John Stalker

During the Summer of 2007 I returned to college to work towards my degree in Radio/TV/Film at San Jose State University.  I realized pretty early on that I would require an internship at some point prior to graduation, and Pixar was on my brain (along with a few bazillion other applicants).  The camera/layout internship position was of great interest to me, considering my background in camera/editing, so I came up with an idea for a project.  The story was that of a rebellious marble in a family of marbles (you know how it is).  My goal was audacious; a 5-minute computer animated short film to be completed within 2.5 months. At the time I had only one year of amateur 3d experience under my belt, nevertheless, I pressed forward.  I wanted the design to be simple for practical reasons, however I was adamant about telling an engaging visual story.  The goal was to demonstrate that I could design camera shots in context with, and in service of, a story.  I did not want to create a collection of random CG camera shots.

I reverse engineered what I imagined to be the final product and then calculated, to the day, the pace required for me to complete the project on time.  If I missed a day or two, I knew that I would have to make up the work on subsequent days.  Along with strong support from my wife, family, and friends I finished the project and mailed the DVD off to Pixar about 5 minutes before the overnight shipping deadline at the post office! (I felt AND LOOKED like Tom Hanks finally getting rescued in the movie Cast Away)

I did not get the internship.

Something better happened; a life lesson.  This project was proof to me that a goal could be accomplished with the proper vision, focus, and hustle.  In retrospect, I had plenty of focus and hustle, but my vision was misguided.  I was living out MY vision, trying to accomplish MY objective.  My intentions were noble but short-sided.   I believe that God allowed me to complete that project in order to give me a glimpse of what was possible.  Over the last few years I have learned a key lesson about visions and dreams.  They are not about me.  They are about what God wants to accomplish through me.  Modern culture has taught me to go after whatever I want, and that wishing upon stars will make my dreams come true.  I have had to unlearn that (but still enjoy watching Pinocchio every now and then).

I look forward to the visions and dreams that lie ahead.  To God be the glory!

John

“Marbellious” (2008)