Pascal Burtin shares insights into his career journey, inspirations, and personal achievements in this interview. From his early interest in science and math to his current role as a Rigging Supervisor at Mikros Animation, Pascal reflects on the experiences and motivations that have shaped his professional path.
- What is the best aspect of your job?
Finishing a project is always a personal pleasure, but working in a wonderful team is even better.
- What was the first project you worked on when you joined Mikros Animation?
I was hired to supervise the rigging on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, although I initially thought it was for Franklin.
- Can you share your educational and professional journey to your position at Mikros Animation?
I never really fit into the traditional school system; I mainly wanted to stay close to my friends in high school and would draw on the desks. I followed the advice of teachers who thought I was good at science, even though I only liked math, so I pursued a course in Industrial Science and Technology, Mechanical Engineering. In my opinion, these were my first steps towards the animation industry because I learned the basics of automation and everything that would attract me to rigging. After high school and a few years of wandering, working as a frozen food salesman, undertaker, and other jobs, I decided to resume my studies and applied to Georges Méliès School.
Fortunately, I was selected thanks to my determination during the interview. I embarked on 4 years of study during which I discovered rigging, which would change my life forever because I was one of the few in my class interested in it, and I loved it.
After graduating, I was quickly hired for mobile games at Supamonks, and since then I have never stopped working, moving through Studio Hari for children’s productions that forged my first experiences and contacts in the industry, a bit of advertising at Mathematic, then Fortiche, which is still my longest professional experience to date as an artist, gradually climbing the ranks to supervision.
Settled comfortably in my life, my profile as a young supervisor caught the interest of Mikros Montreal who contacted me, and I thought, ‘why not’. Seizing the opportunity, here I am.
- What inspires you or who inspires you?
Breaking down the workings of nature to simulate them in animation and marveling at the complexity of everything around us.
- If you had to be a character from Mikros Animation films and series, who would you be?
Leonardo from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, always striving to live up to the role assigned to him.
- Your greatest achievement so far?
Nothing compares to the birth of a child.
- What superpower would you like to have?
Talking to animals would be a blast.
- What advice would you give to your younger self?
Stay curious, ask the right questions. Failure is the most natural form of learning.
