Since graduating from the VFS Classical Animation program in 2000, Mike Geiger has been active in the world of commercial animation, racking up numerous credits on series such as The Ren and Stimpy Show and The Very Good Adventures of Yam Roll in Happy Kingdom. His work has been screened at over 20 animation and comedy festivals worldwide, including Spike and Mike’s Sick and Twisted Festival of Animation.

Currently an Animation Director at 9story Entertainment Inc. in Toronto, Mike’s newest solo venture is a web series entitled Super Duper Super Hero, which is garnering some great online buzz. We caught up with Mike to learn more about this new series as well as his experiences since leaving VFS.

Super Duper Super Hero is a web series that you created and premiered this month. Tell us how it came about.

Mike: I’ll be honest here and say that I work in pre-school television. On the day to day we make episodes dealing with potty training and how to channel anger when you don’t get your way. It’s fine for what it is, but since pre-school in particular can be very constraining, I also find it drives a need to be expressive in my own way. Super Duper Super Hero is my escape from that world and what I do to keep the right side of my brain engaged.

The first episode premiered on Monday, August 6 and you have more episodes coming each Monday in August. What’s next for the Super Duper Super Hero?

Mike: Well, I’m going to see how it goes after the fourth episode is released. If I can raise a little following and people want to see more, then the plan is to do four more during the month of December. If my views taper off, then no big deal and I will move on to other things. It’s really just throwing these things out there to see if they catch or not and keeping myself busy with my own work in the meantime.

You graduated from Classical Animation in 2000 and have found much success over the last decade. Any tips for our current animation students?

Mike: Ha, I guess that depends on what you call “success”. In terms of career advice, I think simply “you will get out what you put in” – through school, through your jobs, etc. If you put in the time and effort to improve, then I think in most cases you will feel the rewards for doing so. I can say from experience that people do notice the extra effort, even if that recognition isn’t communicated on the day to day.

What have been some of your favorite projects you’ve worked on over the years?

Mike: There are a few highlights I can think of. Being able to work under Bob Jaques on The Ren and Stimpy Show was a huge influence on my career. He has a really strong vision and is someone that really takes the time to nurture his artists. Working on The Very Good Adventures of Yam Roll in Happy Kingdom, which was created by another VFS grad, Jon Izen, will always be a time close to my heart. I think it’s really working with great people that define the best working experiences I can remember.

Can you tell us about what else you are working on or have coming up?

Mike: Well, I have had a project in development with a Canadian broadcaster for the last few years so that is something that I’m still hopeful may come to fruition someday soon. If not, I’ll keep doing my own things and see what the next day brings me.

Thanks for chatting with us Mike and good luck with the series!

Check out episode two of Super Duper Super Hero, online now, and catch the third episode when it premieres this Monday. To see more of Mike’s work, take a look at his website.