How does one build a character in an animated film and make audiences fall in love with it? This, and other secrets, were unveiled for The Game School students on an October morning, when Bill Wise held a guest lecture.
“It’s a mess! That’s certain. Who is the character, what qualities does it have? How does it move? Look? And how does it communicate charm and appeal?” Bill asked out to the audience.
A Remarkable Career in Animation
After over thirty years with the American company Pixar, Bill Wise stood before the students and staff at The Game School in Hamar, openly sharing stories of his journey and life as a VFX supervisor in the major commercial company and what that path has entailed.
The students received in-depth insight into what it means to be a VFX supervisor, or a generalist, as Bill Wise himself calls it.
For the uninitiated, a generalist in this context is someone with knowledge of many different areas and familiarity with various roles within a production company, knowing how to assemble and utilize these roles.
But first, to give you a bit of background on who Bill Wise is and what he has done, here’s some context.
Perhaps you remember the clownfish Nemo and his friend Dory? Or the quirky, sweet robot Wall-E? How about ElastiGirl from The Incredibles? The universes Bill Wise has inhabited and helped bring to life are numerous and formative for many of us, regardless of age. As Bård S. Gunnerud, Game School´s head of teaching, pointed out, Wise has been a defining influence in his own career choice.
Now, after thirty years at Pixar, Wise has decided to leave the company, renovate his kitchen, and give guest lectures. Though he hasn’t started baking—because, as he says himself,
“I’m more of a steak man!”
he responds thoughtfully when eager students raise their hands during his lecture in Hamar. Of course, Bill himself turns out to be the prototype of a classic Pixar story.
Heartache Brings New Opportunities
Naturally, Bill’s background hasn’t been entirely smooth. This is the case for most people who find success in life, if we can call doing what you love most “success.” Life is full of ups and downs, and perhaps the most vital ingredient in film language, literature, and gaming—conflict.
Life consists of challenges and resistance, much like what Dory encounters as she sets off on her journey to find her parents. The path is filled with obstacles and constant resistance.
Fortunately, the path is made as you walk, and for Bill, it all began, as it does for many, with the ups and downs of youthful romances. Both with women, but also with art. Even when the heart faced challenges, his love for oil painting was something he thought could never break. It had to be the two of them, and he made an earnest attempt with a bachelor's degree in fine art. His brushstrokes were delicate, conjuring the most beautiful light and stunning landscapes. But the consequence of his youthful, and perhaps unsuccessful, romances led him down a new path and focus. Bill Wise became a tech nerd.
"He interrupts himself, mid-lecture.
“I’m a nerd, right?”
The crowd laughs in recognition. Bill is among friends.
“When you’re a nerd like me, my interest in technology in the ‘80s was a saving grace for a man with a challenging, youthful love life”
Thus began the adventure that would encompass a career where he has excelled in applying his knowledge both visually and technically. Meanwhile, Bill Wise the person continues to enchant his audience in Hamar with both charm and appeal. In other words a true Pixar character.
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