The Spark Cast by The Spark podcast is a production of the Spark Computer Graphics Society.

February 13, 2025 S07E02: Joan Collins: From Canvas to Code

Joan 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

Host: Marina Antunes

Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund

Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman

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.

0 min

January 30, 2025 S07E01: Nick Park: Crafting Icons

What 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

Host: Marina Antunes

Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund

Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman

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.

48 min

September 12, 2024 S06E16: Jeff Chiba Stearns: Finding Creative Bliss

Jeff 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

Host: Marina Antunes

Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund

Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman

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.

0 min

September 10, 2024 S06E16: Jeff Chiba Stearns: Finding Creative Bliss

0 min

August 30, 2024 S06E15: Ginger Alford: Fusing Creativity and Technology

49 min

August 29, 2024 S06E15: Ginger Alford: Fusing Creativity and Technology

Ever 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

Host: Marina Antunes

Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund

Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman

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.

49 min

August 15, 2024 S06E14: Justine Emard: Art in the Data Stream

Justine 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

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.

56 min

July 18, 2024 S06E13: Jorge R. Gutiérrez: Embracing Failure

Jorge 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

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.

1 hr 14 min

July 04, 2024 S06E12: Alyssa Zarate: Betting on Yourself

From 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

Host: Marina Antunes

Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund

Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman

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.

1 hr 4 min

June 13, 2024 S06E11: Wilson Tang: Outside the Box

By his own admission, Wilson Tang’s career path has been

anything but linear but one constant has guided his choices:

change.

Beginning his career as an architect, his passion for design

and the urge to create worlds led Wilson to leap into

animation, a step in his career that would make him the ideal

candidate for Industrial Light & Magic. Just when he

thought he’d made it, his itch to try something new led him to

Electronic Arts to build and lead the Need for Speed

team.

The advent of cellular phones and the growing mobile gaming

market caught Wilson’s attention and in 2010, he co-founded

Exploding Barrel Games, a mobile game studio that proved so

successful that it was acquired by Kabam in 2013. After over a

decade in the gaming industry, Wilson has taken on his next

project, this time in the evolving landscapes of AR and VR.

In our conversation, Wilson shares the strategic vision that

guides YumeBau and the potential for immersive technology to

shape our future. He shares insights into the future of VR,

offering creative tips for those looking to stay ahead in the

industry amidst the rise of AI and other emerging

technologies. He also reflects on the significance of

creativity and the invaluable lessons he hopes to pass down to

future generations, emphasizing the importance of nurturing

one's artistic passions and the power of collaboration.

Episode Links:

Website

Host: Marina Antunes

Opening & Closing Credits by: Michael Edlund

Produced & Edited by: Joshua Peterman

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.

54 min

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