Autodesk Insider enjoyable part, though, has to be the client facing side. It’s always great to be showing a group of users a new tool or workflow in 3ds Max. It’s rare to see such enthusiasm in any other job. We are in a unique industry where people are truly passionate for the work they are creating, whether it’s a building or online advertising campaign. Most days, I can be found driving or flying to visit a client, to discuss the work they’ve created, or an upcoming project. I think it’s fair to say customers now view Autodesk differently, more as advisors. It’s refreshing to receive a call from a customer who wants to discuss their latest challenge or competitive bid. Within the Autodesk portfolio of 100+ products, 3ds Max is certainly the most diverse. The customers I deal with can be a games studio, TV studio, an architectural practice, armed forces, or a police forensics department. The tools remain the same, but the workflows and terminology are certainly varied. For me, this helps to keep the job a challenge and enjoyable. Since 2005, I don’t think I’ve had one day the same.
perience ranging from working on ‘Girls Aloud’ music videos, being a part of the pre-vis for the James Bond movies, ranging to the area that concerns most of your members, architectural visualisation.
What kind of challenges do you and those you work with face?
Each group member has his own core product focus. Two team members focus on 3ds Max, three focus on Maya, and the remainder focus on what we call the Creative Finishing tools—Lustre, Flame and Smoke. If you’re not familiar with these last three applications, they are used heavily in the film and TV worlds. These tools allow you to change the mood of a film sequence, add computer generated elements into film, or remove blemishes on actors. This is an area that many people are unaware Autodesk is involved with.
One of the biggest challenges is ensuring users are kept informed with the latest advancements and are getting the most out of 3ds Max and everything else associated with it. There are many tools that get overlooked. For instance, the craft animation tools are fantastic for driving vehicles over terrain, with suspension that automatically behaves as you would expect. Another challenge is simply staying on top of the emails. The amount of emails I receive has significantly risen over the past two I’m certainly happiest years. Whether they are from channel partners asking for complex advice on when out of the office workflows, customers asking for help with customers, with tools, or internal emails regarding day to day admin. All of them seem to chatting about their involve more than a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ challenges. I’m certainly happiest when out of the office with customers, chatting about their challenges.
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Can you say how many people work with you or perhaps how the work you do is shared? The Team is made up of seven talented artists who cover a huge range of products and languages. Each of the guys has strong production ex54 www.augi.com
Do you have a role at Autodesk University or other events?
I’ve been lucky enough to present at AU over the last few years, and hope to do so again this year. As I spend my working life presenting at events, I try to hold back and keep AU as an event where I get to sit back and learn from some brilliant speakers. The event itself continues to be a highlight for me and is often a chance to catch up with some friends across the pond. Another event that has grown over the past few years is ‘EUE’ near Amsterdam. This is an excellent event for anyone involved with 3ds Max, and this year had an exceptional list of guest speakers, ranging from architectural to film and games.
September 2011