Steve Agland

Just months ago before graduating from UTS in The Bachelor of Science in Computing Science (class of 2002), Steve's Agland's career was already beginning to happen.

Steve's one minute computer animation - "Bin Can Can" - was featured at Siggraph 2002, the prestigious international computer graphics conference. At the same time his work was being submitted to the Australian Effects and Animation Festival where it was short listed for an award.

"It couldn't have been a better start", muses Steve as he takes a break from his new job as a trainee programmer with Animal Logic at Sydney's Fox Studios. "I've only just graduated, but I'm learning some amazing things about developing custom software to maximise visual effects in film and animation."

Steve's course was part-time. "Actually, it was my sub-major in computer graphics that started things moving. Being in need of an income I was able to put my skills to use as a web software developer for the internet industry". In terms of theory and practice Steve believes that UTS gave him a tremendous grounding - and an edge.

It also opened up opportunities to develop his creativity as well as explore future career paths.

"The lecturers were fantastic. They know their stuff, have a huge network of contacts in the industry, and stay in touch with former students who are now working across the world".

It was Kevin Suffern in particular who fired Steve's interest in computer graphics. "What we all appreciated about the course was its attention to detail - coming to grips with complex technical issues then combining the creative to develop an animation sequence". But, Steve cautions, "Don't expect to have someone hold your hand. It's up to you to get motivated."

Steve knows how steep the learning curve can be. "UTS built my confidence, my skills and my horizons. I've still got lots to learn, but the doors are opening and I aim to stay with the main game".

Postscript:
Steve is still at Animal Logic and going great guns. He was one of seven UTS:IT graduates to work on the movie "Happy Feet" which recently won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film for 2007.Our graduates had a major role in this movie and were responsible for a lot of its photo-realistic appearance - one aspect being the feathers on the penguins. You can read more about this in the April 2007 edition of U: