FOSTERING GROWTH
Jason B Milligan on his key inspirations, and tips for becoming a versatile artist
Can you tell us about co-founding Butcher Bird Studios?
In 2010, four of us came together as a directors’ collective to help each other complete personal projects and develop portfolios. This evolved quickly into client work. We realised we needed to become a business to be effective and financially protected. For the first few years, Butcher Bird Studios was a side job for all of us. Now it has grown into a production powerhouse, especially in the realm of live streaming. Though I recently left the company to return to my design and animation roots, we still work together frequently on select projects.
Does your passion for the outdoors inspire your work in VFX?
I try to be an active outdoors person. My main pursuits are climbing, canyoneering and backpacking, though I do a bit of everything. These activities require a lot of personal responsibility, problem solving, technical skill, and concentration. Whether it’s priming my brain to process info effectively or allowing me to see from unique angles, I like to think these things positively impact my work. I also find myself observing tiny details in nature that later become mental reference or inspiration.
What advice would you give to those just starting out in VFX and filmmaking?
Something I constantly have to remind myself is that there is value in those skills or tasks I don’t enjoy. The process of coding is torture to me, but every little bit I learn about it helps me immensely. Make yourself learn the things you don’t want to. You’ll be a stronger and more versatile artist. Also, learn to work effectively with constraints. You will never have the time and budget you want.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I love creating things. You begin with little or nothing and end with something new in the world. Cooperation can be immensely rewarding. When multiple people join forces to tackle a creative task, something amazing can be born that none of those individuals would have or could have created alone. I have always adored animation and classic cartoons are my strongest influence. Giving the inanimate life and personality – especially if a viewer becomes emotionally affected by that creation – is true magic to me.