Software Trials
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Autodesk® 3ds Max®
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Autodesk® Maya®
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Autodesk® Softimage®
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Autodesk® MotionBuilder®
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Autodesk® Mudbox™
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Autodesk® Sketchbook® Pro
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Autodesk® Smoke on Mac®
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Jason Snyman has worked on over 18 feature films in the last 9 years, including Avatar, King Kong, The Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, I Robot, 10,000 BC, Harry Potter and Troy. He worked on his first feature film at age 17, making him the youngest in the field with his level of expertise. He is a master in capturing reality.He has worked in all capacities of CGI but is best known for his animation.
A conversation with Jason Snyman
How did you get involved with 3D computer graphics?
Jason:When I was 13 I was really into video games, Mario and such…. When the N 64 came there was an SGI chip used to create the graphics. The information went on to say that SGI technology was used to create the dinos in Jurassic Park. We didn't have N64s in Africa, where I lived at the time, so my thinking was get hold of SGI in Africa; they might have a system I could look at. I called them and they said I should come on by and have a look around. Once I started mentioning the graphics, they pointed me upstairs where it all began: huge computers running Poweranimator. No one really used them, and that became my playground and entry into 3D. I went on workshops with the team learning each new release... Still never got to play Mario on N64...
What are some of the projects have you worked on?
Jason: My first film and first job was when I was 17. I’d already been using high-end 3D packages for four years so I was able to hold my own around the ''grown ups''. I’ve mainly been working on high budget films from “Harry Potter” --1 and 3, “LOTR: Return of the King” , “Irobot”, “King Kong”, “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” and “Avatar” to name a few.
As an Autodesk Master, for what do you use the 3D software? (For example, character rigging, modeling, texturing, lighting etc.)
Jason: My main use is to create believable character/creature animation for film, but at home I use it for all of the above. I’m currently working on my short film or helping my brother, Matthew, on his short fims (… the biggest slave driver ever, Cameron has nothing on him ;)
What makes this industry so exciting to you?
Jason: I love the “behind the scenes” sections on DVDs-- how they make a film and all of its aspects, so basically I'm living ONE BIG BEHIND THE SCENES. Also, I never thought I'd get to travel around the world with my job, from Africa to London to New Zealand--and now I'm here in Vancouver.
Where do you see the industry going in the next five years?
Jason:Working from home, high speed internet could make that work. Plus, I see the line between games and film getting closer. I can see the only thing holding anyone back at all will be their own imagination. It's all very exciting--can’t wait to see what happens next. When I started, not many people had access to the software and it was hard to get any experience. Now, the software is cheaper and there are learning editions out there, and the community is always there to give a helping hand.
What words of wisdom do you have for anyone interested in entering the professional world of 3D computer graphics?
Jason: …just keep a positive attitude. Learn from everyone and never stop, and get yourself out to the festivals. Most jobs out there aren't advertised and it's a lot about who you know. People would rather hire someone they remember than someone they don't. Even if that person was super geeky (me) at a festival, they’ll be more likely to say, “Hey, he was cool! Let’s give him a chance.”
