3DTotal:You mentioned that you didn't have much experience in feature films. Did it feel like you where jumping in at the deep end when you where offered the position for working at Framestore?
Robert: Well, not really, I think there isn't a lot of difference between working on features or on commercials. In features you have more time to make your shot really good, your work is more specialist and the period of time you are on a project is longer and the organisation structure is much bigger. More people coordinating other people…I think it was much more difficult, going to a new country and working there for the first time. Everything is so new and somehow very stressful, having to find a place to sleep, your working in a new environment, a new living environment even a new culture... everything. It was interesting to see, how a company like Framestore works and how it was to be part of a machine like that. But what’s also interesting to see, is that the big companies are also cooking with water. (This is a German expression for saying; there is no magic, even though the results are so good) It is all about money, time and people.

3DTotal: Could you tell us to what are you currently working on at the moment?
Robert: Well, I can’t tell you much, I'm still working on it and I'm not allowed to say a lot, but I can tell you this. The movie is called "Lizzi und der wilde Kaiser", it is a CGI movie from the director, Bullie Herbich, he was the director of 2 of the most successful feature films in Germany. These movies are called "Schuh des Manituh" and "Traumschif Surprise" There is a trailer online so everybody who is interested can take a look. But it is a very, very funny movie.

There will be 3 movies out next year that I have worked on ."Happily Never After", "Donkey Xote", and "Lizzi und der wilde Kaiser" and I worked on all of them in Germany.		  
    Travelling around for some time is a great experience, but after a while it gets very strenuous. You always have to get to know new people, make new friends, all the new working environment and places you live in and new cultures. It's very stressful and apart from that if you don’t be careful you can loose a lot of your social contacts. I met some animators who were some what older and they were travelling from work to work and they were very lonely. For me, I don’t want that. It gets more difficult if you have a girlfriend, for me I want to be with her, a relationship over distance is not an option over time, so either she comes and has to find work, after getting a work visa for that country, or I stay with her in Germany.

3DTotal: With working as a character modeller for Ambient Entertainment as well as other industry projects, how did you find time to produce your short the 'Dragon Slayer'?
Robert: I was always working along side my private projects, some how you have to earn money for a living. So working here on a commercial for 2 weeks, there for 3 weeks, on a feature for 3 months and between that work on a short film. That’s fine, and don’t forget, people helping me out also can help me out while I am working.

3DTotal: With having produced your own animation 'Dragon Slayer', what advice would you give to other artist that are thinking on embarking on this adventure?
Robert: Well, what is the reason you want to make a movie? Do you want to tell other people something

that you have in mind, and you think it is important enough that the whole world would want to see it? Or do you want to make a small animation piece to show your skills and get some attention from companies to help find a good job. Or do you want to show what skills you have and get some respect and praise from the community? Is your idea something that can be shown at film festivals, more art like or is it more the commercial kind of work.

Depending on this question, I would plan my movie. Either put more work into the story development or into your special skill like animation. If you want to show your animation skill, you probably don’t need any fancy renderings or visual effects, so don’t waste time on that. But try not to make it longer than 3 min. I think in general you need a lot of discipline, the best way to not loose your motivation is planning the movie with a good story. Make a time schedule and try to hit the deadlines. I know this doesn't sound like a lot of fun, but discipline is the best way to finish the movie on time. A good story, max. 3 min is perfect for a short film. Don’t make the same mistake like I did, Don’t make it to long. Have a good overview over the production time, so it wont be so easy to loose the focus. By finding the story concentrate on what you want to show, any special skills, animation, modelling or make a good short film. I think in generally, a good joke suits the needs of a 3min short film best. Shorter is even better, it is less work and the audience doesn't loose focus.
   
 
And only use a few characters as this will help you focus on what is important.

3DTotal: If you could name one artist that has been a major influences in your career who would it be?
Robert: There is so much inspiration out there, so many great artists that can be found on the Internet. I cant really say which of them has had the most influence, there are just so many to name across the whole World.

3DTotal: You seem to be a very busy man. What’s sorts of things do you enjoy doing away form the computer screen?
Robert: I like to be with my girlfriend and my friends, eating good food, doing sports, going for walks
when the weather is nice, relaxing and enjoying life as much as possible. It is a shame that we don’t always know and appreciate how good our life is. Especially people in Europe. However, I try to be
aware of it as much as possible. When small problems disappear and you can focus on what is important in life. For me, to be healthy and to have good friends. Sure and good work.

3DTotal: Well it has been a pleasure talking with you. One more question before we finish.
What has been the most memorable moment in your 3d career?
Robert: I think it's always when I arrive at a new company and get to know the people there. The first day and then after a while when I am in the groove, but it is more a feeling than one moment. Oh, there was one moment when I was talking at the 3D Festival in Copenhagen, it was very exciting to speak in front of many people... ah, and it was an amazing feeling at the beginning of 3d to make your first camera flight and make your own 3d stuff…very sweet.

Thanks a lot for the interview
    
 
 
 
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