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Brad Clark
Co-Founder- Rigging Dojo Advisor to companies in the emerging AR/VR space focused on animation and motion capture.
Professional Background
Brad Clark is a seasoned professional in the animation and gaming industry with a remarkable career that spans several decades. He has played pivotal roles in studios renowned for their creativity and technical innovation, including DreamWorks, Laika, Electronic Arts, Sony, and Epic Games. His expertise lies in solving complex technical and artistic challenges that arise in production processes, establishing him as a formidable force in character rigging and animation.
As a Co-Founder of Rigging Dojo, Brad has dedicated himself to nurturing and educating the next generation of character Technical Directors (TDs). His commitment to teaching rigging principles to students globally has empowered animators to breathe life into their creations through intuitive rigs and sophisticated deformation techniques. By streamlining production pipelines, he ensures that animators have the tools they need to succeed.
At Rigging Dojo, Brad specializes in remote working and management, which allows him to provide training and education to aspiring animators and artists. His instructional approach emphasizes the use of powerful software tools such as Maya, Max, and MotionBuilder, focusing on advanced techniques for character rigging tailored for both rendered and game characters. His background in feature film and game motion capture editing enriches the learning experience, providing students with insights from the industry.
Education and Achievements
Brad’s educational foundation was anchored at Full Sail University, where he studied for a Specialized Associates Degree in Digital Media, focusing on animation and modeling. This strong academic background has contributed to his technical proficiency and innovative mindset in the animation field. His passion for education is further exemplified through his roles as an Autodesk Master Class instructor and a lecturer at various workshops, including Conceptart.org.
He has co-authored notable publications such as "The Character Animator Toolkit for MotionBuilder" and served as the lead author for "Inspired 3D Advanced Rigging and Deformations" published by Thomson Course PTR. His contributions to education in the field have been recognized, as he has several guest lecturing positions under his belt, sharing insights gained from his extensive work experience in both games and film.
Notable Projects and Contributions
Throughout his illustrious career, Brad has contributed to a multitude of high-profile projects, delivering exceptional results in character animation and rigging across different media. Some of his recent projects include:
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LAIKA: Developed motion capture retargeting training and troubleshooting protocols.
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Frame Machine (MK11): Specialized in cinematic rigging, where he engineered intricate prop rigging setups involving items such as ropes and chains to enhance the gaming experience.
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Midnight Studios: Successfully produced four LOD final animated skinned characters, ensuring compatibility without compromising performance.
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Datahouse Studios: Provided consultation services for the iON suit project, including character conversion, matching, and posing, showcasing his versatility in the field.
Brad’s impact on the industry can also be seen in his work on several published games, including:
- Mortal Kombat 11 (MK11)
- Spider-Man: Far From Home VR
- Disney Epic Mickey 1 and 2
- Forza Motorsport 2
He has also contributed to film and television productions, with credits including:
- “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers”
- “Major Damage” by Chris Bailey
- “Quest: Tales from the Ramayana”
Professional Affiliations and Work History
Brad's extensive professional journey includes several prestigious roles that have significantly shaped his career. Notable positions include:
- Co-Founder and Head of Training at Rigging Dojo: Leading efforts to train new talent in the rigging community.
- Formerly Advisor at RADiCAL: Providing expert feedback to enhance character animation processes.
- Contract Character Technical Director at Rooster Teeth Productions and THQ: Delivering innovative rigging solutions that influence character development.
- Freelance Motion Capture Editor at Pixel Corps: Ensuring high-quality edits in motion capture footage, critical for animated productions.
Brad has been involved at various levels with companies such as Disney Interactive Studios, where he consulted on character creation processes. His hands-on experience and deep understanding of the animation pipeline have allowed him to provide valuable insights and develop effective training methods for artists.
Conclusion
Brad Clark exemplifies the ideal blend of technical expertise, creativity, and dedication to education in the fields of animation and character rigging. His work not only enriches projects in both gaming and film but also paves the way for aspiring animators to advance their careers. His commitment to fostering the next generation of artists ensures that the art of animation continues to thrive, and his impact will be felt for years to come.
