Podcast
The Spark Cast
Hosted by The Spark podcast is a production of the Spark Computer Graphics Society. · EN
The Spark podcast is a bi-weekly show exploring the creativity, technology, and business of CG.
The show is produced by the Spark Computer Graphics Society. Fore more about Spark, visit sparkcg.org
20episodes
Episodes
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S02E07: Denver Jackson — The One-Man Animation Studio
Mar 13Tap to summarizeDenver Jackson has always wanted to be a storyteller. In 2012, he began his journey by creating a 9-minute short film titled Cloudrise. Nine years later, Cloudrise is an independent studio, and Denver has made three short films, a webseries, and now an upcoming feature film titled Esluna: The Crown of Babylon. We recently spoke with Denver about his creative process, working as a solo animator, and how he overcame the challenges of making a feature film on his own. Table of Content 00:00 – Welcome 00:30 – Introduction 01:12 – Learning by Doing 08:59 – Visual & Storytelling Style 20:53 – One-Person Ensemble 30:20 – Getting the Job Done 41:30 – Upcoming Projects Episode Links Cloudrise Pictures Denver Jackson on IMDb Cloudrise (Short) ESLUNA: The First Monolith (Web Series) Esluna: The Crown of Babylon (Feature) Host: Marina Antunes Sound & Music: Michael Edlund ©2021 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved.
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S07E02: Joan Collins: From Canvas to Code
Feb 13, 2025Tap to summarizeJoan Collins' artistic journey is a tale of unexpected twists and boundless creativity. As a young artist, Joan found herself deeply rooted in traditional art forms until she saw Supertramp live and found herself mesmerized by the multimedia magic of the concert. This pivotal moment set Joan on a path that would merge her love for art with the allure of visual technology. From crafting vibrant concert posters in college to exploring the digital realm in her graduate studies at UCLA, Joan's transition from watercolor and oil to the world of computer graphics is as inspiring as it is transformative. In our conversation, Joan unveils the challenges and triumphs of producing tech shows for SIGGRAPH. What started as modest presentations transformed under her visionary touch into grand spectacles. Joan's ambition saw her pushing boundaries, which, as she candidly shares, sometimes led to unforeseen hurdles. Tune in to hear how Joan navigated these challenges and glean insights into how traditional and digital art can harmonize to create something truly extraordinary. Episode Links: Website LinkedIn Host: Marina Antunes Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman ©2025 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved. Thank you to our sponsors! MEGABYTE: Creative BC. KILOBYTE: Industrial Light & Magic · Sony Pictures Imageworks · The Little Dev Shop. BYTE: BCIT · Vancouver Film School · WildBrain Studios. PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH · SIGGRAPH Asia · INFilm. ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.
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S07E01: Nick Park: Crafting Icons
Jan 30, 2025Tap to summarizeWhat inspires a creative genius to transform the mundane into the magical? Join us as we uncover the origins of a celebrated animator whose journey began in the gritty yet charming landscape of Preston. With stories that intertwine personal history with artistic evolution, Nick Park shares how a childhood steeped in creativity led to a lifelong passion for animation. Drawing from a tapestry of early experiences, including the influence of a photographer father and tailor mother, we explore the whimsical elements that define iconic works like Wallace and Gromit. Our conversation traverses the early days of stop-motion magic, fueled by an adventurous spirit and family support. At the heart of Nick’s creative journey are beloved projects like A Grand Day Out and Creature Comforts, which garnered acclaim even before the age of social media virality. We celebrate the slow crescendo of Wallace and Gromit's cultural impact, revealing how these characters came to embody the quintessential charm of British animation. We also pull back the curtain on the collaborative artistry that breathes life into these timeless characters. This conversation is a heartfelt homage to the enduring legacy of Wallace and Gromit, a testament to Nick’s inventive craftsmanship, and a warm tribute to the personal influences that continue to inspire. Episode Links: Film Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Host: Marina Antunes Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman ©2025 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved. Thank you to our sponsors! TERABYTE: Creative BC. MEGABYTE: Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix. KILOBYTE: Bardel Entertainment · Industrial Light & Magic · Sony Pictures Imageworks · The Little Dev Shop · WildBrain Studios. BYTE: Cinesite · DigiBC · Vancouver Film School · Wētā FX. PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH · SIGGRAPH Asia · INFilm. ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.
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S06E021: Lera Nyukalova: Driven to Create
Dec 28, 2024Tap to summarizeThere was little doubt that Lera Nyukalova would be an artist. Her first foray into art was sketching Sailor Moon but her passion and drive to learn and challenge herself led her first to university to study architecture and eventually to make the move from Kazakhstan to Vancouver to further her practice. Lera found solace and inspiration in the dynamic urban landscape of the city, keeping a visual diary that would eventually become "Visual Diaries," a collection of paintings that span a decade of personal memories, emotions, and the ever-evolving beauty of Vancouver. In our conversation with Lera, she shares her tale of growth, harnessing both familial encouragement and the sprawling resources of internet forums to refine her craft amidst the biting critiques that shaped her resilient spirit. She also shares insights into the blending of job-honed techniques with bold forays into 3D modelling, all while maintaining the integrity of her vision against the relentless tick of the clock. Episode Links Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn IMDb Facebook Host: Marina Antunes Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman ©2024 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved. Thank you to our sponsors! TERABYTE: Creative BC. MEGABYTE: Animal Logic. KILOBYTE: Bardel Entertainment · Industrial Light & Magic · The Little Dev Shop · Sony Pictures Imageworks · WildBrain Studios. BYTE:Cinesite · DigiBC · Vancouver Film School. PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH · SIGGRAPH Asia. ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.
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S06E01: Sam Fell: From Junk to Clay
Dec 28, 2024Tap to summarizeSam Fell was always drawn to creation and in the 1980s, he found himself in London, studying fine art and making interdisciplinary works of art, junk sculptures with speakers and cassette tapes inside, and eventually adding mechanics to move his works. It was around this time that he rediscovered stop-motion animation and the works of The Quay Brothers and Jan Švankmajer. Sam taught himself stop motion and eventually, found himself making the trek from London to Bristol, the home of Aardman Animations. He felt at home in the artist-driven studio where he continued to hone his craft and storytelling from Peter Lord, before embarking on his career as a director. In our conversation, Sam shares his road to the director’s chair, from his early days as a directionless teen in London to working with Peter Lord in the early years of Aardman to his move into CG and the blending of tech and tradition that has led to his latest feature film Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget. Episode Links Website IMDb Watch Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget Host: Marina Antunes Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman ©2024 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved. Thank you to our sponsors! TERABYTE: Creative BC. MEGABYTE: Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix. KILOBYTE: Atomic Cartoons · Bardel Entertainment · Doberman Pictures · DNEG · Image Engine · Industrial Light & Magic · The Little Dev Shop · Mainframe Studios · Sony Pictures Imageworks · WildBrain Studios. BYTE: Animasia BC · CMPA BC · Digi BC · NOX VFX · Rotomaker · Scanline VFX · Vancouver Film School · Versatile Media · Walt Disney Animation Studios · Wētā FX. PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH · SIGGRAPH Asia. ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.
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S06E16: Jeff Chiba Stearns: Finding Creative Bliss
Sep 12, 2024Tap to summarizeJeff Chiba Stearns’ transformative journey is one of a filmmaker whose creative roots trace back to a childhood spent on an orchard in Kelowna. Growing up in a remote setting, Jeff’s early experiences shaped his strong work ethic and artistic aspirations. Alongside apple picking, he was captivated by satellite TV of the 90s and its mix of “Japanimation” and adult cartoons. It was here that Jeff began to develop a style and unique creative voice that was later honed while attending animation school at Emily Carr University of Art and Design. Those early days of finding his place in Vancouver’s thriving indie animation scene helped Jeff build a network and a resiliency that has supported him throughout his career. It was the unexpected success of a personal project made out of desperation that changed his life forever. In this episode, Jeff speaks candidly about his approach to animation as a form of self-reflection, shares insights into his creative process as a storyteller whose work spans not only animation but also illustration, documentary filmmaking, graphic novels, children’s books and education, and stresses the importance of carving out a niche in the creative world. Episode Links: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Host: Marina Antunes Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman ©2024 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved. Thank you to our sponsors! TERABYTE: Creative BC. MEGABYTE: Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix. KILOBYTE: Bardel Entertainment · Industrial Light & Magic · Sony Pictures Imageworks · The Little Dev Shop · WildBrain Studios. BYTE: Cinesite · DigiBC · Vancouver Film School · Wētā FX. PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH · SIGGRAPH Asia · INFilm. ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.
Transcribe →S06E15: Ginger Alford: Fusing Creativity and Technology
Aug 29, 2024Tap to summarizeEver wondered how a mix of structured logic and creative expression can shape a tech career? Growing up with a mathematician father and an artsy mother, Ginger Alford's unique perspective led her to a vibrant career in software engineering and computer graphics. Discover how a pivot from philosophy to computer science and an unexpected encounter with SIGGRAPH sparked Ginger's passion for advanced graphics and interactive techniques. Tune in as we explore Ginger's career, from her work on heads-up displays to her dedication to public engagement, including teaching at SMU to inspiring young minds at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. Hear how she makes math and science accessible and fun, emphasizing the creative aspects of these subjects. We also dive into the evolving landscape of AI, immersive experiences, and the future of tech and storytelling. Ginger discusses the significance of SIGGRAPH as a hub for art and science collaboration and shares practical advice on balancing professional and personal commitments. Episode Links: Website LinkedIn Host: Marina Antunes Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman ©2024 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved. Thank you to our sponsors! TERABYTE: Creative BC. MEGABYTE: Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix. KILOBYTE: Bardel Entertainment · Industrial Light & Magic · Sony Pictures Imageworks · The Little Dev Shop · WildBrain Studios. BYTE: Cinesite · DigiBC · Vancouver Film School · Wētā FX. PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH · SIGGRAPH Asia · INFilm. ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.
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S06E14: Justine Emard: Art in the Data Stream
Aug 15, 2024Tap to summarizeJustine Emard is a visual artist whose career is a mix of relentless innovation and defiance of the art world's conventional boundaries. Her story isn't just about creation; it's a narrative that charts her evolution as an artist who integrates the realms of technology, dance, and music into a symphony of digital and physical installations that have captured the international stage. In this episode, Justine shares her creative process, revealing how she finds harmony in the cacophony of virtual reality, coding, and augmented reality. Her collaborations with scientists, from the depths of archaeological discoveries to the peaks of neuroscience, are not merely a fusion of disciplines, but a dance where art and science elevate each other. Justine's reflections on inspiration, drawn from the elegance of natural systems to the intricate world of Japanese robotics, serve as a beacon for anyone navigating the creative landscape. But it's not all about the art itself; it's also about the creator's journey as Justine discusses the significance of errors and the transformative potential they hold within the creative odyssey. Episode Links: Website Instagram Facebook Twitter Host: Marina Antunes Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman ©2024 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved. Thank you to our sponsors! TERABYTE: Creative BC. MEGABYTE: Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix. KILOBYTE: Bardel Entertainment · Industrial Light & Magic · Sony Pictures Imageworks · The Little Dev Shop · WildBrain Studios. BYTE: Cinesite · DigiBC · Vancouver Film School · Wētā FX. PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH · SIGGRAPH Asia · INFilm. ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.
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S06E13: Jorge R. Gutiérrez: Embracing Failure
Jul 18, 2024Tap to summarizeJorge R. Gutiérrez is a visionary Mexican filmmaker whose colorful childhood on the US-Mexico border turned into a rich tapestry of storytelling. Growing up in 1980s Tijuana, Jorge faced cultural clashes and tense encounters that sparked his creative fire. Hear how a serendipitous twist led him to CalArts at just 17 years old, and discover his candid reflections on navigating the animation industry. Jorge talks about the importance of authenticity and how staying true to his roots brought projects like The Book of Life to life. Get an inside look at how budget constraints and technological advancements shape his creative decisions, with fascinating insights into the VR experience Son of Jaguar. Jorge also opens up about his autism diagnosis, sharing how it has influenced his life and work. This episode is a tribute to embracing failure, taking risks, and living a life filled with extraordinary experiences. Episode Links: Website Instagram IMDb Host: Marina Antunes Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman ©2024 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved. Thank you to our sponsors! TERABYTE: Creative BC. MEGABYTE: Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix. KILOBYTE: Bardel Entertainment · Industrial Light & Magic · Sony Pictures Imageworks · The Little Dev Shop · WildBrain Studios. BYTE: Cinesite · DigiBC · Vancouver Film School · Wētā FX. PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH · SIGGRAPH Asia · INFilm. ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.
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S06E12: Alyssa Zarate: Betting on Yourself
Jul 4, 2024Tap to summarizeFrom the quiet beginnings in a Malaysian town to the vibrant creative landscape of Christchurch, Alyssa Zarate’s journey is one of determination. With a passion for film and a dream to create but no direct line on how to get there, Alyssa’s career began in programming and over the years has evolved into a set of skills that have shaped her and her career. From supporting herself with hospitality jobs between gigs, training in several different programs and taking jobs in diverse disciplines, she never lost sight of the final goal: storytelling. Alyssa constantly took chances, risks, and seized opportunities that would later prove invaluable. In this conversation, Alyssa shares her story of perseverance, and how she went from labouring over matte paintings to contributing to notable series and films including "Spartacus" and Prometheus before finding herself in Vancouver and a long tenure at Sony Pictures ImageWorks before taking yet another leap: giving back to the community via her new project The VFX Mentor. Episode Links: Website LinkedIn Host: Marina Antunes Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman ©2024 Spark CG Society · All Rights Reserved. Thank you to our sponsors! TERABYTE: Creative BC. MEGABYTE: Animal Logic · Capilano University · Netflix. KILOBYTE: Bardel Entertainment · Industrial Light & Magic · Sony Pictures Imageworks · The Little Dev Shop · WildBrain Studios. BYTE: Cinesite · DigiBC · Vancouver Film School · Wētā FX. PARTNERS: ACM SIGGRAPH · SIGGRAPH Asia · INFilm. ORGANIZERS: Spark CG Society · Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH.
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