[FRAMED]: Leonardo David Sierra Montiel, Lead Compositor, 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?

Being a huge geek without people noticing it and getting overboard when I find new hobbies I enjoy.

What was your last brush with danger?

Falling on my back on a very slippery concrete path while taking the bin out (Montrealers know my pain).

Your last brush with greatness?

I was invited to Siggraph in my home country. It felt pretty great talking with new talent and giving them career advice.

Your worst character fault?

I definitely worry too much…

Your most shining quality?

I’m very persistent and work extremely hard to accomplish my goals.

If you had taken a different path, what would you be doing now?

I’d probably be a historian or a history teacher because it’s the perfect combination of my two passions. I love history and I deeply enjoy teaching and sharing my knowledge.

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

Somewhere sunny with a blue sea and a white beach. If I get caught, it’d be better with a coconut in my hand.

Who’s your partner-in-crime?

My daughter and my wife.

Fantasy cellmate?

Chewbacca and a Wookiee translator. I’m a huge fan and it’d be awesome to talk with that ball of fur.

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

Star Wars because of Chewie and What Dreams May Come. It’s a beautiful movie.

Your greatest achievement?

In life, being a father. My days have been pure happiness since my daughter came into my life. Professionally, being where I am. For many years, I dreamt of working on high-end projects. It has been a very rewarding adventure and I’m very proud of it.

Most valuable skill?

I’m a fast learner and super curious.

Go on, say something bragging:

I’m very good at voice acting when reading a bedtime story.

Name your vice/pet peeve?

Brownies! It’s best if they’re not around me otherwise I’ll eat them all.

The DREAM project would entail:

A collaborative environment and teammates who like to share their knowledge.

Your career highlight to date:

Definitely becoming a Lead Compositor. I’m very proud of where I am at the moment.

This week I learnt that:

Dogs use their left nostril to smell pleasant scents.

What’s your current view?

I see the blue sky through the window and a cheeky squirrel making its way from one side of my garden to the other.

Give us a desk tour!

I have a batman chair, PC with a screen, three photos of my beautiful wife and daughter, a handmade card made by my daughter, a statue of small Goku from Dragon Ball, a big green stress ball on a Chewbacca plate, a lava lamp, a small cactus called Cactusin, a Chewbacca notebook and a small library with my Chewie collection, comics and more geeky stuff.

What do you need to work, on the daily?

Music.

Framestore is, to you, in three words:

Quality, creative, fun.

Best thing about your work environment?

The people for sure. At the office and when WFH.

Framestore is great at:

Creating beautiful images.

Favourite artform?

Painting.

Favourite image?

The Fighting Temeraire by J. M. W. Turner. It’s beautiful.

Fictional character you’d like to hang with?

Sherlock Holmes! I love him in books, graphic novels, series and movies.

Happiness looks like:

My sofa, a bag of popcorn, a good movie with my beautiful wife and daughter and me sleeping throughout the whole movie.

If not here, then where?

Resting under the sun at the beach.

What do you think of too often?

Colombian food.

And not enough?

I overthink constantly.

Couldn’t live without:

Chocolate and my family.

If you ruled the world:

I’d rule the world from a swimming pool.

Leonardo David Sierra Montiel, you’ve been [FRAMED].