Interview with Neil Maccormack
by Mike Lynch

There are a few names that quickly spring to mind when thinking of ambitious and talented Lightwave artists. the founder of Bearfoot Films, Neil Maccormack, is among them. SpinQuad recently had the honor of being able to sit down and speak with Neil about his career, his goals, and how he sees himself in relation to his work.

SQ - Tell us a little about yourself, Neil. Where do you come from? Where do you live?

I am a 33 year old, born originally in England, but now living in Geneva, Switzerland.

I have lived here for nearly 8 years after moving with my job at the time from Manchester in the northwest of England.

SQ - Tell us about your history in CG? Where did you start? What lead you to where you are now?

I studied Computer science at university, and left after graduating to work in an advertising agency as a computer engineer, where I was exposed to many elements of CG work not only 3D but 2D and graphic design. So my interest in CG grew and grew until around 8 years ago after moving to Switzerland and started to teach myself 3D.

SQ - How long have you been using Lightwave? And what lead to choosing it?

Basically, my first ever exposure to anything CG was at university where a friend, who I shared a house with, had a version of Lightwave 4 or 5, I think, running on an old Amiga. After I started working full time in the advertising world I had no time really for anything other than work, until I moved countries and purchased a copy of Lightwave 7. Since then I have been self-trained. I chose it because it offered the perfect complete package for a home user, which I was at the time, and for the price it was the ideal solution.