Brett's recent work includes animating at Rising Sun Pictures on The Hunger Games (2012) as well as leading a large team of animators at Dr. D Studios on Happy Feet Two (2011).
Prior to Australia, Brett was animating in New Zealand at Weta Digital on James Cameron’s science-fiction epic Avatar (2009); to date the highest grossing film in cinematic history. Avatar won three Oscars including Best Visual Effects at the 82nd Academy Awards.
Brett got his start in feature animation working at Weta Digital on Peter Jackson’s film King Kong (2005) after gaining experience as a freelance animator in New York City. These studios include Psyop, Betelgeuse and Larger Than Life Productions.
Brett has learned through his family, friends, mentors and movies that meaningful and entertaining stories audiences empathize with are created through a character’s internal thoughts, feelings and how they communicate with the world around them.
The first 10 films that first sparked his creative dream growing up included:
The Dark Crystal (1982)
The Flight of Dragons (1982)
Disney’s Mickey's Christmas Carol (1983)
Cloak and Dagger (1984)
The Last Starfighter (1984)
The Adventures of Mark Twain (1985)
Labyrinth (1986)
Stand by Me (1986)
The Flight of the Navigator (1986)
Will Vinton’s Claymation Christmas Celebration (1987)
He strives to include these concepts into his work as well as the observations of life in the world around him.
Brett utilizes his training in advanced communication by clearly sharing simple ideas in the inspiring, creative and collaborative working environments he helps to create. Brett also encourages feedback by being open to direction and embraces change.
Today, he's living out his childhood dream of animating characters that bring a great story to life in hopes that he too might inspire the next generation of animators; just like he was.
Outside of animation, Brett’s passions also include family, friends, travelling, life drawing, skiing, snowboarding, surfing, biking, rock climbing, campfires and laughter.
