What is your name and your current occupation?
MARK BROOKS. WRITER/DIRECTOR/MUSICIAN
What are some of the crazier jobs you had before getting into animation?
CAB DRIVER, ROADIE, PLAYING IN BANDS
What are some of your favorite projects you’re proud to have been a part of?
METALOCALYPSE, LIL’ PIMP
How did you become interested in animation?
I WAS ALWAYS INTERESTED IN IT FROM THE MINUTE I SAW DISNEY CARTOONS AS A KID.
Where are you from and how did you get into the animation business?
I STARTED MAKING ANIMATED CARTOONS WITH MY FRIEND PETER GILSTRAP AND WE MADE A CARTOON CALLED “CREAMBURG” TOGETHER. IT WAS OPTIONED BY HBO AND THAT SORT OF GOT THE WHOLE BALL ROLLING. WE THEN SOLD “LIL’ PIMP” SOON AFTER.
What’s a typical day like for you with regards to your job?
I DON’T THINK I EVER HAVE A TYPICAL DAY. THAT’S WHY I REALLY LIKE MY JOB. IT’S CONSTANTLY CHANGING.
What part of your job do you like best? Why?
I LOVE WRITING THE MOST. I FIND STORYTELLING AN INTERESTING PURSUIT BECAUSE YOU ALWAYS FIND OUT NEW THINGS ABOUT YOURSELF. I’VE ALWAYS BEEN INTERESTED IN PSYCHOLOGY AND WRITING IS ALL ABOUT THAT SORT OF SELF DISCOVERY.
What part of your job do you like least? Why?
I RATHER NOT FOCUS ON WHAT I DON’T LIKE. LIFE IS TOO SHORT.
What kind of technology do you work with on a daily basis?
FINAL CUT, AFTER EFFECTS, FLASH, CAMERAS, PRO TOOLS, FINAL DRAFT AND ON AND ON…
What is the most difficult part for you about being in the business?
LISTENING TO PEOPLE COMPLAIN. SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE NO IDEA HOW GOOD THEY HAVE IT.
In your travels, have you had any brushes with animation greatness?
ALL THE PEOPLE I’M AROUND NOW ARE GREAT. SERIOUSLY.
Describe a tough situation you had in life.
BEING BROKE AND LIVING IN A VAN. WHEN YOU DON’T HAVE SOMEWHERE TO LIVE, IT PUTS A LOT OF THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE.
Is there any advice you can give for an aspiring animation student or artist trying to break into the business?
WORK HARD AND GET LUCKY.
