What is your name and your current occupation?
Jean-Dominique Fievet – Head of Animation at MPC Los Angeles.
What are some of the crazier jobs you had before getting into animation?
Never had another job, unfortunately
What are some of your favorite projects you’re proud to have been a part of?
A Gentlemen’s duel, Hotel Transylvania, The Golden Compass
Where are you from and how did you get into the animation business?
From France. I did a (generalist) computer graphics school, then wanted to specialize in animation after I graduated. I learned on the job.
What’s a typical day like for you with regards to your job?
Way too long of a day.
What part of your job do you like best? Why?
Creating stuff. Because I just need to be creative, one way or another.
What part of your job do you like least? Why?
The long hours, Studios taking advantage of your passion in order to have you work until you drop, sometime without overtime pay.
What kind of technology do you work with on a daily basis, how has technology changed in the last few years in your field and how has that impacted you in your job?
Maya 2012. Thankfully, it never changes much for animation. The theory and workflow is always pretty much the same
What is the most difficult part for you about being in the business?
Trying to have a balance between life and work.
In your travels, have you had any brushes with animation greatness?
Not sure what you’re talking about… I’ve met some stellar artists, yes, but no famous animation director or anything like that.
Describe a tough situation you had in life.
Seeing my newborn only 10 mns a day for the first 3 months of his life, as I was wrapping up on a feature film.
Any side projects you’re working on that you’d like to share details of?
Not really. As much as I love animation, when I go home, I want to stay away from it as much as possible.
Any unusual talents or hobbies like tying a cherry stem with your tongue or metallurgy?
I DJ tech-house and disco stuff 🙂
Is there any advice you can give for an aspiring animation student or artist trying to break into the business?
Turn back and walk away, this job is going to suck up your whole life, and it doesn’t pay as much as before. I’m not sure that the return on investment is worth it. But if you really really want it, well, just hang on to it, and be patient. Don’t be afraid to start low and work your way up. These skills take a lot of time to learn.
