And Ben Sanders, 3D grad, is the latter. Ben worked as a Character Animator on this year’s Best Animated Feature Oscar winner, Happy Feet (see, we knew Cars wasn’t a shoo-in!).

Ben, how was the Happy Feet experience?

“My work on Happy Feet was a privilege and I don’t think any of us expected it would get the accolades it has. Though it is not an animator’s dream to work with motion capture, I was able to focus solely on the face, in which I learned more about facial animation than I would have if I had to create the body gestures as well. With each new movie I’ve had to work with new directors who have their own unique direction. George Miller continued this trend and he was great to work with. It was especially fun to see him receive the Oscar on TV.”

And now you’re working for ILM on Pirates of the Caribbean 3: At Worlds End. How’s that going?

“The work on Pirates of the Caribbean 3 is a unique experience because it is my first live action film. Working with real actors, cameras, and environments has broadened my knowledge about the entire filmmaking process.

The animation style is much different also, because the movements must look realistic rather than cartoony. I also enjoy learning how Gore Verbinski directs because it teaches me a bit of the mindset of a live action director.

I am very thankful to do what I enjoy and I anticipate whatever the future holds.”

Ben let us know that he’s working on Pirates 3 with fellow VFS graduate Allen Holbrook, who’s also an animator on the new Transformers movie! Wow– congrats to both of you! And Allen, we’d love to hear about your own personal war with the Decepticons…