Niles Bontrager

Niles Bontrager

I'm an art generalist with 10+ years of experience

Animator / 15 yrs

Detroit, MI, United States

Hire Me

Pre-Visualization

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Ultimate Edition (2016)

Animator

Make It Work (2019)

Previs Artist

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

stereoscopic compositor

Escape from Planet Earth (2013)

stereoscopic compositor

Spy Kids: All the Time in the World (2011)
Skills
Skills Clear
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Software
Software Clear
Clear Apply Apply
Figment Forge Studio Reel
Sci-Fi Prop Design and Modeling
Articulated Robot Hand
I've had my hand in every facet of production for advertisement, film, and games. My biggest strength lies in motion graphics, but given the time you'd be hard pressed to find something I won't excel at. I look forward to making great things together.
Work History

  • Co Owner

    Figment Forge

    May 2016 - Present

    Multimedia Entertainment Production.
    Intellectual property management, CGI Animation and Illustration.

  • Editor and Motion Graphics Animator

    The Sussman Agency

    January 2015 - March 2020
    Southfield, Michigan

  • 3D Modeler

    Mackevision

    October 2019 - October 2019
    Troy, Michigan

    Hard surface modeling and model retouching work for jewelry client catalogue.

  • SFX, Prop Design, and Animation

    Alpha Omega Animation LLC

    2010 - May 2016

    Creating a new look development pipeline for a proposed 2D traditional animation project. Designing props and special effects in both illustration and 3D modeling with Maya.
    Collaborative development of story concepts and character ideation.

  • Pre-Vis Animator

    Panic DTW

    November 2013 - October 2014

    Pre-Visualization animation for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.
    Post visualization for internal trailers.

  • Adjunct Instructor

    College for Creative Studies

    January 2013 - December 2013
    Detroit, MI

    Instructor of "2D Digital Animation" with After Effects
    Instructor of "Intro to 3D" with Maya
    Instructor of "Animation Projects 1" the Junior Studio course, Fall 2013
    Instructor of "Creative Visualization" Practicum, Fall 2013

  • Character Animator

    Organic

    August 2013 - September 2013

  • 3D Modeler

    Panic DTW

    May 2013 - May 2013
    Greater Detroit Area

    CAD automotive product model cleanup for Indian Motorcycles and Yakima, destined for both print and video production.

    3DS Max, Maya

  • Motion Graphics Animator

    Method Studios

    March 2013 - March 2013
    Greater Detroit Area

    Clients: Ford and American Idol/Fremantle Media
    Motion Graphics Animation for "Fiesta Movement Idol Missions" broadcast TV, web, and bumper spots with alternate versions for sweepstakes progression.

    After Effects

  • Independent Contractor, 3D Animator and Compositor

    Doner

    February 2013 - February 2013

    Remote Independent Contractor for AutoZone "Show It Off America" broadcast spot.
    Duties Included:
    Background plate cleaning, dust removal, and logo/badge removal from RED raw (.R3D) footage.
    3D Modeling and rendering of grille guard and hood scoops for CG replacement, and compositing these results into ad's closing shot.

    Maya, Vray, After Effects

  • Compositor/Motion Graphics Animator

    Independent Freelance

    October 2012 - November 2012
    Greater Detroit Area

    Compositing and Motion Graphics animation for Drew32 music video "I Am King" ft. Jon Connor.

    After Effects

  • Compositor

    Speedshape

    April 2012 - August 2012

    Stereo 3D Compositing for feature film "Escape From Planet Earth"

    Nuke, Maya

  • Storyboard Artist

    Speedshape

    July 2012 - July 2012

    Storyboard and Production Planning work for a US Postal Service advertisement.

    Photoshop

  • Animator, Client Ford Motor Company

    Speedshape

    June 2012 - July 2012

    Character rigging and animation for the Ford Fusion Advertisement projection piece on display at Ford Field.

    After Effects

  • Instructor of Motion Graphics

    International Academy of Design and Technology

    February 2012 - July 2012
    Greater Detroit Area

    Instructing students in how to apply Motion Graphics, Special Effects and Compositing principles using After Effects.

  • Animator, Client Ford Motor Company

    Speedshape

    December 2011 - February 2012

    Motion graphics and special effects work for 2012 Ford Focus Electric branding video to coincide with visual change in marketing campaigns.

    After Effects, Maya

  • Film Restorer

    Thunderbean Animation

    September 2011 - December 2011

    Digital film restoration and cleanup work for Thunderbean Noveltoons DVD release.

    After Effects

  • Animator, Client Hg/Mercury

    Speedshape

    August 2011 - September 2011

    Traditional animation, compositing, digital animation and effects for MOBIBO web and broadcast commercial.

    After Effects, Photoshop, FlipBook

  • Compositor

    Speedshape

    March 2011 - July 2011

    Stereoscopic conversion and compositing on Spy Kids 4

    Nuke, Maya

  • Animator/Director

    Centurion Medical Products

    June 2009 - November 2010

    One-man crew for two traditionally animated trade show commercials, 3 minutes each. Special effects and compositing for bumpers and instructional content.

    Traditional Animation, After Effects, Flash, Maya

  • Cleanup Artist / Compositor

    Thunderbean Animation

    February 2008 - April 2008

    Traditional animation cleanup, and shot compositing in After Effects for Biore web ads

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Education

  • College for Creative Studies

    2005 - 2009