HELLO MARCO, LET’S START WITH HOW DID YOU GET YOUR JOB IN GAMES?
After dedicating four years to studying computer animation, I eagerly set out to find a job in the industry. Luckily, a friend from my university days was already working as an animator at a mobile gaming studio. He put in a good word for me, and before I knew it, I was back working alongside him. It just proves that connections can make all the difference in this field.
WHAT DO YOU DO DAY-TO-DAY?
In my role as a technical animator, my daily duties revolve around refining and optimising animations for seamless integration into gameplay or cinematics. A profound understanding of the game engine’s functionalities like Blendspaces, Statemachines, and Animation Blueprints is essential for tailoring each animation to its intended function. Another big part of my job is making sure characters look and move naturally by tweaking their rigs and skinning, ensuring that character movements appear natural without any jarring deformations and that the rigs meet the animation teams requirements for animating the characters with ease.
WHAT MOST EXCITES YOU ABOUT YOUR ROLE?
Solving problems and fixing bugs can be very rewarding, especially when you initially don’t understand the root of the issue. Don’t get me wrong; it can be frustrating at times. However, when you discover how to resolve and fix the issue, the sense of achievement and knowledge gained from the process are exciting because you never know what you’ll learn with the next bug.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE ASPIRING TO BE A TECHNICAL ANIMATOR?
Finding the sweet spot between artistic vision and technical expertise is key. With my background in animation, I’ve always had a knack for crafting realistic animations. Pair that with a deep dive into Unreal Engine’s intricacies and staying in the loop with its latest developments, and you’ve got the recipe for success as an aspiring technical animator.
WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT WORKING AT BALLISTIC MOON?
Ballistic Moon has a fantastic working culture. The team is very inclusive and in my two years at the company I have always been made to feel like and integral member. I largely contribute this to the friendly nature of our directors, leads and producers who always encourage our ideas. Not to mention that the weekly football matches, monthly team meeting and seasonal parties go along way to make everyone feel included whilst creating team bonding moments that always improve upon the close-knit culture we have at this studio.
ANY FUN FACTS OR HOBBIES?
During my free time, I stay active by hitting the gym regularly for boxing and calisthenic workouts. I’m also a passionate football enthusiast, both playing and watching matches. Growing up in Islington North London, I’m a die-hard Arsenal fan, so weekends often revolve around cheering them on with friends and family over drinks and a traditional roast dinner. Additionally, I’m an avid consumer of TV shows and films, immersing myself in a variety of genres every night. Whether it’s drama, documentary, animation, or reality TV, I’m always eager to tune in. Some of my most recent favourites include Fallout, Shogun, Ted Lasso, Blackbird, Baby Reindeer, Invincible, and Married at First Sight.
THANKS MARCO!