Interview with animator James Dunlop
Bundaberg Rum. Rigging: Bear.
ING Orangutan’s Niiiicceee. Rigging: Orangutan muzzle.
Hyundai Elantra. Rigging: Arms.
Modeling: Roof Asset cleanup and central dome rig/build.
Sydney animator James Dunlop has nearly 20 years in the film and short film industries. His latest stint at the award winning Animal Logic has given James the chance to work on many blue chip client TVCs for ING, Hyundai, Bundaberg Rum, Nike, Kraft and Kia.
With many years freelancing for the top animation studios in the country, James has amassed a long list of clients, projects and experience. James describes himself as a 3D generalist who specializes in modeling, rigging and animation.
James originally started studying zoology at university, and then failing to pass the first year, he enrolled in a film and TV course. It’s here where he sparked his interest in 3D and began to learn as much as he could. He credits these early years as an online editor, and the people he met in the workplace, for helping him learn the lessons that have formed his career.
With an industry of contracts and short and mid term projects, with lots of ups and downs, it’s a real credit to James that he’s still has a passion for his craft. James admits that he’s loving every second of his work at Animal Logic – with 16 months there now performing various modelling, rigging, animation and lead roles.
James modestly describes:
I’m a firm believer in the growth of a project during it’s production as much as in it’s planning, and with a good Creative Director / Director there’s plenty of ways to stamp your mark on it’s development by putting forward creative solutions and suggestions in an appropriate fashion.
Check out much more awesome work from the Animal Logic team on their website.
Nike Escape. Rigging: Snake pit snakes
Kraft. Rigging: Dollop Character. Animation: Blocking animation various shots.
Bank: Rigging: Axolotl.
Rams. Rigging: Ram.
How have you got to where you are today?
I have been a part of the industry for what feels like such a short time, but in reality 17 years have zipped by since I left film school. I’ve spent most of it working on a range of short form and long form projects in various capacities ranging from Online Editing, and 3D animation for Film and TV.
I trained formerly as an online editor for TV at South Seas Film and TV School in Auckland NZ, but during my time at the Film School an incidental introduction to 3D perked far too much of an interest to be ignored.
There was no Animation Mentor course at that time, so the best we could do was to ask to photocopy a manual or two from the more noob friendly post facilities around town.
Therefore during my time as an Online Editor I spent most of my evenings learning how 3D worked, and early on I was fortunate enough that a parting gift from a former employer was an Internet subscription that afforded me an opportunity to join an international online 3D community that helped me immensely. I am convinced without the lads from IRC I would most likely have not found my feet in 3D as firmly had it not been for the fair and educated criticism’s and feedback I received during my time in the channels there. *Salute*
I was always interested in drawing, story telling and writing growing up — and digested many Terry Pratchett and Raymond E Feist novels (Terry Brooks, Kafka etc). In the end it just made sense for me to get into this industry.
What’s that you ask? If my failing first year Zoology at Uni had nothing to do with it? … Okay I admit it did …just a little bit…
I feel very fortunate I’ve thus far not turned out bitter and twisted, I think I just enjoy what I do and feel very grateful to be afforded the opportunity to be able to support myself doing the kind of work we do.
Kia. Rigging: Cable, Chopper, Alien Body, Missle. NCloth: Flag on boat.
SBS. Rigging: All the hero characters. Design: Ice rig / unfolder model approach. Various alterations to base design to work with.
In a few words, describe yourself…
I try not to take myself too seriously, I value my integrity above most of my other traits, though I don’t suffer fools lightly and I’m definitely a bit of a homebody these days.
What are you spending your time on at the moment?
Outside of spending time with my Wife and Son, I try to fill my hrs with anything from, Zbrush doodling, python, rigging, modeling / animation, watching some TV while working and some gaming.
Do you have a ritual for getting into the creative mindset? Or a creative process?
Thinking about this I realised I actually do!
I need to head outside somewhere by myself with a pen and paper and just process what the heck it is I have to do.
I prefer to get some fresh air, and just scrap down what would be traditionally called a brainstorm.
Regardless of if I head down the paths I’ve scrapped down or not, the time spent and the act of being away from a computer to let things be, is a fairly big aspect to the way I work.
What or who inspires you?
Generally anyone smarter than me. It’s always a pleasure to feel like the dumbest person in the room whilst not being looked down on for being so! I really appreciate the smart, witty, fun people I get the chance to spend time with and have a lot to be grateful for, for their company.
Film wise I’ve always appreciated the work of the likes of Tim Burton and Jean-Pierre Jeunet who aim to tell stories that are removed from pop culture and present day themes.
What are you most proud of?
We don’t get a lot of pats on the back for doing a great job (though they’re pretty good with that at AL) so the only real feedback I tend to get is the fact I get asked back, which is as good a compliment and something to be proud of as anything I suppose?
Outside of work and myself, it’s hands down my little fella, he’s amazing!
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I have no idea… and no I am NOT going to ask my Mum! It’d most likely have been something more traditional as I didn’t really understand what the Film and TV industry was about for a very long time.
I just knew I loved watching animation, reading comics, drawing and making funny vids with my Dads video camera – yep the one I fell into the family swimming pool with!
