VOLT Studios has brought Mike Nelson aboard as animation director. He will apply his artistry and expertise to enhance and build the content company’s creative offering in 3D animation and motion design.
“I’ve been wanting to step into the CGI/3D space forever,” said Steve Medin, VOLT founder, “but it was never the perfect time. Until now. And it’s helpful to do it with the perfect person for the job, isn’t it?”
Prior to joining VOLT, Nelson enjoyed a successful tenure at Pixel Farm, where he served as 3D artist and sr. animator for over a decade working on collaborations for such clients as Target, Best Buy, Dairy Queen, the Minnesota Twins, Toro and Wisconsin Lottery. It was at Pixel Farm that he first met Tom Jacobsen, now VOLT partner/creative director, and developed a longstanding friendship that organically led to this reunion at VOLT.
“We were very intentional about who we wanted to bring into this role–the relationship is as important within the company as it is with our clients,” explains Jacobsen. “Mike is a natural fit: he’s immensely talented, thoughtful, and someone we know and respect. It’s really about listening to client needs and supporting them with the right team, of which Mike is an essential part.”
Nelson’s interest in visual effects and animation was first sparked when, as a child, he saw the dinosaurs leap to life in Jurassic Park. This began a lifelong pursuit in understanding the evolution and mastering the craft of computer animation, visual effects, and motion design. This spirit of discovery and the power of designed storytelling led to a career and a calling. At the center of it all is the desire to help people realize their creative visions, from the spark of the initial pitch to delivering a final project. Nelson’s passion for the industry and creating community was also instrumental in his co-founding non-profit Nice Moves in 2016. The organization was established to cultivate an inspiring and diverse animation, VFX and motion graphics community in the Twin Cities and surrounding regions.
“This is a great and unique opportunity for all of us to unite and create together. The team at VOLT is so connected and invested in building relationships while delivering amazing work,” notes Nelson. “I know people say this a lot, but it just feels right, and I am excited to see what we do in collaboration.”
“Heretic” and “Maria” Set As Red Carpet Premieres At AFI Fest
The American Film Institute (AFI) has announced that Heretic, the psychological thriller starring Hugh Grant, and Maria, based on the life of opera singer Maria Callas starring Angelina Jolie, will round out the Red Carpet Premieres section at this year’s AFI Fest. The Heretic Gala Screening will take place on Thursday, October 24, and the Maria Gala Screening will be held on Saturday, October 26. The complete Red Carpet Premieres section includes the world premieres of Music By John Williams, Robert Zemeckis’ Here, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl and Clint Eastwood’s Juror #2. All Red Carpet Premieres will take place at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre. The full lineup for AFI Fest 2024 will be unveiled on October 1.
“At the heart of AFI Fest is an unwavering dedication to celebrating the best in global cinema--together,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI president and CEO. “We look forward to uniting artists and audiences once again to be inspired by the art form in a powerful sense of community.”
Heretic follows two young missionaries (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) who are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong door and are greeted by a diabolical Mr. Reed (portrayed by Grant), becoming ensnared in his deadly game of cat-and-mouse. The film is directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods and produced by Stacey Sher, Beck, Woods, Julia Glausi and Jeanette Volturno. The film will be released nationwide by A24 on November 8.
Directed by Pablo Larraín, Maria presents a tumultuous and beautiful depiction of one of the world’s most renowned artists and reimagines the legendary soprano in her final days in Paris, as Callas (Jolie)... Read More