one day Carlos, one day…
While at school back in 2009, we would watch films that inspired us to raise our own bar and creativity. I’ve said before that Pixar has always been my inspiration, however a fellow classmate of mine, Jason Roberts led me to a phenomenal piece by a present day renaissance man: Carlos Lascano. His work, a mixture of live action, photographic and cg elements combined together take you on a visual journey all within a short film. I watched a Love Story in Stop Motion repeatedly appreciating Lascano’s textural and painterly style. A huge inspiration, so I tried to encorporate that feel in my work along with Pixar’s stylistic modeling.
After graduating school, I sent off an email and my scant portfolio to Mr Lascano, offering my skills for his creative call. A response wasn’t expected, so I made a point to mention that I was a huge fan, thanked him for his inspiration and that I’d be following his future successes. That was back in November. Today, while at work at Pixar, I received a surprising reply from the man himself asking to speak to me about working for him on an upcoming project! This must be a joke, I thought, but then I noticed his personal email signature as well as my original message appended to his response. He asked “do you use Skype or Messenger?” neither of which I use. I wanted to open up an account right there and then. Still, much shock went through me at the fact that he even saw my work and second that he actually liked it! This was completely unexpected! I was so ecstatic! However, overwhelming emotions came to a sudden halt coming to the realization that I could not work with him. I signed a contract with Pixar, my dear Pixar, for one year. There is no way that I could carry on both projects for legal and personal reasons. I felt like I would be betraying Pixar. I made a promise to myself that I would give my 110% attention to them as it was always a dream to work for them; I couldn’t let them down. They’ve given me a chance of a lifetime.
So I explained to Lascano my current situation. It thoroughly breaks my heart to decline the offer. The chance to work directly for a man of his talents would be a dream come true. I asked him perhaps if in a year I am available I could contact him again. The response just went out to him… Sigh, they say heartbreaks heal over time, so as of now it still feels fresh for me.
Hopefully that window will still be open for me one day.
Thank you Carlos, thank you!
