[FRAMED]: Caroline Lobato, Groom Show Lead, MTL

[FRAMED] exists to shine light on Framestore’s most fascinating cast of characters: its people. Presented with a probing list of questions and a demandingly short deadline, this feature puts the hopes, dreams, and desktops of our MVPs on the digital wall, for all to see. Welcome to [FRAMED].

What are you guilty of?

Overthink everything and not get in touch with old friends and cousins. I love you guys.

What was your last brush with danger?

Taming a motorbike on the bumpy, loose gravel roads of Nusa Islands, Indonesia. I’m still shocked at my recklessness.

Your last brush with greatness?

When I saw a bear during a four day canoe camping trip in the wilderness of Black River, Ontario. But at the moment, I’m quite proud of my work on the groom and particles on ‘Valentine’, the tiger featured in Army of the Dead.

Your worst character fault?

Having a hard time controlling my reactions and facial expressions. Nothing related to botox…not that I know anything about it…

Your most shining quality?

I’m resilient.

You’re on the run from the law, where are you headed?

I would probably go back to my hometown, Manaus in Brazil. It might sound too obvious, but not when you have a rainforest as a backyard.

Who’s your partner-in-crime?

My beloved boyfriend Sam.

What’s your favorite movie/TV show and why?

Shameless US, because it has all the good qualities of comedy and drama with well-developed characters. I also like the movie Hedwig and the Angry Inch. It’s a beautiful story and has an amazing soundtrack.

Your greatest achievement?

I believe it’s yet to come.

Most valuable skill?

I think I’m charismatic.

Go on, say something bragging:

Ok, I’m charismatic.

Name your vice/pet peeve?

People who lack empathy.

The DREAM project would entail:

A great team that brainstorms together for better solutions, that pushes and inspires each other towards greatness. And a lot of creatures.

Your career highlight to date:

My work on the bears in His Dark Materials. Especially Iorek’s many groom variations and particles.

This week I learnt that:

If you create a shared hotkey with a busted keyboard, your coworkers might need to press the same key twice to make it work.

What’s your current view?

A bit of Mont Royal and Saint-Jacques Cathedral tower.

Give us a desk tour [personal items, tools, software]

My two screens, tablet, my stuffed pig Gus, a crochet mermaid I did last week, the groom/layout departments’ HR button, incoming tax receipts and a cell phone holder stand with a ring light I never use.

What do you need to work, on the daily?

Patience and coffee.

Framestore is, to you, in three words:

Talent, creatures, joy.

Best thing about your work environment? (at home!)?

Sunlight! My view definitely. And I do love spending the day in my pj’s, I won’t lie.

Framestore is great at:

Bringing together talented people and achieving amazing quality work, both visually and technically.

Favourite artform?

Dance and music.

Favourite image?

At the moment, this pic of my father and I. Montpellier, December 2008.

Fictional character you’d like to hang with?

Maybe Nene Leakes from Real Housewives of Atlanta. Never saw the show, but I’m a big time fan of her gifs! Or Harry Potter, of course. And Deadpool!

Happiness looks like:

Spending time with my big, loud and lovely family.

If not here, then where?

Anywhere! We are our own home. But I have a preference for a sunny and warm place.

What do you think of too often?

How is my family doing? And when we will all be able to get vaccinated?

And not enough?

I just forgot! Kidding, actually I never think about doing my administrative paperwork…

Couldn’t live without:

My loved ones, joy and moisturizing creams.

If you ruled the world:

We would all be doomed!

How are you staying inspired by working remotely?

By chatting with the fun groom department and listening to music and podcasts.

How are you spending your weekends?

Going to the park, watching movies and video calling friends and family.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned about yourself during quarantine?

The quarantine made me realize how lucky we are during normal times. You feel more than ever the need to be closer to your loved ones, to connect with them. It makes you reflect a lot on freedom, health and all the things that we take for granted. We should all be more compassionate to others and be kind to ourselves.

Caroline Lobato, you’ve been [FRAMED].