The Animator Element: Rolando Perez-Palacios
Why did you choose Vancouver for your Animation Education?
I was looking for a Classical Animation Program; I wanted to learn the Animation Principles. My best option was the Vancouver Institute of Media Arts (Vanarts) because of personal references and an intensive year was great for me. I also was interested in attending Sheridan College but it was a 3-year program, that implied more time and more money to spend. That is why I ended up at Vancouver, it was an amazing experience. I found this city very cultural, fun to live in and friendly!
Was it difficult to get a Work Visa?
After my graduation at Vanarts I was living in Vancouver because my wife was studying too. I gathered all my papers (Vanarts Diploma, personal papers, BA degree in Graphic Design Communication, etc.) and applied for a Work permit. About three months later I got it in the mail!
Before you went back to Mexico City, you had a couple of offers from animation studios based in Vancouver, why didn't you accept them?
The original plan was to study and return to Mexico City, I already had 3D work experience and some industry contacts there, I wanted to take my new Classical Animation skills and apply them to Computer Animation. It was great to come back to Mexico City and return to the industry after being a student again. I got an offer from a well known studio to work on TV commercials for one year and then I had an offer to work in a Featured Film!
But I’ll never discard the opportunity to go back to Vancouver to work and live there.
Working on a Feature Film is an Animator's dream, now you are working on one. How's that going?
Feature Films were a totally a new world for me, in the past I’ve heard things and read different experiences from a lot of people. Now that I am working on a movie I realize it’s a great experience to be part of a big team, very intense but very different from working for Television.
The movie its a 3D Animated Featured Film, I work as an Animator. Sometimes things are unsure in the sense that there are a lot of things to know and to research, you really need to know that what you are doing fits with the style and needs of the show, you often ask for Director’s feedback. We’re already in production and in every frame I try to put all my work and education experience, including tips and advise from more experienced animators and friends.
I have learned a lot since I’ve been here; I hope to learn more because I really want to bring life to the characters I animate.
We always have to keep in mind that this is a team effort; every shot is a mix of everyone’s talent and work. The best advice I can give to anyone is to be honest, work hard, enjoy every frame you work on, and above all; always keep a good attitude!
What does your wife think about all the hours you put into your work?
My wife has been a great support in my profession. She’s a Graphic Designer too and also in the film industry, she is aware of the hours you sometimes need to invest in your work.
A lot of times I spend hours at work and then come back home to work over night. Sometimes is necessary but I don’t want to get used to it, because I am trying to balance work and family, meet deadlines at work, but also spend time with my wife and family, relax during the weekend and charge my batteries for the upcoming week.
Rolando Perez-Palacios is the definition of persistence; at an early age he knew he wanted to attend a Classical Animation Program in Canada. For seven years he financially organized his life to study in Canada. In August 2005 he Graduated with Honors from one of the best Classical Animation Schools in North America.
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