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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.  

Need for Speed Unbound Wins Platinum at Vega Awards

We are super excited to announce that the Official Reveal Trailer for Need for Speed Unbound has won Platinum for Animation at the Vega Digital Awards!

A huge congratulations to our team and thank you to our friends at Criterion Games & EA for all the support.

Realtimers: Regina Starek, Talent Acquisition Specialist 

If there’s one thing we love more than VFX, it’s our team. REALTIMERS is a chance to showcase the amazing people behind the pixels to see what makes them tick.

Meet Regina, our wonderful Talent Acquisition Specialist, who loves Harry Potter and horror films

Name & job title:
Regina Starek – Talent Acquisition Specialist

 

Where do you fit in?
I am part of the talent team. We are responsible for finding and interviewing talented artists in order to identify the best match for the team’s needs and long-term goals. We then work with our hiring managers to ensure they have a strong team of skilled and passionate individuals. I also attend industry events with our team to introduce and talk about the work REALTIME does.

 

How did you get your start in the industry?
Here at REALTIME. After moving out of London, I started searching for nearby VFX studios and REALTIME was my number one choice. 

 
Your superpower?
 A ‘Can do’ attitude. It’s like a challenge.

 

What inspires you on the day-to-day?
Looking at awesome pieces of art and thinking about the ideas behind them.

 

My desert island film:
Although I’m a big horror fan, it has to be Harry Potter. I grew up with it, and I binge watch it every year.

 

Your soundtrack whilst working:
Depends on the day, but I usually burn through my ‘Discover Weekly’ on Spotify.

 

If you could work with anyone who?
Julie Dorsey. Mental Canvas blows my mind, there is so much potential in it.

 

If not this, then what?
I’m pretty sure I would be a photographer.

 

Why REALTIME?
I like the variety of our projects, there is always something exciting in the making.

 

People would be surprised that…
I’m Hungarian. Not many people have guessed that right so far.
(And although I’ve heard that joke way too many times, Hungarians are not always hungry, but we do love good food.)

 

Advice you’d give yourself if you were just starting out?
Don’t be too hard on myself. I’m the biggest judge of my own work.