Christina Chiusano

What are some of the crazier jobs you had before getting into animation?
My first Job out of college was a game tester at EA

What are some of your favorite projects you’re proud to have been a part of? 
When I started working at Nickelodeon for the CG department there were less then 15 people working here. Seeing this department grow from one show to more then 5 in production has been really rewarding.
How did you become interested in animation? 
I have always been passionate about cartoons and movies. When I was little I was always making movies with my friends and  being a computer nerd just helped me get into CG

Where are you from and how did you get into the animation business? 
I’m from Cedar Rapids, IA. In college I had the opportunity to intern at Nickelodeon Movies on the Paramount Lot in Los Angeles CA
What’s a typical day like for you with regards to your job? 
Since being promoted to a compositing supervisor, my new job is to literally watch cartoons. I watch renders from overseas and check them for look, continuity, lighting and compositing issues. My meetings consist of watching animatics. My day is full of watching cartoons at some state in the process. I love it!
What part of your job do you like best? Why? 
I love working with our studios overseas and the people here at Nickelodeon. I have never been around so many people with the same love of cartoons as me until I worked here and that is a lot of fun.
What part of your job do you like least? Why?
I honestly love my job, I am excited about work most days 🙂
What is the most difficult part for you about being in the business? 
I don’t like being away from my family for long periods of time. They live in Iowa so I love to go home and visit or have them come visit me here in CA.
What kind of technology do you work with on a daily basis?
Each day I will probably use Maya, Nuke, Fusion, Photoshop and FileMaker
Describe a tough situation you had in life. 
In 2003 my mom was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Right around her 5 year remission mark, in 2008, it came back in her bone marrow. It is litterally the hardest thing to see the strongest, happiest closest person to you struggling with such a horrible illness. My mom is my best friend and the strongest person I know.
Any side projects or you’re working on or hobbies you’d like to share details of?
I started doing Bikram Yoga about a year ago..the yoga in the 119 degree room. For some reason, i love it but I am still trying to figure out why 😉