Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Abramovici.
Hi Daniel, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Israel and moved to Toronto at age five, where I grew up. My dream as a kid was to move to LA and work in the film industry, not knowing what role exactly but knowing that I wanted to be around a lot of creativity. Growing up, I was fortunate to have parents who exposed me to many music and art forms. The older I got, I gravitated toward visual arts. I had, for as long as I can remember, always kept a sketchbook and painted. My interests grew very specifically in fine art painting, film, and animation. I studied illustration and computer animation at Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario. I have held many positions in the film industry ranging from character animator to compositor, stereographer, virtual reality developer, and various supervisory roles to currently a co-executive producer on an upcoming animated series for Nickelodeon. Throughout this, I have maintained a healthy habit of painting and continuously explored a unique voice visually in my personal work. Exhibiting work throughout the years in various galleries and cities has been a driving force in continuing this exploration.
I moved to New York City in my late twenties, where I worked during the day and painted at night. I have had this dual ambition for as long as I can remember. I have always maintained an open mind regarding the film industry, which has allowed me to explore several avenues, giving me a unique background as a producer. While on the east coast, I worked for Blue Sky Studios (the creators of Ice Age, Rio, and other animated films). My time there was magnificent; I grew as a person. They allowed me to explore my artist, supervisor, and management skills. I led several teams on various projects during my time there. After the Disney merger, I decided to move on. I packed up and moved my family to Los Angeles, where I live.
I am gearing up to produce a new body of artwork to exhibit this fall. The start is always the most challenging part for me. Getting to know your paint brushes again and the feel of the canvas. Painting is a very physical act; I involve my whole body. The movements don’t just come from the hand and wrist; to get energy in your lines, it has to come from within through the arm and out of the fingertips.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have shifted focus to various skills throughout my career, which has been quite challenging. I found myself getting bored doing one thing for too long. I started as a character animator twenty-three years ago and moved on after doing it for two years. From then on, I began a trend where I would switch roles every two to three years until I started at Blue Sky Studios, where I specialized in stereography (3D filmmaking). Even as a stereographer, each film brought new challenges. I also created a research and development initiative to explore immersive technologies within the studio, focusing on virtual reality when no one knew what to do with that tech. I usually start a role not knowing what I am doing and will quickly adapt. Adaptability is critical, especially with all the emerging technology, resulting in new ways of being.
I left Blue Sky Studios shortly after the Disney merger, which coincided with the onset of the covid 19 pandemic. I didn’t realize how much things would change for the world. I had decided to leave stereography behind as theaters were shutting down, which made sense because, without theaters, nobody watched 3D films anymore.
Relocating to Los Angeles during covid was challenging. I had no solid plans. I had a loose idea for a projection mapping startup, which would fail during the pandemic. Integrating into Los Angeles and looking for work during the pandemic was very stressful. None of the studios were hiring, and it took time for things to pick up and get moving for me once I arrived. I eventually landed with Nickelodeon, where I work as a co-executive producer.
Maintaining a balance between painting, family life, and work is something I am learning to do. I am married with two young kids, working on a new animated show while keeping up with my painting. It has been an exciting journey learning to keep up and evolve while continuing to explore a unique aesthetic and show up to be a good father and husband. Some days don’t go well, but good things happen as long as I can show up with a good attitude.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At 21st Century Fox Studios/Blue Sky Studios, I directed the use of creative stereography for multiple films in the Ice Age franchise, Rio, and The Peanuts Movie. Over the past decade, I developed and led teams in pioneering groundbreaking 3D experiences ranging from feature films to location-based entertainment installations. I conceived of and led a team of artists creating 4D rides used in venues throughout the world to extend the Ice Age super brand franchise. My contributions have been seen by millions worldwide.
I was integral in conceiving a virtual production pipeline for Blue Sky Studios while also prototyping virtual reality applications upon completing my work on Walt Disney’s Spies in Disguise film featuring Will Smith. Throughout my career as an innovator, I was awarded multiple patents for workflows and tools developed while working on a wide range of films.
I have been a key presenter at notable conferences such as SIGGRAPH, FMX in Germany, and the Annecy International Animated Film Festival in France.
Teaching the next generation of artists, I have simultaneously been an adjunct Professor at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. I have also given workshops on Stereoscopic 360 filmmaking and storytelling. Previously I also served as a supervising compositor and visual effects artist on major films working directly with luminaries such as Charlie Kaufman & Jim Jarmusch.
I am also a painter and illustrator with a distinct aesthetic style exhibiting work in New York, Los Angeles, Austin, and Toronto.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.danielabramovici.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abramo_studios/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abramobastik
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielabramovici/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/abramodan
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1453824/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
Image Credits
Antelmo Villarreal
