The Spark Cast

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 ©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.

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 ©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.

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 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.

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 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.

Growing up in the sprawling serenity of Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Amy Tang's childhood is brimming with rural charm and the purest of pleasures but Amy's dreams and aspirations for the performing arts were bigger than her small-town roots. Her story is one of transformation, from farm life to city dwelling, and how the stark contrast of Winnipeg's urban sprawl shaped her cultural identity and nurtured her dreams of one day gracing the stage as a Disney princess. In our conversation, Amy shares the unpredictability of her career, from the world of voice acting and a career in the healthcare sector which started as a part-time job that evolved into a passion for supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities. The entirety of her experience has led her to her current position as a supervising producer, supporting and leading artists to do their best work. Episode Links: LinkedIn Mainframe Studios 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.

Rick Mischel’s journey took him from the electric buzz of Broadway in New York to the sunny embrace of South Florida and now as Founder and CEO of Artists Animation Studio, to Kelowna, BC. His early days as a Club Med kids' club counselor and a number of other unexpected roles laid the foundation for an extraordinary path through the entertainment realm, a journey that brought him to Vancouver for a tenure at Rainmaker Studios, where he faced the daunting challenge of steering the company away from the brink of disaster. He shares the bold decisions, the difficult layoffs, and the personal sacrifices made to keep the dream alive. It's a tale of resilience and leadership, where transparency and respect become the keystones of a remarkable recovery. His career in the boardrooms of Technicolor and Sony Pictures ImageWorks, and his pivotal role in the animation renaissance at Bardell have all led to this latest challenge: the formation of Artists Animation Studio where Rick looks forward to continuing a legacy of fostering a culture of creativity and innovation. Episode Links: Website 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.