MEET THE TEAM
Where we showcase the many different talents from around our studio. From animators to programmers, no one is safe!
This time around we brought in Tony Power, Senior Coordinator for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! Not only is Tony the go-to guy for all things Turtles, but he’s also the resident NHL fanatic, spreading his love for the Canucks everywhere he goes. We’re on Bardel Culture though, so we’ll keep the focus strictly on animation – Sorry Tony!
>>So Tony, how did you become involved with Animation Production?
It was a government sponsored training program, CANAPRO, for Animation Production Assistants. The program was initiated by Bardel back in 1990 to develop industry ready staff for projects. I have always had an artistic bent, but the training program enabled me to get involved within an artistic environment. It was the chance of a lifetime for me!
>>The industry has changed quite a bit since then!
From the Oxberry Camera to the Maya Camera… Animation Cel Paint to HD Pixel Power… It has been quite the journey!
Tony Back in the Day – Rockin the flow!
>>That journey has seen you at several Bardel Studio locations over the years, hasn’t it?
I started on “Tiny Toons” at the Railway Street studio, then onto “Eight Crazy Nights” on Robson. I came back during the early days of the current Beatty location for Happily N’ever After and two seasons of Viva Pinata, and after some time elsewhere, back again for recent Nickelodeon projects.
>>Other than TMNT, what other Nickelodeon projects have you been involved with?
After being away from Bardel for several years, I came back to be involved with a series based around the Jimmy Neutron character called “Planet Sheen” It was rewarding to be back working on Bardel projects with so many artists who I had worked with in the past. “Planet Sheen” led to several “FanBoy & Chum Cum” episodes, which eventually led to Turtles.
>>In between Bardel projects what other studios did you work at?
Animation can be a nomadic industry based on project availability and suitability. Over the years I have worked at several VFX studios (LostBoys, Artifex, Prime Focus) and Animation Studios (Delaney&Friends, Walt Disney Animation Canada). My LinkedIn account looks like a Vancouver Animation roadmap!
>>Has there been anything consistent throughout your time in animation?
The people. It is really all about the people – the artists and administration people that you get to know and work with. Projects come and go, but the relationships that you develop are what really matter. These relationships cross over from studio to studio.
>>Any final advice for those looking to get involved in Animation Production?
Take time to care about and get to know the people you work with. Network within the industry and keep an eye out for opportunities to grow as an artist or administrator. Develop strong industry relationships – you never know when a work relationship from yesteryear brings about a current opportunity.
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With over Twenty years of Animation & VFX Studio Production experience Tony has worked with a wide range of clients, company corporate structures & production crews as Production Coordinator, Production Manager & Line Producer. Tony is currently at Bardel Entertainment as senior Production Coordinator working on the TV CG Anim series TMNT Season Two for the Nickelodeon Network.
Stay tuned to Bardel Culture – and make sure to say hi to Tony in the comments below! You can also follow him on Twitter.
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