[FRAMED]: Sylvain Lorgeou, Head of Vis Dev, 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?
Always looking up at sky. Maybe I’m waiting for something to fall?
What was your last brush with danger?
These days? Doing groceries. Other days, avoiding a car accident due to our extremely well-maintained roads in Montreal.
Your last brush with greatness?
Saying hi to actor Jon Favreau. And Mark Hamill being in the same room, on the same night. Hard to beat!
Your worst character fault?
I struggle with super rigid authority. I don’t think I’d be a very good soldier.
Your most shining quality?
I tend to be very patient and persevering. Some may say stubborn.
If you had taken a different path, what would you be doing now?
I’m fascinated by astronomy and space. I’d probably be doing anything related to that field if my Maths/Physics 101 had been 2x better.
You’re on the run from the law, where are you headed?
Definitively space.
Who’s your partner-in-crime?
I tend to fly solo when doing crimes. I’m not dragging anyone in there with me.
Fantasy cellmate?
I’d say an AI that has an all-encompassing human knowledge, with whom I can chat with and learn from.
Who are some of your favorite directors and why?
There are a few: Terry Gilliam, Cohen Brothers, Wes Anderson, Kubrick, Tarantino, Veber, Del Toro, Villeneuve, Nolan, Fincher, Ridley Scott.
I’ll keep the underground ones for another other time.
Your greatest achievement?
Classic, but very true: my daughter. That could change when she turns twelve, but she’s not argumentative (yet). Professionally, I’d have to say being part of the visual effects team on Blade Runner 2049.
Most valuable skill?
A good sense of observation.
Go on, say something bragging:
Back in the day, I was a pretty decent 3-point shooter.
Name your vice?
Cracking every articulation and bone I have. Even ones I was not aware existed.
The DREAM project would entail:
Working on designs, landscapes and all kinds of looks involved in a potential “Hyperion” film adaptation (based on Dan Simmons’ novels), with a team as motivated as I would be.
Your career highlight to date:
Probably Blade Runner 2049. It was an intense ride and the end result includes impressive visuals throughout the entire film.
This week I learnt that:
GigaPixel AI does an impressive job!
What’s your current view?
At home: lots and lots of books on the shelves!
Give us a desk tour:
At home: watches, headphones, Wacom, small prints of paintings from Jeremy Geddes and a skull (not a real one).
What do you need to work, on the daily?
Some good laughs, ideas, coffee and good music.
Framestore is, to you :
Commitment, flexibility, and “Yeah, it’s impossible, but let’s see what we can do”.
Best thing about your work environment?
Everyone around!
Framestore is great at:
My colleagues are modest and easy going. We work on cool shots and have a good work-life balance.
Favourite art form?
I’d have to say 17th or 18th Century European paintings of landscapes or subjects, depicting very ordinary scenes, with low lighting sources, like candle light. (Quite precise isn’t it?).
Favourite image?
For landscapes, I’d say something from the Hudson River school painters.
Fictional character you’d like to hang with?
I would definitely have a beer (or two) with Thor. He seems like a good pal and he must have a lot of cool stories to share.
Happiness looks like:
My daughter when she wakes up.
If not here, then where?
A quick peek at the surface of a distant world.
What do you think of too often?
The number 26.
And not enough?
Everything else. I have issues with this number. It’s everywhere.
Couldn’t live without:
Coffee.
How are you staying inspired by working remotely?
Being able to hear the birds chirping in the morning, without any traffic sounds and no commute. It’s a great way to free the mind.
How are you spending your weekends?
Teaching my daughter everything I can and watching her grow one day at a time is a really good way to spend my weekends. Even more so during quarantine!
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned about yourself during quarantine?
That this is doable. We, as humans, really are great at adapting to anything.
If you ruled the world:
I’d let people handle their own destiny. They’ve done OK so far (with some bumps along the way) but from our ancestors to spaceships — it’s pretty impressive for a bunch of primates.
Include a pic of your work station:
Since we’re on the subject of AI, here it is:
Sylvain Lorgeou, you’ve been [FRAMED].
