4 minute read
Person of Interest
VITAL STATS
Eustis native, co-founder with Jalil Sadool and Keith Lackey of Steamroller Studios, a game development company, specializing in animation, programming, concept art for movies and games.
Company’s projects: “Rise of the Tomb Raider,” “Worms W.M.D.,” “Prey,” and others.
Film projects include: “Avatar,” “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” “How to Train Your Dragon 2,” and “The Hobbit Trilogy.”
Steamroller original game: “Deadwood: The Forgotten Curse.”
Adam Meyer
Chief creative offi cer, Steamroller Studios
PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ // ILLUSTRATION: ADAM MEYER
What I want people to know:
Myself, Keith and Jalil are family men; we all have kids. We are children of the ’80s. Once the three of us got together, it was like a catalyst for success.
Two words to describe me: Creative, compassionate.
Dividing the work: Half of the studio is working on stuff that makes us money, and we spend that money on making our passion project, which is “Deadwood.” (The actionadventure game expected out next year).
About games: There is a shortage of games that tell a good story, family friendly, and have unique game-play style. We are interjecting a story into a genre that never had one before. It’s exciting and, hopefully, it’ll get people excited to play a game that has a bite to it.
Company’s success: Doing high-quality work. Most of our contract work is animation, and the new game industry is looking for high-end animators. Because we are in Eustis, we do it for a better price compared to San Francisco rates. We are taking jobs from overseas and bringing them here because communication is much better, and we meet deadlines.
Good times: We are enjoying riding the wave right now. We are planning for the future, trying to make the right decisions. Running a business is 90 percent trying to make the right calls. We soundboard off each other and, so far, we have made the right decisions.
How company name
came about: Keith and I met at Eustis Middle School and started a lawn company. We sang the song, “Steamroller,” so the name is an inside joke, but our corporate explanation: “we are a big machine that steamrolls our competition.”
Next big thing in gaming:
Better games, better stories.
Pet peeve: Inconsiderate people who don’t take care about people’s feelings.
My passion: I’m just a guy trying to do what he loves and provide for his family. My goal has been to do what I am passionate about and share it with others.
VITAL STATS
Favorite craze: Loves anything “Star Wars.”
Looking at the future: Plans to get a degree in graphic design.
My TEK Lab really worked well with my home schooling. It’s a place where kids can do great stuff with computers— computer programming, robotics, using 3-D printers. Through My TEK Lab, I found a strong interest in robotics and technology. They have My TEK <dev>, My TEK Bot, and My TEK 3D to help kids learn. I loved being there and did so well I’m now an employee.
Danielle McKay
Age 18 // HOME-SCHOOLED SENIOR
Hobbies: My hobbies change depending on my interests and necessity of a project. Right now, I like drama/theater, jewelry making, computer photo editing, digital scrapbooking, and costume making. I enjoy almost anything that is creative.
What you do for
fun: I love going to Walt Disney World, subtly dressed as a character, and volunteering at Give Kids the World.
Favorite fast food:
Pizza.
Pet peeve: Everyone has the little things that drive them crazy. I have two prominent ones: 1) People who speak without thinking. If someone has something to say, it needs to be truthful and valuable to the other person. 2) Anything with typos or unedited work, whether it’s for one person or a hundred. If something is worth doing, take the time and do it right.
Favorite movie star:
At the moment, I have three: Lucille Ball, Vivian Vance, and Ewan McGregor.
What stirred your interest in
computers: Playing
with Fisher-Price computer games as a little kid. Leighann, my sister, and I would come up with ways that the game could be better. We would get so intrigued by computer games and their storylines, we’d sit for hours dreaming up new games and scenarios.
College plans:
Majoring in digital media and design at Southeastern University.
Personal
philosophy: God
created the world and everything in it with a specifi c purpose.
Best day of your life or a special
moment? There are many “best days.” A very special moment for me was performing in the play “Pygmalion” as the lead, Eliza, with my sister playing the second leading lady, Mrs. Higgins. It was the fi rst play in which we were both cast as lead roles and had dialogue together.
Who inspires or infl uences your life?
My mother, Joanne, and my sister, Leighann, hold the greatest infl uence and inspiration in my life. They keep my life on track and my focus where it should be.
Favorite quote? “It’s
not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are,” from Roy Disney.
