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Mike Leonard
Layout Artist / Animator
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password: demoreel
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password: demoreel
0:19-0:33
Penguins of Madagascar
Lead Previz Artist
The Venice chase sequence went through several iterations before it became what I think is one of the strongest in the film. I pitched to the directors the idea of the octopi physically commandeering the gondolier and then puppeting him down the canal where he would eventually fight the penguins. They went for it.
1:50-1:54
Penguins of Madagascar
Lead Previz Artist
I got to do a lot of fun, exploitative work with Sonya the bear as she zipped around the streets of Rome on a "borrowed" Ducati.
For reference, I spent several hours immersed in cyclist, Danny MacAskill's amazing films. I was happy to see my blocking make it onto the big screen.
2:00-2:12
King Kong
Lead Animator
This animation was originally a test for Kong's facial rig. Peter Jackson liked it so much, he put this shot into the movie. I unfortunately had to reanimate my entire test as Kong's design had completely changed. When kicking me off on this shot, Peter said: "This is the first good look we're getting of Kong. Don't screw it up."
2:26-2:36
King Kong
This is the first Kong shot I animated. When I arrived at Weta, I was told by the animation director that I was hired on to animate bugs. My good friend and mentor, Buck gave me some sage advice: "Grab the big fella. Do a test with him and show the director." I took Buck's advice and didn't animate a single bug.
2:46-2:56
The animation director pulled me into his office after I delivered a couple of shots of Kong climbing the Empire Building. He told me I was to be casted on the iconic shot of Kong beating his chest. I practically fell out of my chair.
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James Bennett
Fantastic work!
525w
Mark Raats
Terrific work Mike
525w
Victor Fuste
Amazing work from one of the best in the business.
525w
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Comments (3)