Sam Preece, Author at REALTIME

REALTIMERS: Graham Collier, Lead VFX Artist

Where do you fit in?

My role can be anything from simulating muscle systems and cloth to blowing things up, and then adding in a few water simulations, lava, nebulas, and even the odd galaxy. I love the variety of work in VFX and am always up for the next challenge while looking at improving and finding new ways to keep pushing up the level.

How did you get your start in the industry?

I studied computer science and media technology at University, and I have always had a passion for working in VFX and animation. I bought a computer with my first student loan and set about teaching myself CG. For my final year group project, we completed a 10 minute fully CG animated cartoon using Lightwave. In 1998, after Uni I went to work in the games industry, creating pre-rendered cut scenes, which was another one of my passions. I had also done some freelance work for Realtime when they were just starting up and eventually went to Red Vision to work in TV. I spent over 9 years at Redvision working on several award winning shows. After Redvision, I went to REALTIME, where they were doing some amazing work, and I have never looked back.

Your superpower?

My superpower is speaking the secret language of Houdini.

“SOP DOP LOP VOP COP TOP CHOP ROP POP POP BANG”

What inspires you on the day-to-day?

Thats simple, we get to work on some amazing projects at REALTIME, which is inspiration enough. However, working with such talented artists producing amazing concepts, animation, modeling, and lighting really inspires me to keep creating and developing my VFX work.

My desert island film / TV show / animation / game /artform / piece of artwork is:

Jurassic Park or Terminator 2

Your soundtrack whilst working:

Anything that rocks from the 80’s or 90’s. I also like listening to film and TV sound tracks and have even started listening to Kate Bush (Thanks to Stranger Things) .

If you could work with anyone who?

I would love to have worked on the original Star Wars with all the geniuses at ILM.

If not this, then what?

I can’t imagine doing anything else. I have always been driven and focused on my career in VFX.

Why REALTIME?

I have always loved the quality and variety of work that REALTIME does, so I knew it would be a great place to further my career. The studio has a relaxed atmosphere, and everyone is really passionate about their work, which really shows in the great quality of content produced.

People would be surprised that..

I once did an ultra-sportive for fun. Whilst cycling 203 miles, climbing over 18,000ft and being chased by the Yorkshire Beast, I had a few second thoughts. Still, I managed to beat the beast with an hour to spare. It was my longest day in the saddle, with a total riding time of 13 hours and 54 mins.

Advice you’d give yourself if you were just starting out?

Find something that you are passionate about, and then focus on learning and developing your skills for it. Work hard, be prepared to fail, learn from it, and keep moving forward towards your goals.

REALTIMERS: Georgina Lowes, Production Manager

Name & job title:

Georgie, Production Manager.

Where do you fit in?

At REALTIME, in the Episodic team. You’ll usually find me buried in a spreadsheet or ShotGrid, overseeing the day-to-day of a project, or managing some internal Production bits and pieces.

The rest of the time, you’ll find me at a bar sipping on a martini, or in bed watching Friends – there’s no in between.

How did you get your start in the industry?

Honestly, I sort of fell into the VFX world. I had applied for lots of Entry-Level Film & TV positions coming out of University until Jellyfish hired me as a Studio Runner/Production Assistant. I was there for a few months before DNEG took me on as a Production Runner – that was my first big career step I’d say.

Your superpower?

I would say I’m a pretty good multitasker, which comes in handy when you work in Production.

What inspires you on the day-to-day?

Stating the obvious, but my many talented colleagues and friends in this crazy business. I tell myself every day about how lucky I am to have such close relationships with people I work with, both past and present. I don’t really feel you get that same familiarity in other industries. Some would call it trauma-bonding, I would say it’s because we all love a good drink…

My desert island film / TV show / animation / game / artform / piece of artwork is:

Whenever I see this question, only one thing springs to mind and that’s the film Cast Away. So probably that for some tips and motivation at least… #JusticeForWilson.

Your soundtrack whilst working:

It depends on the day or my mood. Sometimes it’s whatever my sister’s Spotify has in store for me, sometimes it’s throwback hits. Other times it’s unashamedly Alex Cooper’s “Call Her Daddy” podcast because I am a basic female Millennial, ok?!

If you could work with anyone who?

I love to work with strong and talented women, and I’ve always been a big fan of Jodie Foster. Any brilliant female actors, directors, and producers who I’ve often looked up to would definitely be up there. If we ever met, I think Sandra Bullock and I would be best friends.

If not this, then what?

I’ve always liked the idea of teaching someday.
I also love interior design, but I probably wouldn’t make a career out of it. I’m currently in the process of decorating and furnishing my new place, so that’s been keeping me busy.

Why REALTIME?

In every job, I’ve found it’s the people that make it for me. And luckily in REALTIME we have the loveliest and friendliest bunch of them. I’m really loving the projects we are fortunate enough to get to work on, too.

Also, who doesn’t like working from home in baggy clothes or pyjamas five days a week? Being able to do my laundry in the middle of the day too is also a massive bonus.

People would be surprised that…

I don’t like glitter or Lotus Biscoff. I also have a Hollywood actor in my phone contacts.

Advice you’d give yourself if you were just starting out?

“There’s an old saying in show business: The show must go wrong. Everything always goes wrong, and you just have to deal with it.” – Andy Dwyer, Parks and Recreation.

REALTIME Nominated for BAFTA Craft Award for Doctor Who Titles

Incredible news! We have been nominated for our first BAFTA for our Doctor Who titles under the category Titles & Graphic Identity.

Huge congrats to VFX Supe James Coore, Lead FX Artist Graham Collier and the rest of our amazingly talented team. We’re sharing this award nom with our friends at Painting Practice, who we always love collaborating with.

Also, many thanks to BBC and Bad Wolf who trusted us on such a beloved and iconic project!

Check out the rest of the nominees: https://www.bafta.org/television/awards/2024-nominations-winners#titles–graphic-identity

REALTIMERS: Bobby McCune, Rigging Artist

Name & job title: Bobby McCune (he/him/his), Rigging Artist

Where do you fit in? My role bridges the animation team on one hand, and the black magic of programming and rig engineering on the other. This perfect mix of creative thinking and problem-solving has been one of the most enjoyable aspects of the work for me.

How did you get your start in the industry? I studied animation in college and halfway through realised I specifically loved 3D animation production and rigging in particular, and threw myself fully into that. My first job was a short 3D Generalist role and my second was as a Junior Rigger, and my time at Realtime has been my longest continuous role which has been fantastic as I’ve been able to learn so much.

Your superpower? I’m not sure if this is a superpower or a serious issue, but my ability to sleep absolutely anywhere-I’ve fallen off a bunk bed and remained asleep before, and need an alarm clock designed for deaf people to wake up. I’m insomnia’s final boss.

What inspires you on the day-to-day? Surrounding myself with amazing music and beautiful art every day, and following current artists and riggers online. The problem-solving element of rigging also keeps me driven, inspired, and a bit mad.

My desert island film / TV show / animation / game /artform / piece of artwork is: I’m ashamed to say it would realistically be Civilisation 6, even though I have 600+ hours on it and really need to play a new game.

Your soundtrack whilst working: My taste is eclectic to put it lightly: in a single hour I can go from metal like Bolt Thrower to rappers such as Kendrick Lamar and all the way to Japanese 80’s city pop such as Mariya Takeuchi…I’ve also recently discovered Ginger Root, a musician who describes his own music as “aggressive elevator soul” which says all you need to know!

If you could work with anyone who? Like a lot of animation fans, definitely Hayao Miyazaki-the contrast of his beautiful artistry and extreme nihilism is so unique, I’d probably develop a smoking habit. Or working on a film with a soundtrack by Masayoshi Takanaka, that would be a real tonic to my soul-his songs are the musical equivalent of Brazilian sunshine.

If not this, then what? It’s cliché to say this but I really can’t imagine doing anything else; I’ve always loved video games and animation. Possibly working in another area of production such as programming or game design. If I had to pick a different industry altogether, it would be something related to animal care or rescue somehow.

Why REALTIME? I really love Realtime’s variety of work across TV, games and automotive; there has been such an exciting variety of work and platforms in my time here which has been very fun, and it’s great the company doesn’t restrict itself too much. The people I’ve worked with have also been lovely and there is always great craic when the Manchester office is busy.

People would be surprised that… I’ve been keeping pet rats for 4 years now? Although maybe I give off rodent vibes…

Advice you’d give yourself if you were just starting out? Work hard, but have patience and be good to yourself-the industry can fluctuate and be tough to get into, but it’s worth being able to do what you love every day-always remember that.

Doctor Who 60th Anniversary Special ‘Wild Blue Yonder’ Premieres on BBC

The second special of Doctor Who’s 60th Anniversary special, ‘Wild Blue Yonder’ had its UK premiere on BBC One this weekend! As huge fans of the show, we are so excited to have joined forces with Bad Wolf and BBC Studios on the epic second special.

Wild Blue Yonder, is now streaming on BBC iPlayer in the UK and Disney+ in the rest of the world.