Daniel Tynan was at Max the Mutt for four years and completed both the three year Diploma in Classical and Computer Animation. And the Advanced Diploma in 3D Computer Animation and Production. Dan has great team spirit and found work as a 2d computer animator with 9 Story Entertainment almost immediately after graduation. By coincidence, I recently spoke with Tia Menich, production Manager and head of recruitment for 9 Story, who spoke about how much they miss Daniel! However, Dan wanted 3D experience and the offer from China was too good to turn down. The following is an email we recently received.

Hi Maxine,

Yes I’m still in China. I’ve been here since November. However because of the Olympics the VISA restrictions are increasing and it is looking like I may have to return to Canada when my current VISA expires in July.

I was in a position here where I had to really learn MAYA in detail and fast because they wanted me to train their staff. Currently I am still doing staff training as the company here increases in size in preparation for a TV series they will be doing based on a famous Chinese novel. “Journey To the West”.

Things are always changing and uncertain in china so I don’t know how long I will stay with this company. Seems their production is still a long way off and I am anxious to work in production again. This weekend I am taking a 12 hour overnight train to a city called Suzhou near Shanghai…. there is a company in Suzhou that is interested in interviewing me as they are looking for an English speaking animation director for their Flash TV series. It is a project for a European client. I’m not sure if I really want to go back to working in Flash animation because I really enjoy the learning curve and challenge of working in 3D. However I will go there and check out the city and company. China has a lot of very very good artists. So they are strong in concept art and character modeling and designs, but I still find the animation here is a weak point. Perhaps because people are working on rushed schedules.

Thanks for your concern. and I will be sure to visit the school again next time I am in Toronto.

Take care, Daniel