Interview Dario Lanza

AN INTERVIEW WITH Dario Lanza

Q. Hello Dario, could you tell us a bit about yourself, location etc.?

Hello. I’m engineer, but I found that digital imaginary was my passion. Then, I studied photography and film making in Madrid, and started working as graphic designer at the advertising agency BBDO. Working there, I found 3D imaginary and that changed everything...

Q. Were you trained in 3D or self taught?

My first step in 3D was self taught and trying an old version of 3D Studio max. I apply for working on an advertising campaign for a well-known Spanish gin. After that, I decided to improve my 3D skills and I began a Master course at Aula Tematica, the big Spanish Training Center, where after years I found myself working as 3D Instructor for people like me years before.

AN INTERVIEW WITH Dario Lanza

Q. Have you done any work on the films live set? Please share the experience and any obstacles face.

My only work on film till today was for a 2D animation film, where I was integrating 3D animations and characters over 2D footage. The main obstacle, as always, was the tight deadlines, but I met great artist there and I found this as a very enriching experience.

Q. What’s the reason of choosing Lightwave as your main 3d program and what changes you like to see/recommend in the future versions?

The main reason for choosing Lightwave was its amazing quality and speed of render. With FPrime you can see realtime results, even with radiosity or complex illumination. No more time-consuming waiting to see if this texture is looking good or not. This changed our way of working forever. I find that real-time feedback is the future of the tools for 3D imaginary. The speed and ease of model was another important asset to choose Lightwave. I would like to see some changes in character setup and animation, and why not some improvements in fluids.

Q. Do you do any preliminary drawings before you model, or do you just start and see what happens and how long on average would you spend on an image?

Lots of drawings and sketches are always necessary in my work. I never start modeling before having a very close idea

AN INTERVIEW WITH Dario Lanza

of what I’m looking for. We must never forget that computer is only the tool but the artist process works as always: from the idea to the sketch and after dozens of sketches you can plan the final piece. This is the only clue for success.

Naturally, more the complex image is, the longer it takes, but an average illustration is lasting about ten days approx. from the idea to the post produced final render.

AN INTERVIEW WITH Dario Lanza

Q. Do you think sketching is necessary for the 3d Artist or is there any other way round?

Preproduction and sketching are indispensable for the 3D artist, just like search of references, research and look development. With a good preproduction, you get half the illustration finished. The other half is the execution itself, but this is a more mechanic work.

Q. How’s the CG industry and scope in Spain? Your government helps in any way for the growth of the animation industry?

In Spain, the CG industry is starting. There is no help from the government and our cinema industry has not enough special Fx or animation films. This is the reason why so many excellent cg Spanish professionals working all around the world on the greatest studios, but some working in our country. But this is finally changing, and now there are a few studios that are helping to grow it up, and I think that there is a very interesting future for our industry and our cinema here. I hope so.

AN INTERVIEW WITH Dario Lanza

Q. If you could create yourself as any 3D character whether it’s in a game or a film who would it be?

Hmmmm... This is a very funny question. I think I choose Gandalf, this is a very cool character, don’t you think?

Q. What are your hobbies, and where you see yourself after 5 years?

My hobbies are music (I’m bass player), photography, designing and film. I see myself in the future working on a university, helping to research and developing this exciting art-technique. I enjoy teaching and developing, so I think this is my perfect job. I will combine it with a bit of production and creative work. You need to feed your creative soul anyway...

Q. What is one piece of advice you would give to any artist looking to get into 3D?

Have Patience, if you don’t get what you’re looking for, try another way. Be always alert, the real world is full of subtle tiny details you must be aware. Study and look for inspiration in the classics and work of other artists. Then you can define your own style as you like it. In this job, you must never stop learning, but the reward will make it worth. Be sure.

Q. On which projects you are working these days, and which project you enjoying the most?

These days I’m busy with the projects of the students and the classes, but I’m waiting to have a little time to make an illustration I have in mind. I can only say that it will be a reconstruction of the ancient life.

Q. Anything you like to add? It is your chance now to state your opinion about anything.

Congratulations to a lot of great artists out there. I’m always learning from them and they are a real reference for my work. I would like to be reference for others like those are for me. Don’t you think we have the best job in the world?

Thanks a lot Dario for your time. Best Wishes for future. Thank you, Good luck and Congratulations for this wonderful magazine.

Website: www.dariolanza.com