In with the cool breeze comes an even cooler set of fall 2017 interns. Bustling in from North to South, East to West, and right down the street, this bunch *leaves* its mark on FableVision with inspired ideas, amazing art, and creative confluence. In collaborating on a series of impressive independent projects, from film and food to art and adventures, they are painting life colorfully with stories that aim to shape and change the world for the better.
Animate your day with these faces by getting to know their hobbies, hideaways, and holiday snack loyalties - and get ready to *fall* for these Fantastic Four.
Interested in learning more about FableVision’s internship program? Check out the internships page for details and apply for yourself!
Olivia Jones
Intern Specialization: Marketing
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
School and field of study: Tufts University/Film and Media Studies
What brings you here? (How did you hear about FableVision?)
I first heard of FableVision this past summer on a 100 degree day in my hometown of Dallas, Texas. I was interning in the digital department at Freeman Company, working on marketing projects for their event-related products and services, but - having also completed a film internship at Bona Fide productions in LA last January - was hoping to get back into creative media. When my major advisor at Tufts told me about FableVision, I thought I’d cracked the sweet spot. So far my hypothesis hasn’t failed me.
What does a day in the studio look like for you?
Having acquired my tall, nonfat, sugar-free Cinnamon Dolce latte from Starbucks (™) - extra shot of espresso, extra shot of eyerolls from from the baristas - I get into the office around 9:30 a.m. After stepping into my weekly marketing team meeting with Sarah, Mitul, and David, I amp myself up for a day that might hold anything from writing case studies, to drafting social media, to working on my independent project, which is a three-piece blog series about food positivity (think photo to your right, in text).
What aspect of FableVision excites you the most?
I love the collaborative nature of the studio. Being able to walk into such a creative group that’s always having fun - and getting to take part in that dynamic - is such a treat.
Freaky-Friday-switch places with anyone on the team for the day. Who are you and why?
How abstract are we going? Sometimes when Matt Brelsford, FableVision developer extraordinaire, is at home he leaves his video chat open on an extra computer in the studio so he doesn’t feel left out of the fun. I’d love to teleport myself through his screen and play with his cat.
My “official” answer would be Leigh Hallisey, FableVision’s Creative Director. Having the chance to piece together stories as beautifully as she does would be a challenging and exciting exercise in creative writing.
Complete the sentence: In five years I am ______.
Still using my imagination, no matter in what context. I feel strongly that my biggest asset on any team is the ability to get lost in my head, and to find treasure in my imagination.
Where is your happy place?
Sitting at a meal with my family. No doubt my sense of storytelling came from my dad’s winding anecdotes recounting everything from campaigning in Texas with my politicking grandfather to riding a motorcycle down the steps of the Mussolini building in Rome.
Which seasonal delicacy must go?: (1) Apple Crumble, (2) PSL, (3) Candy Corn
I hope this is purely hypothetical. But if I had to choose, I’d go with PSL - where’s the pumpkin anyways???
Hang Li
Intern specialization: Art
Hometown: China
School and field of study: Savannah College of Art and Design/Animation
What brings you here? (How did you hear about FableVision?)
I like to watch illustrative animated short films on Youtube. One day, I watched Keepers of the Flame, by FableVision which gave me a deep impression. I truly enjoyed the beautiful poem and the illustrative style. After watching the film, I searched for FableVision on Google and met the wonderful studio.
What does a day in the studio look like for you?
It is such a fun day. I enjoy animated films together with my colleagues in a group and discuss the animation technologies. My favorite is the idea of “bringing the characters to life.” Sometimes animators need to act out the role of the characters themselves. Actually, animators are actors; a good animator needs to be a good actor.
What aspect of FableVision excites you the most?
The people, definitely. I love the friendly and creative atmosphere of our team. My colleagues make FableVision like a family to me.
Freaky-Friday-switch places with anyone on the team for the day. Who are you and why?
Hannah O’Neal, one of FableVision’s animators. She is very professional. I love talking to her and asking her different kinds of questions about animation, and have learned a lot of useful skills from her. What’s more, she is such a nice person and working with her is so much fun.
Complete the sentence: In five years I am ______.
A director for animated short films.
Where is your happy place?
Anywhere could be great as long as I am with my son. Watching him playing provides me with cool ideas for animation. He is also my perfect model to do sketches.
Which seasonal delicacy must go?: (1) Apple Crumble, (2) PSL, (3) Candy Corn
PSL
David Welsh
Intern specialization: Marketing
Hometown: Haverhill, Massachusetts
School and field of study: Middlesex Community College/Communications (with focus on film and television production)
What brings you here? (How did you hear about FableVision?)
I heard about FableVision when I was researching game studios in Boston, and I saw they were having an art show open to the public (Creative Juices! The theme that year was “Glow-In-The-Dark”). I went, and while I was too shy to actually introduce myself to anyone at the time, it did inspire me to go back to school and figure out a way I could actually work here. Somehow, my crazy plan worked!
What does a day in the studio look like for you?
I take an early train in and I use that time to get caught up on my independent project. Then we have our morning meetings, and I learn what I’m working on that day. I’m usually bouncing between drafting social media posts, writing case studies, or working on other tasks the marketing team needs. I also like to keep an eye on Twitter and see what’s trending so I can suggest ideas for our social media.
What aspect of FableVision excites you the most?
I’ve always loved video games and animation, and I feel so lucky to sit in the middle of the office and see all the developers, artists, animators, and producers making such cool stuff. And everyone has so much fun here!
Freaky-Friday-switch places with anyone on the team for the day. Who are you and why?
I’d have to say one of the producers like Sam Bissonnette or Michael Fogarasi. My education, hobbies, and career path have molded me into a jack-of-all trades, and I want to be a producer because I love seeing projects through and understanding how games and films get made. I get inspired hearing the producers at FableVision talk about their latest projects because you can see the passion they have for their work and their project team.
Complete the sentence: In five years I am ______.
In five years, I am setting awesome stories loose in the world!
Where is your happy place?
Canobie Lake Park during Screeemfest. My wife and I go for our annual outing, so I’d have to say being surrounded by roller coasters, haunted houses, Ghostbusters, monsters, and Michael Jackson impersonators is my happy place!
Which seasonal delicacy must go?: (1) Apple Crumble, (2) PSL, (3) Candy Corn
All of these must go…in my belly. This is my favorite time of year, and these are my favorite foods! (I will happily take all the extra candy corn off your hands.)
Anastasia Ricoy
Intern specialization: Art
Hometown: Somerville, MA
School and field of study: Lesley University/Illustration and Animation
What brings you here? (How did you hear about FableVision?)
I am friends with a few past interns and they told me how wonderful FableVision was and recommended it to me. I soon realized after researching the studio that I recognized some of the work they had done and I had to join!
What does a day in the studio look like for you?
After setting down my laptop and tablet, I grab a coffee or hot chocolate and get to work. Usually in the beginning of the week, I join the team meetings to hear new projects, goals, and accomplishments. Then I start to animate or illustrate work until lunch. That’s when I have time to catch up on everyone’s days or stories. Throughout the rest of the day while I work, I love to hear more jokes and stories that people bring up.
What aspect of FableVision excites you the most?
I think what excites me the most about FableVision is that everyone has a passionate mind. Each desk is decorated with mementos that I can recognize from shows, games, and stories I know of. It brings me so much joy to talk to everyone about their work or favorite things.
Freaky-Friday-switch places with anyone on the team for the day. Who are you and why?
I’m probably Bob Flynn, Director of Art and Animation, or Hannah because they have jobs I’d love to pursue in the future. They’re also both talented in what they do. Plus, Bob has a cool Wacom Cintiq tablet, who wouldn’t want to draw on that?
Complete the sentence: In five years I am ______.
In five years, I am successful in what I do.
Where is your happy place?
Walking in a park with a lot of sunshine, drawing next to a window with a warm drink, or listening to waves at the beach.
Which seasonal delicacy must go?: (1) Apple Crumble, (2) PSL, (3) Candy Cor
Candy Corn has to go. I would’ve said PSL because so many people get excited for it, but that’s a pretty good latte.
Check out Anastasia's incredible art:
