Sideshow visit

[ChrisCJ99]

Hey guys,
So I just wanted to share an experience today that was basically a dream come true....

Currently I'm a student at Otis College of Art and Design studying graphic design (but switching to Motion Graphics next semester). I am taking an elective class called "Studio Visits" which gives us the opportunity to visit local small/big film studios and learn all about the industry. So far, this class has been worth ALL the tuition costs IMO since it has provided me with the MOST opportunities ANYWHERE so far.... So we were assigned to interview anyone in the field of film/visual effects/etc... Being the avid Sideshow collector that I am, I IMMEDIATELY thought that I could interview someone in the multimedia department at Sideshow. So I contacted them, and I was set up to interview Travis, the manager of Multimedia.

So today I arrived at Sideshow, and needless to say my blood was pumping..... I couldn't believe I was actually here. I was immediately greeted with a lobby FULL of Sideshow products that make your jaw drop. I will say that I signed a confidentiality agreement, so I can't repeat ANYTHING that I saw behind the doors :D

First I sat down with Travis and picked his brain about the industry and what his department does. (EXTREMELY enlightening) He then introduced me to the team, and gave me a tour of the building. Needless to say, I saw MANY recognizable items (one being the glorious Dr Doom PF :drool) I even met Scott Klauder and the guys from "Help Wanted". I gotta say, I was star struck! It's insane seeing all the guys from the video and company IN PERSON! I even walked by Tom Gilliland while he and the team were working on stuff. Unreal......

So when the tour ended, I got a chance to meet Greg Anzalone (CEO). The icing on the cake....

So all in all, this was the opportunity of a lifetime. I got to see what one company of the industry is really like, and I gotta say I'm glad I'm following my passion. I now know that this IS what I want to do, and the kind of workplace I want to be in.

So Thanks again Sideshow!!!!! :chew

[Bamboota]

AWESOME CHRIS!!! That truly is a dream come true!!!! Where can we see the interview!?? And did u take any pics?

[ChrisCJ99]

AWESOME CHRIS!!! That truly is a dream come true!!!! Where can we see the interview!?? And did u take any pics?

Well it was an interview for a written report. Nothing like a video or anything.... But I did take pics of just of the lobby with my iPhone :lol ..... Not sure if I can post those though, but I will check :cool:

[Buttmunch]

Very cool. I too would be interested in reading what Travis had to say.

And even though you can't say anything in specific, are we in for some awesome stuff soon? :monkey3

[ChrisCJ99]

Very cool. I too would be interested in reading what Travis had to say.

And even though you can't say anything in specific, are we in for some awesome stuff soon? :monkey3

Always my friend :cool:

[UTtoyfan]

Very cool. I too would be interested in reading what Travis had to say.

And even though you can't say anything in specific, are we in for some awesome stuff soon? :monkey3

They can neither confirm nor deny. :lol:D:naughty:cool:

That's so cool you got to visit Sideshow, Chris!!!

[Bamboota]

Yeah...i wanna read that report!!! Post it up!!!

[Eli26]

They are afraid that we'll see their quality control department is a pot smoking monkey. :(

[Kabukiman]

:eekJEALOUS!!!:eek

[JosephCPR]

Awesome Chris! Many people here (myself included) will be very envious right now...congrats!

[BuddyGus]

So Jealous. Awesome man, Congrats!!

[Darth Snoopy]

What an awesome opportunity to get! Congrats! :rock :clap

[The Ween]

Hey guys,
So I just wanted to share an experience today that was basically a dream come true....

Currently I'm a student at Otis College of Art and Design studying graphic design (but switching to Motion Graphics next semester). I am taking an elective class called "Studio Visits" which gives us the opportunity to visit local small/big film studios and learn all about the industry. So far, this class has been worth ALL the tuition costs IMO since it has provided me with the MOST opportunities ANYWHERE so far.... So we were assigned to interview anyone in the field of film/visual effects/etc... Being the avid Sideshow collector that I am, I IMMEDIATELY thought that I could interview someone in the multimedia department at Sideshow. So I contacted them, and I was set up to interview Travis, the manager of Multimedia.

So today I arrived at Sideshow, and needless to say my blood was pumping..... I couldn't believe I was actually here. I was immediately greeted with a lobby FULL of Sideshow products that make your jaw drop. I will say that I signed a confidentiality agreement, so I can't repeat ANYTHING that I saw behind the doors :D

First I sat down with Travis and picked his brain about the industry and what his department does. (EXTREMELY enlightening) He then introduced me to the team, and gave me a tour of the building. Needless to say, I saw MANY recognizable items (one being the glorious Dr Doom PF :drool) I even met Scott Klauder and the guys from "Help Wanted". I gotta say, I was star struck! It's insane seeing all the guys from the video and company IN PERSON! I even walked by Tom Gilliland while he and the team were working on stuff. Unreal......

So when the tour ended, I got a chance to meet Greg Anzalone (CEO). The icing on the cake....

So all in all, this was the opportunity of a lifetime. I got to see what one company of the industry is really like, and I gotta say I'm glad I'm following my passion. I now know that this IS what I want to do, and the kind of workplace I want to be in.

So Thanks again Sideshow!!!!! :chew
That's great Chris! I'm so glad you didn't change your mind and not stay in school.

[The Ween]

They are afraid that we'll see their quality control department is a pot smoking monkey. :(

:horror You are a bad man! :lol

[ChrisCJ99]

That's great Chris! I'm so glad you didn't change your mind and not stay in school.

Yeah, me too...... I could never put a price tag on the experience I've had so far here in LA. And it's only been ONE MONTH! :chew

[devilof76]

Don't dis the pot smoking monkeys.

[jimjimmyjones85]

Great opportunity. Congrats !

[Darth Waller]

:eekJEALOUS!!!:eek

:lecture :lecture :lecture

[agen_kolar]

Yeah, me too...... I could never put a price tag on the experience I've had so far here in LA. And it's only been ONE MONTH! :chew

:rock :rock :rock

[SOLIDSNAKE]

you are one lucky guy.
it's my dream come true one day to visit sideshow.
I will do it one day for sure.

you must have being so pumped.
congratz man.

[ecekat]

please post some pics..sync iphone with pc and post some photos!!!please!!congrats btw!:D:D:D

[ink]

They are afraid that we'll see their quality control department is a pot smoking monkey. :(

:rotfl:rotfl:rotfl

[hairlesswookiee]

Very cool indeed. I'd like to take a tour one day as well. Do they allow anyone to stop by and walk around if they request??? Or do you have to know someone who knows someone??
(I'm sure you'd have to get permission in advance for the tour)

[GrueSam]

Hey Chris- Congrats! :rock

(I'm only sorry you didn't need anyone to drive you... :monkey2)


:lol

[Moonloop]

Great story and what a great experience you must have had! Thanks for sharing.

[p!tu]

Very cool. I too would be interested in reading what Travis had to say.


Same here!!! :rock!! congrats man!!! it truly is an awesome place!!!!!

[gofourindian]

Congratulations Chris! Sounds like a tremendous opportunity. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[ChrisCJ99]

Very cool indeed. I'd like to take a tour one day as well. Do they allow anyone to stop by and walk around if they request??? Or do you have to know someone who knows someone??
(I'm sure you'd have to get permission in advance for the tour)

Yeah, you really have to have a good reason to visit..... When I came to LA last year, I asked if I could just come by. But they don't allow "walk ins" or random visitors. I had a legitimate reason this time, and it was for a school project and to pursue this field for my career :cool:

[Fritz]

I'm glad you were excited visiting Sideshow, but I visited two local wineries the last month and spoke with the wine makers and they provided free samples. In my book, that's a win for me. :D

[Skiman]

Awesome story Chris and congrats, just reminds myself as a fresh wet behind ears college kid or graduate whenever I was being brought into the technology side of companies. I'm glad that you are enjoying your career the more it evolves :rock

[Shropt]

Awesome story. I am so jealous.

I can just imagine a crazy Sideshow rep forcing a confidentiality agreement at you in the parking lot then the whole building going crazy like Willy Wonka.

[The Ringer]

Awesome story. I am so jealous.

I can just imagine a crazy Sideshow rep forcing a confidentiality agreement at you in the parking lot then the whole building going crazy like Willy Wonka.

:lol:lol

I would have placed a hidden camera in my coat or something. :D

[Darth Waller]

I can just imagine a crazy Sideshow rep forcing a confidentiality agreement at you in the parking lot then the whole building going crazy like Willy Wonka.

http://deadon.files.wordpress.com/2007/03/giantcontract.jpg

[ChrisCJ99]

Awesome story Chris and congrats, just reminds myself as a fresh wet behind ears college kid or graduate whenever I was being brought into the technology side of companies. I'm glad that you are enjoying your career the more it evolves :rock

Thanks Ski!!! :rock

http://deadon.files.wordpress.com/2007/03/giantcontract.jpg

:lol:lol:lol

Yep, that's pretty much how it went down....

[quadcent]

man that's awesome Chris, sounds like a great experience for you and it cemented what you want to do. so it's a win win for you then.

yeah i'm fackin jealous as hell.:banghead

[ChrisCJ99]

man that's awesome Chris, sounds like a great experience for you and it cemented what you want to do. so it's a win win for you then.


Yeah, it really did..... Ultimately I'd like to work at Sideshow, but I know it's going to be really tough. It's got all the characteristics of MY dream job, so it's just a matter of patience and determination :D

[Darth Waller]

Sideshow truly is a collector's company. Gentle Giant should take some notes. :lecture

[quadcent]

Sideshow truly is a collector's company. Gentle Giant should take some notes. :lecture

who's that??:monkey3:rolleyes:

[Darth Cruel]

Congratulations, Chris. Very cool opportunity.

Now I have an idea as to how to infiltrate the defensive walls of the castle that is Sideshow's office.

"The old Trojan Horse through the front door, trick" (in my best Maxwell Smart voice)!

Hang chilly everyone, I'll be back with all the inside info after a while!

[Skiman]

who's that??:monkey3:rolleyes:

I'm glad I wasn't collecting whenever they were in mainstream.

Seems like a lot of collectors are trying to trade up with their GG items... :monkey1

[TOE]

Did you happen to see the Apocalypse PF wip? Pm me the details. Thanks.

[ChrisCJ99]

I'm glad I wasn't collecting whenever they were in mainstream.

Seems like a lot of collectors are trying to trade up with their GG items... :monkey1

That and people trying to dump some of their Master Replica items :monkey3..................:lol


Did you happen to see the Apocalypse PF wip? Pm me the details. Thanks.

Sorry, I did not......

[ChrisCJ99]

So here's the report I wrote up for my interview with Travis at Sideshow...... I'll be making a presentation to the class as well next month :cool:

I’ve always found myself extremely intrigued by technology and the amazing possibilities that multimedia could achieve. When the opportunity presented itself to interview a professional in the digital field, my choice was instantaneous. Sideshow Collectibles. Although the company specializes in high-end collectibles, I was aware that Sideshow had an in-house department that was responsible for all the media of the company.

Having been an avid collector of Sideshow’s products for many years, this was a once in a lifetime opportunity for me. I contacted the public relations department for Sideshow via telephone, and made a request to interview the head of the Multimedia department. To my surprise, I was scheduled within days to speak to the manager of the multimedia department of Sideshow, Travis Watkins. Upon arrival at Sideshow in Thousand Oaks, recognizable collectible items such as the life-size Iron Man bust, the life size C-3PO and R2-D2 figures from Star wars, the Hulk Premium Format figure, and more immediately greeted me. The lobby in itself was a museum. It had such a stunning aura, which conveyed the massive influence and success that Sideshow has retained in its respective industry.

Upon sitting down in Travis’ office, I still hadn’t processed the fact that I was actually sitting within Sideshow’s headquarters and getting to see what’s behind the pearly gates of the amazing world of high-end collecting. Before working at Sideshow, Travis received his BA in Multimedia from Cal Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, CA. The program was relatively new and only had a graduating class size of about 12 students. After receiving his degree, Travis worked in several positions at various locations ranging from production assistant up to editor. Although the educational experience introduced many different areas of multimedia to Travis, most of his knowledge was learned on the job, in post-school life. Like most jobs, the position at Sideshow was brought to Travis’s attention by word of mouth. After submitting a reel and doing some freelance work for Sideshow, Travis was brought on board as the sole member of the multimedia department. Over five years the department, which he now manages, has expanded to having three additional team members.
The team is often tasked with providing collectors additional or alternative information about the company, artists and the collectibles. But the ultimate responsibility of the department is to celebrate Sideshow, collecting and popular culture through digital media. When people think of collecting movie and comic figures, they might recall the movie “40 Year Old Virgin” where a nerdy guy has partially secluded himself from society and dwells in his residence with an obsessively organized collection of toys. However, this is not what the real world of collecting is like at all. Travis’s team works diligently to convey that collecting is an art form, and a hobby that can easily adapt to anyone’s lifestyle. A typical workday for Travis includes the ordinary responsibilities of any management position. He checks emails, attends meetings, provides in progress projects with feedback, updates his team with any current creative processes, and gives creative direction where it’s needed. Travis does not have a set work schedule, and the hours vary anywhere from 8am until 10 pm, sometimes later. The multimedia department uses high-end video equipment to capture the essence of the collectibles and artistic process throughout the Sideshow building as well as in their video studio. After filming and photography, they polish the work in editing suites using software such as Final Cut, After Effects, Photoshop and Flash. The work produced ranges from commercials to documentaries, to short ridiculous movies. Travis’ believes a difficult aspect of his job is keeping an equal balance of administrative and business oriented practices with the mind-set of a creative endeavor. The most rewarding aspect of his job is working with a collective of passionate like-minded individuals and rallying around an idea to evolve it into something that celebrates Sideshow and the art of popular culture.
As all artists do, Travis and his team seek influence and inspiration. They obtain this through various mediums such as websites like motionographer.com, /film, watchthetitles.com, blogs, movies, commercials, music, museums comics, and magazines such as IDN, Empire, Interview, Hi Fructos and STASH. There are boards on which members will post ideas, photos, torn pages out of magazines and other random things to inspire ideas. For brainstorming there are dry erase boards around the office to help communicate and conceptualize.

Although a sense of “very corporate” may be perceived upon first glimpse of the large facility and high-security doors, this is immediately contradicted when taken behind the doors and introduced to the staff. Sideshow is very friendly and family oriented. A relaxed atmosphere with casual attire and moderate music playing contributes to a productive and successful work place. The company has a total of about 70 corporate employees and about 80 freelance artists. The idea of a family-oriented work environment is also evident with the extremely low turn over rate of the employees. Of the 16 years that Sideshow has been in business, they have retained about 98% of the their employees.

After speaking with Travis and learning his experience with the industry, I now have a true sense of what to expect when pursuing my career in the multimedia field. I got the chance to see what the real world is like and now have a more tangible goal to aspire to. I one day hope to receive the opportunity to contribute my skills to a company with the same work environment as Sideshow, and ultimately hope to become a part of the team and family at Sideshow Collectibles.

[Fritz]

Nice job! :clap

[Dusty]

Great report, Chris! BTW, Travis is my husband - sorry I didn't get to meet you! He mentioned he had an interview with a student, but didn't mention that the student was also a Freak :) If I had known, I would have made a point to come in to meet you too!

I just want to stress that Chris has not overstated a thing when it comes to the work environment and family-oriented (Sideshow employees and their significant others and kids being the family) way of business at Sideshow. I don't want to sound too cheesy, but I owe practically everything awesome that I have in my life right now (husband, baby, awesome job and support, great friends) to Sideshow. As with any career or job, there can be some rough days, where the ins-and-outs of the minutiae can start to break you down, but then you take a step back and really appreciate it all. Here's to Sideshow, here's to art ... and here's to our collectors like the Freaks who make it all possible :duff

[p!tu]

Great report, Chris! BTW, Travis is my husband - sorry I didn't get to meet you! He mentioned he had an interview with a student, but didn't mention that the student was also a Freak :) If I had known, I would have made a point to come in to meet you too!

I just want to stress that Chris has not overstated a thing when it comes to the work environment and family-oriented (Sideshow employees and their significant others and kids being the family) way of business at Sideshow. I don't want to sound too cheesy, but I owe practically everything awesome that I have in my life right now (husband, baby, awesome job and support, great friends) to Sideshow. As with any career or job, there can be some rough days, where the ins-and-outs of the minutiae can start to break you down, but then you take a step back and really appreciate it all. Here's to Sideshow, here's to art ... and here's to our collectors like the Freaks who make it all possible :duff

:monkey2:monkey2:monkey2:monkey2:monkey2 so cheesy....tears running down my face......cant stop,, lol

:rock

[Crimsonbob]

Great write up ChrisCJ99 and i hope you go all the way to the top :rock


Great report, Chris! BTW, Travis is my husband - sorry I didn't get to meet you! He mentioned he had an interview with a student, but didn't mention that the student was also a Freak :) If I had known, I would have made a point to come in to meet you too!

I just want to stress that Chris has not overstated a thing when it comes to the work environment and family-oriented (Sideshow employees and their significant others and kids being the family) way of business at Sideshow. I don't want to sound too cheesy, but I owe practically everything awesome that I have in my life right now (husband, baby, awesome job and support, great friends) to Sideshow. As with any career or job, there can be some rough days, where the ins-and-outs of the minutiae can start to break you down, but then you take a step back and really appreciate it all. Here's to Sideshow, here's to art ... and here's to our collectors like the Freaks who make it all possible :duff

Help P!tu get a full time job at Sideshow please, he's got the energy the drive and definitely the passion :bow:bow