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Ray Faenza
Rigging Supervisor
Professional Background
Ray Faenza is an accomplished and talented Rigging Supervisor known for his extensive expertise in character rigging and technical direction within the animation industry. With a diverse career spanning several prestigious studios, Ray has developed a remarkable portfolio that showcases his skills in character technical direction, rigging, and animation. Currently, he serves as a Rigging Supervisor at Animal Logic, where his innovative and creative approach to rigging brings characters to life in visually stunning animated productions.
Before joining Animal Logic, Ray played significant roles at various industry-leading studios. He was formerly a Rigging Supervisor and a Senior Rigger at BRON Studios, where he was integral in developing complex rigging solutions for animated films. His talent was also demonstrated at Mr. X, where he served as the Face Lead and Creature Technical Director, supervising various projects that required meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of character movement and expression.
Ray's career at LAIKA, LLC, as a Senior RFX Rigger showcased his ability to work with cutting-edge stop-motion and CGI hybrid animation, allowing him to hone a unique skill set that spans multiple techniques in character animation. His expertise was further solidified through his work as a Senior Character Technical Director at FuseFX, where his dedication to the craft has earned him recognition among peers and collaborators.
Throughout his career, Ray has shown a commitment to quality and innovation in every project he has undertaken. He has a deep understanding of the technical aspects of character rigging and animation, which allows him to create detailed, flexible rigging systems that enable animators to bring their visions to life seamlessly.
Education and Achievements
Ray's educational background in animation and visual effects has played a critical role in shaping his career. He studied at celebrated institutions like Sheridan College, where he earned his Diploma and Certificate, establishing a strong foundation in animation and character rigging. Additionally, he further developed his skills through intensive courses at CG Workshops and ianimate, deepening his understanding of industry-standard techniques and technologies.
Ray's professional journey reflects his dedication to both personal and professional growth as he continually seeks out opportunities to expand his knowledge and refine his skills. His education, combined with hands-on experience across multiple roles and studios, has positioned him as a leading figure in the rigging field.
Achievements
During his illustrious career, Ray has achieved numerous milestones that highlight his contributions to the animation industry, including but not limited to:
- Successfully leading rigging teams at both Animal Logic and BRON studios, ensuring that projects are delivered on time while maintaining the highest quality standards.
- Implementing innovative rigging solutions that enhance character animation, thus facilitating smoother workflows for animators in high-pressure production environments.
- Collaborating effectively with directors and animators to create memorable characters that resonate with audiences, demonstrating his ability to bridge the gap between artistic vision and technical execution.
- Taking on mentorship roles, including serving as a Teaching Assistant at Sheridan College, where he shared his knowledge and experience with aspiring animators and riggers.
- Engaging in freelance work as a 3D Artist, Modeler, Rigger, and Animator under his own sole proprietorship, showcasing his ability to adapt and thrive in a competitive market.
Ray Faenza’s career is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and passion for animation. His rich array of experiences and collaborative projects serves not only to inspire his peers but also sets a benchmark for excellence in the animation industry. With an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement and innovation, Ray looks forward to his future endeavors, further contributing to the magic of animated storytelling.
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