Rick, tell us a little bit about your educational background. What led you to computer graphics & animation?

Although I went to college for an Associates in Commercial Art, I'm largely self taught. Back in those days, there were only a few schools that offered anything remotely related to CG. My education mostly came from visits to the local university library to read everything I could (the internet as we know it today didn't exist). It was tough.

Before all of that, as a young teenager, I was addicted to video games and hopeful I could make a career out of it. I taught myself a little programming and started creating some basic sprite animation. Real simple walk cycles, explosions, whatever I could think of. These were the days of Pong, Space Invaders, and Asteroids; so you can imagine how advanced these were. Somewhere along the line, I lost interest in the game aspect and focused entirely on the graphics side and eventually discovered 3D. By the time I graduated high school, I had a rudimentary demo reel created and landed a job at a small post production facility. After a couple of years at various companies, I gave in to pressure and attended community college part-time.

You've worked in CG production for quite some time at a variety of studios. As you look back, what experiences stand out in your mind?

That is tough to say, there have been a lot of great experiences throughout the years. Probably what first comes to mind was when I made the move from my home town of St. Louis to Los Angeles. The shift from working on local TV commercials and corporate videos to suddenly being thrust into feature films and big budget commercials was very exciting.

Could you explain the professional motivation and artistic inspiration behind your independent animated short film, "'Till Death Do Us Part"?

The biggest motivation was to do my own thing. All my life I've been doing other people's projects and always answering to other's creative direction. Even the handful of projects I was given the opportunity to direct or supervise, I still had to answer to someone. With a short, the decisions started and stopped with me. Good or bad. Secondary was to test some different production philosophies and improve my skills in areas I rarely get to do professionally.

Was there a "dark period" during the production of the film, in which you could neither see light at the beginning nor end of the tunnel? If so, how did you work through it?

Oh yeah. This thing took two and a half years from concept to completion. Somewhere after year one, I was really questioning if I wanted to finish. I knew that I had a long ways to go, yet I'd spent so long on it to that point, it would be foolish to call it quits. After a break with a few "real" projects, I was able to emotionally refuel and make another push. Once I was ready to roll again, it helped to re-read the original story written on day one and visualize the finished short. That would always motivate me and get me excited to see it through.

When did you join The Animation Co-op, and what help has it been to you?

I don't remember exactly when I joined, however, it is safe to say it has been several years. After first hearing about it, I thought it was a great resource, but didn't have a need for it at the time. I'd just visit to see what other people were working on and occasionally offered to help out a couple of others. However, once I started the short, it was a great way to hook up with helpful individuals!

"'Till Death Do Us Part" has been well-received during its premiere at The Palm Springs International Short Fest. What's next for it on the festival circuit?

Good question. I've submitted to probably a dozen festivals so far and there hasn't been quite enough time to hear from the next group. By the end of September I hope to know one way or another on a couple more.

Are you planning on submitting the film for Oscar consideration?

If the short is able to win "Best Of" in a category at an Oscar qualifying festival, then yes, I would definitely submit it.

What's the most gratifying comment or reaction you've received to "'Till Death Do Us Part"?

I was blown away by the responses at Palm Springs. What meant the most were the people that came up to me and pulled me aside to say that they enjoyed it. To think that they went out of their way when they didn't have to, was wonderful. My favorite responses had to be from those that told me that they became emotional watching it. Or maybe when I heard someone yell "Bravo" at the end of one of the screenings. That was cool.

What's the most common misconception that people have about what you do?

That I'm just a computer operator.

Who is your inspiration? What keeps you at it?

I don't know if I have a single person that is my inspiration. I'm more inspired by projects. However, if I were to choose someone, it would have to be Bill Plympton for the sheer fact that he is able to make a living as an indie filmmaker. Somehow he is able to come up with all of those ideas and execute them fast enough - on a low enough budget to survive.

What advice do you have for independent animators embarking upon their own projects?

The problem with short films where you are the only person or one of a few, it can be hard to stay motivated. You don't have the luxury of feeding off others as you would on a studio project. I think the trick is to find emotional support from family and friends, taking breaks to keep from being overwhelmed or burned out, and most of all, keep visualizing the end goal. Don't give up.

What advice do you have for students preparing to enter the industry?

Be flexible and absorb as much information from as many people as possible.

Is there anything you can talk about in terms of upcoming projects?

I'm hopeful that someday I can make the transition into directing features. To my surprise, at Palm Springs, I had a couple of people approach me about doing just that. We'll see how that goes. For now, it is back to freelancing/consulting and finishing some feature stories I've been developing.

What haven't you been asked that you'd like to address?

I can't think of anything else. Thanks for giving me this opportunity!