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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.

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

 

REALTIME Appoints New Head of Pipeline Technologies

We’re delighted to welcome Bhavesh Pandey as our new Head of Pipeline Technologies.

With over a decade of experience in the VFX industry, working for the likes of ILM, DNEG and MPC, Bhavesh joins REALTIME to orchestrate our pipeline technology and support our team in delivering innovative and exciting work!

REALTIMERS: Lizzie Horsburgh, Studio Production Director

Name & job title:

Lizzie, Studio Production Director

Where do you fit in?

Somewhere between the cool cats on rooftop bars until the wee hours of the morning, and the nerds queuing up to watch the latest comic book adaptation.

How did you get your start in the industry?

I worked as a runner on a Manic Street Preachers video.

Your superpower?

Spinning multiple plates at the same time, and having a mostly reliable photographic memory.

What inspires you day-to-day?

Making my parents proud, being a role model for my daughter, and proving everyone who said doing a Film Studies degree at university was a stupid mistake, wrong.

My desert island film would be:

True Romance and my tv show would be a toss-up between The US Office or guilty pleasure Real Housewives of Beverly Hills!

My soundtrack whilst working is:

“Ibiza Beach Club” playlists on Spotify – primarily because they’re easy to listen to background tunes, but also because who doesn’t want to imagine drinking champagne on a cabana bed in Ibiza whilst battling with an Excel spreadsheet!

If you could work with anyone who?   

Bill Nighy – although my childhood obsession was Jerry Bruckheimer!

If not this, then what?

I would love to be a high-profile event planner because I love themed parties, crafting bespoke décor, and organising the perfect night that everyone can enjoy.

Why REALTIME?

I like the fact that I have flexibility to work from home and pick my daughter up from nursery, or wear pyjama bottoms to a meeting if I’m feeling bloated. I like how friendly and welcoming everyone is. I like going into the Manchester office to see everyone, collaborate in a fun, light and airy space, and the bars around the studio are great too.

People would be surprised to know that…

I can’t ride a bike, and my go-to cosplay is The Valkyrie from Thor.

Advice I’d give myself if I were just starting out?

Think more about what you’re going to say and how others might perceive that message, but equally don’t hold back if you have an opinion as everyone’s voice has a right to be heard. Ultimately, there’s a right place and a right time for everything – just learn how to read the room.