Senior R&D Lead Developer & Technical Manager
Expertise: Animation & VFX Pipelines | C++/Python Optimization | Rigging & Deformation | Agile Leadership
20+ years of experience in animation/VFX software, specializing in Autodesk Maya, performance optimization, and cross-platform tools development. Proven track record of leading teams to deliver high-performance, stable solutions that enhance artist workflows and production scalability.
Key Strengths:
Technical Leadership: Managed full-cycle R&D projects, from CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, SonarQube) to cross-platform compatibility (Linux/Windows) and rigging APIs that improved evaluation speeds by 200%.
Performance & Stability: Architected tested, documented software stacks and systematic code analysis processes, ensuring robustness in production environments.
Innovation in CGI: Developed groundbreaking tools like topology-agnostic shape transfer, real-time collision systems, and procedural crowd variation, slashing iteration time and boosting asset reusability.
Team Growth: Agile manager mentoring developers and bridging gaps between engineering and animation teams to align tools with artistic needs.
Technical Toolkit: C++/Python, Maya API, Git/GitLab, Rez, OneTBB/OpenMP, gdb/lldb, CentOS/Rocky LinuxMore...
Michelle Sandoval
Business & Client Development Executive@Mikros Animation
Verified
Michelle Sandoval is currently the Business & Client Development Executive at Mikros Animation, the animation division of Technicolor Creative Studios. She is passionate about bringing stories to life with the help of talented artists and technicians from around the world, and providing end-to-end animation services to clients across features and episodic content.
Ms. Sandoval works closely with studios, production companies, streaming services, producers, and directors in Los Angeles and beyond, offering them access to Mikros Animation's creative studios in Bangalore, Montreal, and Paris. She also leverages her previous experience as a Business Development Executive at MPC, Technicolor Creative Studios’ award-winning VFX studio, and as Director of US Production at Ausfilm, where she promoted Australia's screen production incentives and facilitated partnerships between US and Australian screen professionals. She has a keen eye for quality, innovation, and collaboration, and strives to deliver exceptional results for every project. Ms. Sandoval joined Technicolor Creative Studios in January 2020.
As Director of US Production at Ausfilm, she assisted US and international production companies to understand and navigate Australia’s state and federal screen production incentives, she connected Australian talent to the US, and promoted Australia’s film and television infrastructure. Ms. Sandoval worked with Ausfilm’s membership of screen service businesses bridging the gap between the US and Australian screen industry through Ausfilm event programs in North America. She managed Ausfilm’s VFX and post-production meeting programs in Los Angeles for independent Australian VFX and post studios. She also managed Ausfilm’s B2B Connect initiative that links Australian producers to US development and production companies to motivate creative and commercial partnerships. Ms. Sandoval joined Ausfilm in 2009.
Prior to joining Ausfilm, Ms. Sandoval was at DreamWorks Animation, working with some of the most prolific comedic talMore...
Marie Soto
Executive Producer, Managing Director@The Das Haus Group
Verified
With over 20 years of experience in the advertising and entertainment industries, Marie started her journey in Los Angeles in 2000. She has a unique background, having been raised in El Paso, Texas, USA, and CD. Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico.
Marie's passion for entertainment began early, recording television commercials on her beloved BETA MAX. She has worked as an Executive Producer with renowned studios, agencies, and brands. Her expertise is handling strategic planning and representation for commercial directors, teams in VFX & animation, and graphic design across various projects, including feature films, television shows, commercials, direct-to-client ventures, and gaming projects.
Marie's journey is proof of her adaptability and versatility. From 2009 to 2016, she successfully executive-produced dozens of commercial campaigns. Her path then led her to focus exclusively on Executive Producing VFX & Animation for Feature Films, Episodic, and Gaming, a role she excelled in at prominent studios like Palomar Pictures, Pixomondo, Technicolor, Goodbye Kansas, Mikros Animation, and DNEG.More...
Estefania Reyes
Video Editor
Verified
A dynamic professional with a diverse skill set, specializing in video editing, English-Spanish translation, personal assistance, and a variety of other tasks. Adaptable and resourceful, I am committed to providing tailored solutions for clients across different industries, enhancing productivity, and streamlining workflows. My experience in managing multiple roles allows me to approach each project with flexibility and a results-driven mindset.More...