Mike Bain
What is your current Job Title, and where do you work?
Lead Texture Artist, Double Negative
Lead Texture Artist, Double Negative
What project are you currently working on now, or have just finished?
I am currently working on John Carter of Mars, finished recently on Inception and Avatar.
I am currently working on John Carter of Mars, finished recently on Inception and Avatar.
What was your involvement on this film and where there any challenges involved?
My involvement in the current film has been to lead the Costumes/Weapons & Props textures team, also I have been painting one of the hero characters for the film. The challenge here has been to manage my time, but primarily really sinking my teeth into learning further processes of texturing creatures has really stretched me. Both incorporating new techniques in painting and also utilizing the various new software that can achieve the desired results for creature work.
My involvement in the current film has been to lead the Costumes/Weapons & Props textures team, also I have been painting one of the hero characters for the film. The challenge here has been to manage my time, but primarily really sinking my teeth into learning further processes of texturing creatures has really stretched me. Both incorporating new techniques in painting and also utilizing the various new software that can achieve the desired results for creature work.
What does a typical day at work involve for you while in the full swing of Production?
A typical day at the moment is one of heavy management in working with up to 16 artist to make sure the targets are hit for the various deadlines we've had for the show, with dailies and rounds & reviews with the director being a big part of the role. Not only this but I have been pressing into hitting various targets for the creature I am currently working on, so that look-dev can progress further. I find that it has been a fair amount of liaising with look-dev artist to achieve the right look for the character. This can be a bit of back and forth as you work toward the overall final look. Despite being a long way from finishing, we are heavily involved in testing different approaches to get better results, as not every texture set will work.
A typical day at the moment is one of heavy management in working with up to 16 artist to make sure the targets are hit for the various deadlines we've had for the show, with dailies and rounds & reviews with the director being a big part of the role. Not only this but I have been pressing into hitting various targets for the creature I am currently working on, so that look-dev can progress further. I find that it has been a fair amount of liaising with look-dev artist to achieve the right look for the character. This can be a bit of back and forth as you work toward the overall final look. Despite being a long way from finishing, we are heavily involved in testing different approaches to get better results, as not every texture set will work.
What was the coolest project that you've worked on, and why?
For me at this stage in my career it is a close call between Lord of the Rings and Avatar. For quite different reasons, as Lord of the Rings was my first major credited film it was an amazing team environment at Weta, working on one of the most incredible films of our generation. But as I was a matchmover back then it was good, but I was unable to really be creatively involved. This is why I think Avatar for me was the coolest, as I had a was more involved creatively and for the first time I could see my input. Originally texturing back at Weta I was painting the samson helicopter, many of the forest plants and props, and a small creature. Which was amazing to see my work up on screen as oppose to matchmove work, which lets face it if you can't see it you've done a good job. I then had the privilege of then coming to the UK to work at Framestore and continue working on Avatar, but in a lead capacity, which enabled me to take on more responsibility in leading the team creatively, so I could see my directing hand in the final look of the film, plus being able to do various other hero assets such as the massive truck, op-centre and ampsuit docking bays. When I was working on Avatar I really had know idea of how much of a ground breaking film it would be, but in hindsight it was probably the most amazing film I have worked on to date.
For me at this stage in my career it is a close call between Lord of the Rings and Avatar. For quite different reasons, as Lord of the Rings was my first major credited film it was an amazing team environment at Weta, working on one of the most incredible films of our generation. But as I was a matchmover back then it was good, but I was unable to really be creatively involved. This is why I think Avatar for me was the coolest, as I had a was more involved creatively and for the first time I could see my input. Originally texturing back at Weta I was painting the samson helicopter, many of the forest plants and props, and a small creature. Which was amazing to see my work up on screen as oppose to matchmove work, which lets face it if you can't see it you've done a good job. I then had the privilege of then coming to the UK to work at Framestore and continue working on Avatar, but in a lead capacity, which enabled me to take on more responsibility in leading the team creatively, so I could see my directing hand in the final look of the film, plus being able to do various other hero assets such as the massive truck, op-centre and ampsuit docking bays. When I was working on Avatar I really had know idea of how much of a ground breaking film it would be, but in hindsight it was probably the most amazing film I have worked on to date.
What made you want to work in the CG Industry?
From as early as I could remember I was interested in VFX/SFX, as it is with a lot of the artist in the industry it was Star Wars that inspired many of us. I used to set up my Star Wars figures up in Hoth sequences and take pics of them, with snow effects to boot. It seemed like a bit of a pipe dream back then but as the years went on and my passion for film grew, I realised this wasn't just a dream but I could have a shot of cracking the industry, and so began my pursuit of a VFX career.
From as early as I could remember I was interested in VFX/SFX, as it is with a lot of the artist in the industry it was Star Wars that inspired many of us. I used to set up my Star Wars figures up in Hoth sequences and take pics of them, with snow effects to boot. It seemed like a bit of a pipe dream back then but as the years went on and my passion for film grew, I realised this wasn't just a dream but I could have a shot of cracking the industry, and so began my pursuit of a VFX career.
What was your first CG job?
My first job in the industry was a massive highlight and a childhood dream as I managed to get a job onset with Star Wars Attack of the Clone in Sydney, doing creature prosthetics and animatronics assistant. But my first CG job was in a company called Photon VFX on the Gold Coast of Australia, where I was a runner for 3 weeks before being called into learn matchmoving. Which over time progressed to dabbling in Previs, Texturing, Animating, Lighting and Modelling.
My first job in the industry was a massive highlight and a childhood dream as I managed to get a job onset with Star Wars Attack of the Clone in Sydney, doing creature prosthetics and animatronics assistant. But my first CG job was in a company called Photon VFX on the Gold Coast of Australia, where I was a runner for 3 weeks before being called into learn matchmoving. Which over time progressed to dabbling in Previs, Texturing, Animating, Lighting and Modelling.
What educational training did you undertake to get into the industry, or are you completely self-taught?
I studied in at University doing a bachelor of Design, Visual Communications majoring in Graphics and Animation. Where I was involved in producing a 5 min stop motion film for our final year project. I also did extensive learning at home, and through myself at any work experience opportunities I had.
I studied in at University doing a bachelor of Design, Visual Communications majoring in Graphics and Animation. Where I was involved in producing a 5 min stop motion film for our final year project. I also did extensive learning at home, and through myself at any work experience opportunities I had.
What "off-the-shelf" software do you work with ? (home + work)
Maya, Photoshop, Mari, Mudbox, Zbrush.
Maya, Photoshop, Mari, Mudbox, Zbrush.
Do you use any Proprietary Software or Tools where you work? If so, what are they used for?
At Double Negative, Framestore and also Weta Digital we were always using various proprietary tools and often involved in the development of some of the more recent software release such as Mari and Mudbox as these were being beta tested. Many of these tools were department specific but also a vast majority of the tools being using in the larger companies are pipeline tools that make many of the mundane tasks more streamlined.
At Double Negative, Framestore and also Weta Digital we were always using various proprietary tools and often involved in the development of some of the more recent software release such as Mari and Mudbox as these were being beta tested. Many of these tools were department specific but also a vast majority of the tools being using in the larger companies are pipeline tools that make many of the mundane tasks more streamlined.
What advice or tips would you give people who are trying to get a job like you in the CG Industry?
I have been involved in the industry now for close to 8 years and have found that it is those who really persevere are often the ones who will eventually succeed in cracking into the industry, and realising that even if you get a 'no' that this isn't the end. That it is an opportunity to improve your skills and look for other avenues to get to your ultimate goal of working in film. It isn't always about having the knowledge or skill sets (although you will need to exhibit this at some point) it is also about being able to network and befriend people whom you come into contact along the way. Being able to put yourself out there and being prepared to take the lesser jobs to learn as you go, as most people do not get their dream job till they have paid their dues, and watched and learned from those around them.
I have been involved in the industry now for close to 8 years and have found that it is those who really persevere are often the ones who will eventually succeed in cracking into the industry, and realising that even if you get a 'no' that this isn't the end. That it is an opportunity to improve your skills and look for other avenues to get to your ultimate goal of working in film. It isn't always about having the knowledge or skill sets (although you will need to exhibit this at some point) it is also about being able to network and befriend people whom you come into contact along the way. Being able to put yourself out there and being prepared to take the lesser jobs to learn as you go, as most people do not get their dream job till they have paid their dues, and watched and learned from those around them.
Are there any people, films or events in your life that inspired you to work in the CG Industry?
I suppose for me as I mentioned earlier that Star Wars was my inspiration, but I had many people laugh at me along the way who didn't believe it was possible to work in film, so often I found strength and inspiration in what I saw in films to see what the masters were doing at the time. I got motivated when I was working on set seeing how it all worked, and the people I met along the way, who gave me drive to keep going.
I suppose for me as I mentioned earlier that Star Wars was my inspiration, but I had many people laugh at me along the way who didn't believe it was possible to work in film, so often I found strength and inspiration in what I saw in films to see what the masters were doing at the time. I got motivated when I was working on set seeing how it all worked, and the people I met along the way, who gave me drive to keep going.
I have found that it is those who really persevere are often the ones who will eventually succeed
What career goals or plans do you have for the future?
At the moment, I am really enjoying leading a team of people and being more and more involved with the creative development of film and I hope to continue doing more of this kind of work in the future, not sure in what capacity that will be, but I do still hope to be involved in film in some form or another for the rest of my life. I have considered starting up a related company, but haven't really found the right niche for this yet, but the meantime I am content with leading in team environments and pushing my learning in various aspect of textures and other skill sets that film has to offer.
At the moment, I am really enjoying leading a team of people and being more and more involved with the creative development of film and I hope to continue doing more of this kind of work in the future, not sure in what capacity that will be, but I do still hope to be involved in film in some form or another for the rest of my life. I have considered starting up a related company, but haven't really found the right niche for this yet, but the meantime I am content with leading in team environments and pushing my learning in various aspect of textures and other skill sets that film has to offer.
When you're not at work what do you like to do in your spare time?
Watching movies, Snowboarding, hanging with mates, basketball, and travel.
Watching movies, Snowboarding, hanging with mates, basketball, and travel.
What are a few of your favourite films of all time?
Star Wars (first ones), Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Ratatouille
Star Wars (first ones), Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Ratatouille
What will you do if you had a time machine?
Go back and work on the original Star Wars films with some of the greats in the business.
Go back and work on the original Star Wars films with some of the greats in the business.
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Comments (4)
gpeppersaid:
 | ... Hey Mike ! Nice interview, I really luv' your work. You are so lucky to work on these cool film ! See you on CGcoach ! |
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