The Framestore Podcast The Framestore Podcast

The Framestore Podcast, our learning and talent development focused podcast made by Framestore, for Framestore, is back this week with another thought provoking two-part episode!

In our second part, this week's guest co-host, Montreal based Technology Coordinator Patricia Lauzon, takes over the pod and interviews Manon, where we explore his career, inspirations, collaborations and lots more!

We hear more about working with Will.i.am on his new startup, Sound Drive, and explore Manon's role, which essentially involves creating "cool stuff" that intersects technology, consumer interests, and content. Additionally, we discuss how storytelling influences his work and Manon's love of traditional feature length films!

We get some Manon Dave 'exclusives' on the pod, including a fantasy collaboration with Philip Seymour Hoffman, and a glimpse into his childhood 'imaginary friend'. We also hear about Manon's passion for youth empowerment and his important work inspiring the next generation of creatives.

We hope you enjoy this inspiring conversation!

The Framestore Podcast, our learning and talent development focused podcast made by Framestore, for Framestore, is back with another fantastic new episode.

Every two weeks on Mondays, we welcome a special guest to the pod to answer questions about their inspirations, work at our studio, and career journey via the Framestore Podcast 'dailies' questions. Then, the following Thursday, we invite a guest 'co-host' from our global community to take over, engaging our guest in a deeper dive conversation for a valuable learning experience.

Our special guest this week is Creative Technology Director Manon Dave!

Manon is a product designer, inventor, musician, and creative technologist known for leveraging technology to create immersive experiences for the entertainment and education industries. He was behind two of TIME Magazine’s Top 100 Inventions of 2022 and has appeared on the list five times. Over his decade-long career, Manon has received numerous awards for innovation and design, including CES, iF, and Red Dot awards.

He has led product development for innovative UK startups like ROLI and Kano, with his products featured in Apple stores globally. As a creative director, Manon has worked with clients like Mercedes, HBO, and Christian Dior. In 2023, he became Artistic Director of TED Tech.

In music, Manon has co-written songs with will.i.am, PJ Morton, and Idris Elba, and produced for UK rap artist Che Lingo. His music has been featured in NBA2K, FIFA, and Apple ad campaigns. He also advises leading musical artists and is a published songwriter and producer with Universal Music.

Our co-host for this conversation is Technology Coordinator, Patricia Lauzon.

Patricia joined Framestore Montreal on reception in November 2019, then quickly moved into a Runner role, and then the Systems Support team where she’s been since September 2020.

A graduate of the NAD, School of Digital Arts, Animation and Design, where she studied 2D and 3D Animation, Modelling, Texturing and Rigging, Patricia is the perfect co-host for this weeks podcast.

We get into the fascinating career of Manon, a trailblazer whose journey spans from music production to product management. We discover what inspired Manon to navigate such varied roles and industries, and gain insights into the evolving intersection of art and innovation. With a rich background in both music and technology, Manon shares thoughts on the future of creativity in the age of AI and machine learning.

Manon shares his latest work on the inspiring film '1 in 100 Million,' celebrating the Refugee Olympic Team for Paris 2024. We discuss his sources of inspiration, his amazing mentors and personal journey managing imposter syndrome. Despite his many roles, including shaping the future of technology and creativity at Framestore, Manon remains humble and grounded.

Check out the inspiring '1 in 100 Million' at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztBUQAW89z4

The Framestore Podcast, our learning and talent development focused podcast made by Framestore, for Framestore, is back with another fantastic new episode.

In our second part, we continue to celebrate the stunning visual effects in TED Season 1 where Framestore's Melbourne studio reunited with Seth Macfarlane, a decade after TED 2, to create a prequel set in 1993 following the early exploits of sentient teddy bear Ted and his time with the Bennett family in Massachusetts.

Joining us on this weeks pod are:

VFX Supervisor, Glenn Melenhorst
Head of Animation, Nick Tripodi
VFX Producer, Pippa Sheen
CG Supervisor, Sam Doolan

Nick, Pippa, Sam and Glenn share their insights into the team dynamics working on the show, where the creative influences were coming from, how Production saved the day and the key elements that make the show work so well. Additionally, they acknowledge the evolution of the Ted 'playbook' and the science of 'bong simulation'.

We get into the new learnings the team gained from working on Season 1, a rare look into the motion capture process when recreating the character of Ted, plus what dailies meetings were like with director, Seth Macfarlane. We also get into some of the amazing lighting work displayed in this season, and the often unappreciated, invisible art of visual effects.

Enjoy!

The Framestore Podcast, our learning and talent development focused podcast made by Framestore, for Framestore, is back this week with another excellent new two-part episode!

In Episode 44, we're switching up our usual format to appreciate the remarkable visual effects achievement showcased in the hilarious TED Season 1.

Framestore’s Melbourne studio collaborated once again with Seth Macfarlane, a decade after their collaboration on TED 2, to deliver a 'longform' prequel set in 1993, delving into the early adventures of sentient teddy bear Ted and his time with the Bennett family in Massachusetts.

Joining us on the pod, we have four very special guests ready to dive into our customised Framestore Dailies questions:

VFX Supervisor Glenn Melenhorst
Head of Animation Nick Tripodi
VFX Producer Pippa Sheen
CG Supervisor Sam Doolan

We discuss the evolution of Ted's look and fur for this series in contrast to the movies, the significant hurdles encountered in bringing Ted to life again, particularly in light of technological advancements since TED 2, and the close partnership with Seth MacFarlane throughout the animation and VFX process. 

We also get into the shows excellent character acting, which Seth MacFarlane considered some of the finest he'd witnessed, how the team maximised the comedic timing of MacFarlane's dialogue, and we explore the positive collaboration of the Melbourne team on another TED project!

Find out more about our work on TED via our website at:

TED Season 1: https://www.framestore.com/work/ted-season-1
TED 2: https://www.framestore.com/work/ted-2

The Framestore Podcast, our learning and talent development focused podcast made by Framestore, for Framestore, is back this week with another thought provoking two-part episode!

In our second part, this week's guest co-host, Michael Savva, Technology Project Manager from the Global Production Technology team, takes over the pod and interviews Manpreet, where we explore leadership approaches, a shared background in engineering and lots more!

In the second part, we delve into project management strategies, fostering team growth and development, and trusting in systems and workflows. We also explore Manpreet's day-to-day experience of testing out new ideas, what fuels his enthusiasm for his role and how he stays updated and connected on his craft. 

We get into why a well-rounded skillset, including people management, embracing diverse perspectives, and a solution-oriented mindset are essential qualities for effective leadership. Plus, Manpreet shares his advice for those aspiring to enter a technical role in visual effects.

The Framestore Podcast, our learning and talent development focused podcast made by Framestore, for Framestore, is back this week with another thought provoking episode!

On Episode 43, we return to the world of 'management and leadership' with this weeks special guest Manpreet Singh, Head of Technical Operations for our Mumbai studio, a Framestore leader with a great reputation.

Joining us for this week's episodes as co-host is Michael Savva, Technology Project Manager from the Global Production Technology team.

Regular listeners will remember Episode 10, one year ago, when we caught up with Matt Hughes, Global Head of Modelling at Framestore. This episode serves as an invaluable companion piece for anyone interested in the craft of leadership and people management.

With over 20 years in IT and VFX, prior to Framestore, Manpreet led IT and Operations at Anibrain and consulted on tech and operations at Meticulous Ventures. He spent 4 years at TomTom as Global Technical Support Manager, overseeing data centres, leading a 50-person team, and earning a 'Greatest Boss in the World' certificate! With expertise from support to leadership, Manpreet excels as an IT strategist, team builder, and motivational speaker.

With more than 15 years of project management experience, Michael has merged his love for creative design with his project management expertise both at Framestore and through his freelance venture NEW ECW Productions since 2009. Prior to joining Framestore, Michael has worked in various roles spanning healthcare, digital transformation, IT project management, and the fashion and publishing sectors.

Manpreet reflects on his early days establishing the Mumbai studio, Manpreet and Michael share a common 'DNA' in project management and engineering, plus we hear about their approaches to leadership and how this shared foundation supports their collaborative efforts in guiding and nurturing teams. 

We get into learning from mistakes, the importance of being detail oriented, how Framestore was always on Manpreet and Michael's career 'wishlist' and the leadership lessons Manpreet learned from his father, a retired military officer.