Steve ‘Spaz’ Williams will visit Sheridan onFebruary 14 to discuss the evolution of computer animation and share his views on Canadian talent and their leading contributions to the field. He will also speak to the future of the industry, and spend time providing feedback to current students on their work.
Williams is considered a pioneer in computer animation. After graduating from Sheridan in 1984, he joined Alias Research (creators of Maya software), who were just beginning their groundbreaking work in computer animation software. His ability to create characters while also understanding computer processes landed him a job at Industrial Light and Magic’s nascent computer animation division. There, he worked as Chief Animator on The Abyss and Terminator 2, and Visual Effects Supervisor, Second Unit Director and Executive Producer on Spawn. He was nominated for an Academy Award for his work on The Mask, but it was his groundbreaking work on Jurassic Park that set him apart and revealed the true potential of computer animation.
Since the late 1990’s, Williams has directed more than 300 TV commercials, taking his background in animation and visual effects and applying it to live action spots. His work has won the prestigious Saatchi & Saatchi New Directors Showcase at Cannes (2002), as well as several Clio’s.
Mr Williams will speak on Friday February 14 from 1 to 2:30 PM at the SCAET Auditorium of Sheridan College located at 1430 Trafalgar Road.