Brian Mc Sweeney

San Francisco, CA 94121
bmcsweeney@comcast.net
(415) 290-9484
Online Portfolio: http://www.brianmcsweeney.com

Objective:  To work in a creative environment utilizing 2D FX / 3D animation, modeling and design.

Key Skills Include:
      ·         55 Years Computer/Video Games Visual effects animation experience
      ·         22 Years 2D FX effects animation experience
      ·         22 Years graphic design experience
      ·         10 Years animation/live action special effects supervision
      ·         9 Years 3D FX Design/Modeling/Animation
      ·         Character and Prop Design
      ·         Key Character clean-up and Cel Painting
      ·         Web development and design

Graphic/Animation Software Knowledge:
    Electronic Arts Proprietary FX engine and level compiling software
    Alias Wavefront  Power Animator
    Maya
    3DMax
    Flash
    Dreamweaver
    Premiere
    Illustrator
    Photoshop
    After Effects
    Poser
   Animo

Professional Experience:

Electronic Arts (EA) – Special Effects Artist/Animator February 2008 – August 2008
FX Artist/Animator (Redwood Shores, CA)
Game: Dead Space
I worked on environmental VFX for 2 levels which contained VFX such as fire, smoke, sparks, zero g, explosions and I was responsible for most of the UI in game which was handled through the VFX department.

Stormfront Studios – Special Effects Particle Artist/Animator August 2005 – December 2007
FX Particle Artist/Animator (San Rafael, CA)
Games: Eragon, The Spiderwick Chronicles
I was the sole Lead Particle VFX Animator/ Artist during these productions. I was responsible for all researching and developing the 'look' of what the FX for the game would be for both current generation and the new opportunities available with the next generation XBOX 360 console versions. Developing methods to create new styles and look for game. Some of the elements in the game that fall under the FX System are everything from magic, smoke, fog, clouds, big hit, interact, menu and cinematic effects.

Electronic Arts (EA) – Special Effects Artist/Animator June 2003 – July 2005
FX Artist/Animator (Redwood Shores, CA)
Games: James Bond, Everything or Nothing.
Tiger Woods 2005/Tiger Woods 2006
Lord of the Rings, The Third Age

FX Lead Animator/Artist on Tiger Woods 2006 franchise – September 2004 to present
I was the Lead FX Animator during this production for the Tiger Woods 2006 franchise. I was responsible for researching and developing the ‘look’ of what the FX for the game would be for both current generation and the new opportunities available with thr next generation XBOX 360 console versions. Developing methods to create new styles and look for game. Some of the elements in the game that fall under the FX System are everything from smoke, fog, clouds, big hit effects.

FX Animator/Artist on Lord of the Rings franchise – July 2004 to September 2004
I was a FX Animator during the end of production for the Lord of the Rings franchise, The Third Age. I was responsible for designing/animating spells sfx for multiple characters/states.

FX Lead Animator/Artist on Tiger Woods 2005 franchise – January 2004 to July 2004
I was the Lead FX Animator during this production for the Tiger Woods 2005 franchise. I was responsible for researching and developing the ‘look’ of what the FX for the game would be. Developing methods to create new styles and look for game. Some of the elements in the game that fall under the FX System are everything from smoke, fog, clouds, big hit effects, to Golf Legend reveal sequences.

FX Animator at Electronic Arts, Redwood City on Everything or Nothing – 2003 June to January 2004
Role at EA entailed creating real-time particle systems and dynamic based simulations for "James Bond Everything or Nothing" production. I Learned EA proprietary scripting, compiling and console tools within 1 week of job start. Process included using proprietary script to code particle real-time simulations for the FX engine to compile. Hand painted sprites simulations for in-game effects. I was also responsible for the integration of these effects into the levels and game play. I completed more than 50 different effects for the game.

Emerald FX Multimedia – Web Design/Flash Animation/3DDesign,Modelling,Animation                      1998-Present
Owner/Creative art Director (Los Angeles, CA)

Building and managing multiple web sites using Flash and traditional HTML.  
Shooting and compressing video for streaming over the web.

Rich Animation Studios – Feature Film Studio                      1995-2002
2D/3D FX Supervisor (Los Angeles, CA)

Responsible for supervising up to 150 animators, evaluating and managing schedules, accessing technology options, identifying potential strategies, troubleshooting relating to traditional and computer animation designs, overseeing animation production, designing effects and props, and animating key scenes.

Ø    Feature Animation Projects include: Swan Princess I, II, III; The King and I; Scarecrow; 
Trumpet of the Swan; Revelation; and 15 Bible and Historic animation videos.

Turner Feature - Feature Film Studio                      1994-1995
2D FX Animator (Los Angeles, CA)
2D FX Animator for: The Pagemaster

Hahn Film - Feature Film Studio                      1993-1994
Special Effects Supervisor (Berlin, Germany)
Supervisor of 2D FX animation for: Astrix Goes To America

Don Bluth Animation Studios - Feature Film Studio                      1986 - 1993
2D FX Animator (Dublin, Ireland)
Acting as a lead 2D FX animator, special effects assistant animator, key character clean up and cel painter.
Feature Animation Projects include: An American Tail, The Land Before Time, All Dogs Go To Heaven, Rock A Doodle, Troll in Central Park and Thumbelina.

Freelance Projects                      1986-Present
2D FX Animator/3D FX Animator, Supervisor and Director

Developing 2D/3D FX, effects, storyboards and designs.  Creating animation components and live action direction for special effects scenes.

Ø    Projects Include: Space Jam (Warner Bros. Features – Los Angeles); Anastasia (Fox Feature Animation – Phoenix, AZ); When the Wind Blows (Muricami Studios – London); Various CD ROMs (Seventh Level – Los Angeles); TV Animation Series (Hyperion – Los Angeles)

3D FX Supervisor and Director for “Son of the Goddess” Live Action Movie (Ceeyes – Hyderabad, India).

Education:

National College of Art and Design                      1984-1986
Graphic Design and Advertising Majors (Dublin, Ireland)

Certifications
Power Animator Animation (Levels 1 and 2)
Animo

References: Available upon request