Alumni Magazine Issue 3 Mar 2011.pdf - Arts University Bournemouth

JASON SMITH,
DIGITAL PRODUCTION
SUPERVISOR, LUCASFILM
GRADUATED 1995
“Seeing my name
on the credits, to the
sound of the famous
John Williams
Star Wars theme,
is a moment that
will stick with
me as clearly as
hearing the music
for the first time
back in 1977”
“I started my career in computer
games with Argonaut Software,
which was one of the first
companies in the world to
create 3D console games. For
me there wasn’t a more exciting
or pioneering place to be at the
time. The company operated
from a run-down warehouse
in a very unglamorous part of
North London; upstairs we were
animating, downstairs served as
a washing machine showroom.
Regularly working fourteen
hour days, we didn’t even get
a discount on white goods!
With 17 years and 12 games inbetween, I
now work as a partner to the art directors
and executive producers at LucasFilm,
San Francisco. I get to ensure we deliver
the most visually stunning games possible
by empowering the animators, artists,
technical directors and other content
creators to work effectively. Much of this
comes through training, tools, technology
development and research. It often feels
like one of the best jobs in the world.
Outside of my day job I work with the
animation and computer graphics
communities through ACM Siggraph,
organisers of the largest Computer
Animation Festival in the world. There are
opportunities for involvement at all levels
and it’s an incredible resource, whether
an industry veteran or a student looking
to expand their professional network.
I also get to spend time collaborating on
new techniques with the other LucasFilm
divisions; Industrial Light and Magic
(ILM), LucasFilm Animation and LucasFilm
Singapore. Developing and sharing
technology, knowledge and expertise
between the games, television, film and
visual effects groups is one of the most
challenging and enjoyable parts of the job.
Working at LucasFilm has also given me
the opportunity to present and train
at schools, universities and studios on
behalf of the Jedi Masters programme; a
hugely rewarding aspect which has the
added benefit of travelling worldwide.
It’s an honour to share a fraction of the
wisdom that Peter Parr bestowed on his
animation class many years earlier.
One of my proudest moments has been
animating the original pitch to secure
the Harry Potter franchise at EA games.
I also get to work on the Star Wars games
which, according to my son, scores me
points in the ‘cool dad’ category.
The AUCB wasn’t just a three-year course
in animation; it’s served as a grounding
for my entire career, and an amazing
experience I’ll always be thankful for.
Thank you Peter, and all the faculty
staff – I wouldn’t be here without you.”