animation suffer from the dreaded imposter syndrome. Listen to this clip if you need some re...

Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone | OLIVIER STAPHYLAS

16 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's hard, we know, but listen to this clip with Olivier to hear about how he got out of his comfort zone and what it means for your career!

When Your Animation Inspires Scenes | OLIVIER STAPHYLAS

16 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's easy to feel like we're just cogs in the wheel of the animation turnstile of life. But this little anecdote from Olivier could help motivate you ...

How To Sell Your Script | KIRBY ATKINS

15 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Kirby Atkins wrote a great film, and has sold multiple scripts himself. If you want to sell your own script, you might get some great advice from this...

Writing A Great Script| KIRBY ATKINS

15 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In our Q&A, Kirby was asked for advice on how to write a great script. Budding scriptwriters, might be a good one to listen to!

Know When To Stop | KIRBY ATKINS

15 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Creating a film, piece of animation, or any piece of art, there’s going to be a time when you need to stop and put it into the world. Kirby talks ab...

Power Of Silence In Scores| KIRBY ATKINS

15 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Music is a very, very important piece of the puzzle when it comes to film making. If you want to make your scores more dramatic, listen to this piece ...

Recommened Read And Watch List | KIRBY ATKINS

15 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Kirby had some amazing philosophies in this conversation and one of our watchers asked him, what books do you read? If you want a list of great books ...

Risk Taking In Story | KIRBY ATKINS

15 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Movies can be very cookie cutter and follow the same formula. But, in order to create something new and great, risks need to be taken!

A Conversation With Kirby Atkins

15 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this ‘Conversation With’ episode, we sit down to have a chat with Kirby Atkins. Kirby has had a wide range of experiences in the film industry ...

Building Story Anticipation | KIRBY ATKINS

15 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Building anticipation and then having a great pay off makes the difference between an amazing story and not so amazing. Here the team discuss with Kir...

A Creative Life: Love The Chaos | KIRBY ATKINS

15 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There’s a certain chaos that can be involved in living as a creative artist. If you need some motivation, listen to this!

Presenting Yourself As A New Grad | DAVE MULLINS

14 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dave might not be the best person to ask this question, but he gives it the best answer he can!

Motivation For Staying Creative | DAVE MULLINS

14 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dave gets askes how does he stay motivated to be creative. He’s simple answer, his mortgage. But he has more to say!

The Future Of Productions | DAVE MULLINS

14 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

David asks Dave where he thinks the industry is heading in terms of production and distribution. Looking to stay on top of the game, have a listen to ...

Staying Receptive | DAVE MULLINS

14 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Creating your own short film can be a nerve-wracking experience, and you may not hold all the strings. In this short clip, Dave Mullins but staying re...

Walking Away From A Deal| DAVE MULLINS

14 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Pitching a story and getting some interest in it from a production house is a huge deal. But what if you don’t think they company will be able to li...

Advice For Aspiring Female Directors | DAVE MULLINS

14 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dave gets asked from the audience what advice he’d give to an aspiring female director. It’s the same advice he’d give to anyone, have a listen ...

Untrustworthy People | DAVE MULLINS

14 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

David repeats a topic that came up in a Q&A, what happens when a director tells an animator that what they wanted was exactly what the animator ha...

A Conversation With Dave Mullins

14 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Our next conversation is with Dave Mullins. Dave has spent a vast majority of his career at Pixar, growing into the role of Animating Director on film...

Dave’s Advice To His Younger Self | DAVE MULLINS

14 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A question we like to ask our guests from time to time! This question stumps Dave, because he’s answered it before, but forgot what he said!

Character Vs. Plot | DAVE MULLINS

14 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How does Dave Mullins develop his stories? Does he start to develop characters first and then figure out the story, or does he have story idea in mind...

Creating Your Own Projects | DAVE MULLINS

14 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dave talks about how he felt when it came to creating pitches for his Short Film Lou, and what made him feel motivated, and what didn’t!

Growing As An Adult | DAVE MULLINS

14 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When Dave Mullins started in the industry…he had some growing up to do! The gang talk about his experiences in self improvement.

Do Studios Get Sick Of The Same Rigs? | Q & A 21

11 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With so many awesome free rigs getting released, would studios ever get sick of seeing the same rig used in the same way?

Using Movie Characters On Reels| Q & A 21

11 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Similar to “Do Studios Get Sick Of Seeing The Same Rigs”, is it recommended to use rigs from well know movies or will your animation just be compa...

How To Accept Compliments | Q & A 21

11 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Are you someone that can’t take a compliment? This will be a good clip to listen to, as someone in our chat deals with the same issue. David and Bre...

Can I Ask The Studio For A Test? | Q & A 21

11 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Something that David has never heard done before! Can an artist ask a studio to take an animation test? Although it does take David and Brent to figur...

A CEO MAKES HOW MUCH? | Q & A 21

11 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There was a hot topic on Twitter that in one hour, the CEO of a company made as much as an artist had done in unpaid overtime. Pretty ridiculous! Davi...

My Animation Was Covered By FX! | Q & A 21

11 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We’ve seen it happen so many times! An animator creates a fantastic piece of animation and it just gets covered by FX. Is this a common occurrence i...

Putting Deleted Scenes On Reels| Q & A 21

11 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You’ve finished an amazing shot, it’s definitely one for the demo reel, but…it gets cut from the final movie. Can you still put it on your demo ...

Communicating Across Languages | Q & A 21

11 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you’re working in a different country, or even if you’re in your own country but on a team where your native language isn’t what your team me...

Should Animator’s Learn Rigging? | Q & A 21

11 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s often said, whatever you want to be in the industry, just focus on that. But should you at least know some rigging, or modelling?

Must Haves For Character Reels | Q & A 21

11 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A new member to our chat asked the question, is there a recommended “must include” list for demo reels. David and Brent give their advice on what ...

Q&A With David And Brent #20

11 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

David & Brent answer questions such as, should you use well know characters in your demo reel, can you put unreleased footage on your reel, how do...

Am I Too Old For Animation? | LANA BACHYNSKI

10 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

One of our community members is pushing 40 and is wanting to get into the industry. Is it possible? Or is animation a young person’s game? It’s no...

Degrees Help With Visas | LANA BACHYNSKI

10 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A member of the chat mentioned that having a degree is helpful to get a work visa. If you’re currently looking to move countries and deciding if you...

Women In Gaming | LANA BACHYNSKI

10 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Lana speaks about her experience as being a woman in the gaming industry. And how being a player gave her certain misconceptions about being animator ...

In-Game Demo Reel | LANA BACHYNSKI

10 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

For all of our aspiring game animators out there. This tip will definitely get you looked at! Have a listen!

A Conversation With Lana Bachynski

10 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Senior Animator at Riot Games and the co-founder of Tea Time Animation, Lana is a self-described 'Canadian-born creature and character animator' with ...

Building Team Diversity | LANA BACHYNSKI

10 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this conversation, the team talk about diversity on a team. What diversity means, and why it’s so important.

Lana’s Thoughts On Appeal | LANA BACHYNSKI

10 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this clip, one of our chat members likes gathering people’s thoughts on what appeal in animation means to them. This is what lana Bachynski, seni...

Breaking Into Games | LANA BACHYNSKI

10 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time to hear it from another animator at a gaming studio. How do you break into games?

Positive Workplaces | LANA BACHYNSKI

10 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this clip, the topic comes up about positive workplaces and how it’s going to take everyone to band together to make sure it happens. It’s up t...

Tips For Fresh Grads | LANA BACHYNSKI

10 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Lana gets asked what her three tips would be for fresh grads looking to get into the industry. If this is you, have a listen!

Can An Online Degree Get Me A Job? | Q & A 20

09 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Can having an online degree be seen that you are ready to a professional animator, or do you need to go to a brick and mortar school? David and Brent ...

Should I Risk My Job For An Anim Test? | Q & A 20

09 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You've been asked to perform an animation test for a studio, but you have a full-time job. Do you ask for time off? Call in sick? What should you do, ...

Should I still Study After Work? | Q & A 20

09 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You've finally landed a job in the animation industry, but people at your studio still take classes outside of work. Should you be doing the same?

TV Studio Animation Libraries | Q & A 20

09 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's not often we talk about TV Studios. But this question came up - Do studios use animation libraries for inbetweens or just lip-sync? If you're cur...

Q&A With David And Brent #20

09 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's the first Q&A for 2022. Everyone is refreshed, relaxed and the backlog of question replenished for a new year!David & Brent answer questi...

How Do I Know I’m Competent? | Q & A 20

09 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A great question came our way about how do you know when you've leveled up in your ability as an animator? David and brent give their best answers of ...

Do I Need To Sketch When There’s Ref? | Q & A 20

09 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We haven't had this question quite asked like this before. Why should someone learn sketching, when we can use reference footage? The answer is still ...

Do Freelancers Get Paid Public Holidays? | Q & A 20

09 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What happens if you're a freelancer on one side of the world and for the studio you're working for on the other side of the world, it's a public holid...

How Do I Get Into Games? | Q & A 20

09 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Want to be a game animator, but don't know where to begin? Brent's got your back!

Do Studios Accommodate For Disabilities? | MIKE JUNGBLUTH

08 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This is the first time we’ve ever had a question like this. And it’s a very good one. Are studios accommodating for people with disabilities and h...

Do I Mention Anxiety In My Interview? | MIKE JUNGBLUTH

08 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dealing with Anxiety and Depression is something that should be talked about freely. There are a lot of people that ask, however, is it something that...

Should Information Be Free For All? | MIKE JUNGBLUTH

08 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Collaborating and creating instead of competing. Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? Imagine how far the industry could grow if information was free fo...

The State Of The Industry | MIKE JUNGBLUTH

08 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mike Jungbluth puts out a “State Of The Industry” survey to get people's opinions on the industry and what could be improved. In this clip, Mike g...

Studios! Time To Be Flexible | MIKE JUNGBLUTH

08 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The pandemic has changed a lot of things in the industry. The team talk about why it’s time for studios to be a bit more flexible with where their e...

A Conversation With Mike Jungbluth

08 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Currently Animation Director at Bioware, Mike is also deeply invested in the larger game animation community, having started the Animation Exchange an...

Agora.Bites | Q & A 19 | What Is The Future For Animators?

07 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We had a question from a new member asking what is the future of being an animator. They had just started studying animation and was concerned that ke...

Agora.Bites | Q & A 19 | Get Out Of A Creative Rut

07 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We all can find ourselves in a creative rut from time to time. David and Brent give their best advice for how you can get yourself out of this creativ...

Agora.Bites | Q & A 19 | Separating The Art From The Artist

07 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever met an artist who is super talented, but might be kind of a jerk, or not share the same political views as you? Is it possible to separa...

Agora.Bites | Q & A 19 | Should I Focus On FPS Animation

07 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A Q&A regular had this very interesting question to which Brent had a very short answer. With the increase in VR, should we cater our study for Fi...

Q&A With David And Brent #19

07 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's the final Q&A for the year! David and Brent discuss their New Year Resolutions and tackle a hot topic of 'Are streaming services killing the ...

Agora.Bites | ILSE ZAMARRIPA | Organisation + Routine = Results

04 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Have a routine is key to success! In this clip, Ilse and the gang talk about their experiences with having a routine and how it’s helped them in the...

Agora.Bites | ILSE ZAMARRIPA | Shine Through Your Art

04 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What’s one way to stand out amongst everyone else? Shine through your art. But what exactly does that mean? Ilse explains!

Agora.Bites | ILSE ZAMARRIPA | Know Your Why

04 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you need to hustle, stay up late and create what you want to create then you need to know your why, and you can find out why in this clip!

Agora.Bites | ILSE ZAMARRIPA | Demo Reel Tips

04 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Another round of demo reel tips from another guest! Listen to what Ilse thinks are some important things for you to have on your demo reel to help you...

Agora.Bites | ILSE ZAMARRIPA | Breaking The Pandemic Slump

04 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The pandemic wasn’t easy on a lot of people. For some, they thought it would be a great way to get motivated and achieve a tonne of stuff with the e...

Agora.Bites | ILSE ZAMARRIPA | Learn Effective Communication

04 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Speaking up is not always easy, especially when you don’t want to tread on anyone’s toes. But there is a way to do this without being put in your ...

Agora.Bites | ILSE ZAMARRIPA | Know The Pecking Order

04 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ilse once had a horrible experience that taught her a lot about the industry. Have a listen to this clip to hear all about the pecking order and knowi...

Agora.Bites | ILSE ZAMARRIPA | Kill Procrastination

04 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Procrastination holds so many people back from starting and finishing amazing projects, or achieving goals. Ilse talks about how you can kill this lit...

Agora.Bites | ILSE ZAMARRIPA | Learn Some Acting

04 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As animators, we are all about bringing characters to life. How can know acting help your animating? Here’s Ilse’s opinion!

Agora.Bites | ILSE ZAMARRIPA | The Power Of A Network Strategy

04 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ilse describes a good social networking strategy like have the power of the Infinity Gauntlet. A good one to listen to if you want to get out there an...

Interview with Ilse Zamarripa | Animator | Actor |

04 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ilse is an actress, professional character animator, and YouTuber. Her love for acting has been fuelling her passion for character performance, a pass...