Jordan Wharton

I am currently working as CG Asset Supervisor at 9 Story / Brown Bag Films. I have 8 years of industry experience and detailed knowledge of all aspects of both 2D and 3D animation pipelines for television and feature films. I have a strong passion for the medium of animation and enjoy leading teams, building new tools and procedures as well as improving efficiency and producing high quality, industry leading animation products. 

I have been in the industry since 2016, where I started at Pipeline Studios in Hamilton, ON. While there, I worked on several shows and in many departments. I started in 3D layout, then moved to lighting / rendering / compositing, and eventually became Asset Lead on the same 2D/3D hybrid animated production. From there, I implemented an efficient, open source, asset management pipeline for a second hybrid production, this time with a smaller team and a more focused scope. 

In this second production, I deployed the open-source asset manager in Blender, using the built in tools for modeling, surfacing, rigging and layout of a 3D painterly-style rendition of the Bronx, NYC. This toolset was then deployed to artists to create custom 3D establishing shots, with imported animation cycles and complex camera moves, bespoke for each episode. 

During and after this time, I also planned, scheduled and executed several small development projects, both for external pitches and for internal development of future projects. I was also heavily involved in two high-end CGI tests for feature films, one of which won the studio the contract for the film. I then went on to work as a CG Lead on this film, overseeing asset intake and clean-up, modeling, rigging, and surfacing, as well as participating in the ongoing development and testing of in-house pipeline and asset management tools. 

After work on the feature film, I then moved on to my current role, at 9 Story / Brown Bag Films, where I am currently wrapping production on a new, internally developed IP that will be airing in late 2024. During my time at 9Story/BBF, I was responsible for working with the CG Supervisor, Production Manager and Production Coordinator to adapt and implement Brown Bag Films' (Dublin, Ireland) internal CG animation pipeline at the 9Story (Toronto, ON) location, and customize it for a 2D/3D hybrid production. This included testing, updating and revising documentation to match the current needs of the new production, developing new and necessary tools that would allow the team to execute the desired look affectively and efficiently, as well as estimating staff requirements and eventually interviewing and recruiting an entire asset team. 

Since this role included the development and roll-out of a new pipeline at a new location, I also provided professional advice and consultation outside of the asset department, helping to develop the lighting, rendering and compositing procedures as well as assisting in the integration of the BG paint department and the Surfacing department to ensure a cohesive look and feel to the specialized 2D/3D hybrid look of the show. 

Before entering the animation industry, I spent over 10 years as a Swimming Instructor, First Aid Instructor, Lifeguard, Camp Director and Canoe Trip Leader. I have a great deal of experience in conflict resolution, mediation and administrative and leadership structures.

I most recently attended Cambrian College in Sudbury, Ontario and graduated in 2016 with an Advanced Diploma in Animation. This program was traditionally oriented, wherein all animation, character design, storyboard and background design (2D layout) were completed by hand with pencil and paper, including my final film. This program also included digital animation and design through Toon Boom Harmony, Autodesk Maya, Substance Painter, Adobe Photoshop and Flash, as well as 3D sculpting in ZBrush and Blender.