Interview with/
Jeff Lin - Hybrid Studio
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Hello! nice to meet you. Could you tell us about your background and let us know, how you started to work in this field?
I started web design almost at the inception. Back in the days of 14.4modems. Before Flash. Before any dotcom boom and bust. Even before gif animations. But even back then, as soon as I saw the internet and what was going on, I could envision the future of this medium and the interactive possibilities it could offer. I was passionate back then, to push the boundaries of web design and I'm still as passionate about it today. I am all about progression and going beyond current perceived limitations. Web design offers that opportunity constantly.
So, you are now the owner of the design studio. Can you please give a short background of the agency? How did you decide to start your own business, and why you choosed kind of entertainment client basis - movie sites?
Yes, I am the founder of Hybrid Studio. I am also co-founder of The Visionaire Group. Hybrid Studio was started shortly after the dotcom boom and subsequent bust. I was working for a company at the time that was the typical corporate web agency where it was about an inflated value to drive stock prices. Creative was not appreciated or valued so I left and joined a friend's company as a partner. From there, I saw all the potential problems of running a small creative shop and all the things not to do. Both of these experiences gave me the background to start Hybrid Studio and believe that I could do what I love and do it at a very high level. The Visionaire Group came about as a new company to combine 3 existing profitable companies together but still offer the ability for each division to maintain their focus. Most companies fail in maintaining quality control because they try to do it all with the same people. We have specialists that all work and collaborate to bring the best product forward for the client. Even today with the huge staff I have, I still look for independents with a unique point of view and who's work is of the highest level. This obsession I have to advance and grow through teamwork, new collaborations is what I believe truly sets us apart.
Entertainment, out of any other vertical, offers the most creative freedom. We've positioned ourselves within this niche as the company that innovates and reinvents the medium. Each movie offers a unique opportunity to become an artistic extension of the film. And if that can be done and still keep the marketing strong, that's about as difficult of an assignment as there is. That perfect marriage of art and marketing is what we try to achieve.
What are your plans and goals for the future? Maybe more offices? More offices in Europe? Where do you think its going?
The future of The Visionaire Group is very bright. We have yet to do any PR pushes and most people have no idea the vast amount of work we do since we don't publicize it anywhere. We also have a lot of different patents as well as technologies we've invested our own money to create. We are constantly busy and with zero sales force. We feel that once the word is out, we'll be busier than ever. A slow methodical expansion that happens organically is what I have in mind. Growth with the right people, not growth for growth sake. There are no plans for an European office but you never know. Hell, the Euro is so strong compared to the Dollar now. I do have a lot of talented friends in Europe that work with me constantly. I plan on bringing more and more guys here to L.A. for projects. We just launched our brand new 7,500 sq ft creative office space -built completely from scratch. Part of the thinking in the layout and design was specifically geared towards bringing guys in to collaborate with. The other part of the design is centered around teams and divisions. Its very similar to an ad agency model but much more in-house production.
Did you ever think to start of something more non web related? Maybe designing a movie titles? Video production and effects studio?
I have a firm belief that I can design anything. Design is about looking at things a certain way, problem solving and coming up with something that works better, or just feels perfect. We already do a ton of custom 3d and motion graphics at a very high level which we leverage on our web projects. We'll begin to do more in blu-ray menu design, custom video shoots. We have never ever limited our-self in terms of the creative expression possible. The founding idea behind Hybrid Studio is to have a mixture of different disciplines that can result in an amazing end product. Its all about the project and what it innately necessitates. We figure that out and stop at nothing to realize our vision. On a personal level, i can imagine a future where I apply my design background towards excellence in other entrepreneurial fields.
Could you explain about the work process. About how you start to work on film project and how you finish. Do you have the idea of the design and animation before you start it? How much time it usually goes for any movie site?
We begin with reading the script. From that we have a basis as to the story we're trying to market. At some point during the marketing efforts, a title treatment and poster will be available. We will look through photos and pull what we want. A trailer will be ready and that's usually when we can really begin the design process. This varies greatly from project to project and studio to studio. We look at whatever source material that is made available to us and we begin to concept. I sit with my team and we figure out where the angles and the hooks are. I never have a set idea or animation in mind when we start. It has to happen from delving deeper into the project -otherwise you can be creating a site that doesn't quite fit the theme. We push ourselves to find the right online extension of the movie to help propel the marketing. Whatever new techniques or new visual expressions we deploy, its always fitting for the theme and accentuates the product that is the film. We use the same foundation for our none movie clients as well. Most movie sites will take 1-2months for smaller titles. Big blockbuster titles have taken as long as 9 months where I have to be on set during the film shoot to gather enough background and begin to envision an entire drawn out campaign. I firmly believe that if the core idea for the site isn't solid, its like having a bad script for a movie. It never turns out quite right. So we really try to get the core idea right.
How about behind the scenes of the movies. Have you even been invited to the video shoots? And also, are you also invited to see the movie premieres?
I've been invited to the set while filming. People might think this is cool or glamorous but in reality, a film shoot is arduous and quite boring. There's a lot of waiting around. We get invited to premieres sometimes but again, its not as glamourous as perceived. We really look upon working on the project as the perk. After all, we could spend that time working on a boring corporate site for a client or we can really flex our creativity and try to do something no one has ever experienced before. Hey, if you're reading this and you're a corporate client, don't worry... we'll make your boring site into something really exciting.
What’s is your favorite project you have done? Why?
My favorite project is the creation of my new office. Why? Because its the foundation for our future and I want to provide the best environment possible for my team and any future employees. I love architecture, interior design so it was an opportunity to flex other design muscles. As far as online projects, I truly don't have one. We got a lot of press for X-men the Last Stand but I am like a proud dad -I love all the projects. My favorite project is the next one I take on because it'll present new challenges and I'll set my goals higher again and try to smash them.
Do u have any pictures of the office?
We are awaiting some final signage before we take some professional shots. But those will be coming soon and will be posted on our new website for The Visionaire Group.
How many people are now work in Hybrid? Are they all American? How are the rules in your company. Daily timesheets? Be in office at 9am?
The Visionaire Group employs over 40 people globally. There are about 25 in house here in our L.A. office. If you employ the right people, you don't really need rules. Everyone is professional, everyone has a good level of maturity. There's no need for timesheets and the type of corporate handcuffs that constraint creativity. I'm proud to say that every hand selected personnel here is great at what they do, but more importantly they're awesome people first and foremost. I really don't care how talented a person is, if they're a selfish individual or they can't get along with this team, we are not interested. My one rule for my team is to always challenge yourself to be better than you were last week, last month, last year.
How many hours do you work in a day? How do you rest? Rest is important for creative people?
I personally work a lot of hours. I probably average about 10-11 hours a day. I use to work a lot more hours but that wasn't really a healthy thing to do. My staff does the usual 8 hours a day. On Friday’s, we all begin to unwind around 4pm and have beers, hang out, play pool or video games here in the office and we try to finish off the week on positive note. I rest by sleeping in on weekends and just zone out and do nothing. Otherwise, I can't be as on-point the following week. The demands of being creative all the time and having all the solutions does get very taxing.
Imagine the situation, when you give a project to design, to one of your designers, and after some time he delivers something that you didn’t really expect. Bad quality. Designer has no inspiration. What would you do?
Simple, I try to inspire this designer. I am always giving encouragement and ideas. If I have to, I'll do a quick comp to showcase what I'm looking for. If I really have to, I'll go the extra mile and design it myself. But part of my job is to teach, to inspire, to put my team on the right track. Its always a challenge to help a designer work through the uninspired work, but its what has to be done. Happily for me, that doesn't happen too often.
Thanks for your time! Maybe you could tell us at the end of interview?
A pleasure Andreas. I'm proud to be in this industry where so much inspirational work pops up daily. I look forward to meeting more talented people across the globe and collaborating together on interesting projects. I give big props to my team. At the end of the day, its all about teamwork that makes us successful. My motto in life: Live Your Dreams. There is a price to be paid for everything in this world, including your dreams. If you understand the price, will work hard to pay the price, anyone can live their dreams.
I started web design almost at the inception. Back in the days of 14.4modems. Before Flash. Before any dotcom boom and bust. Even before gif animations. But even back then, as soon as I saw the internet and what was going on, I could envision the future of this medium and the interactive possibilities it could offer. I was passionate back then, to push the boundaries of web design and I'm still as passionate about it today. I am all about progression and going beyond current perceived limitations. Web design offers that opportunity constantly.
So, you are now the owner of the design studio. Can you please give a short background of the agency? How did you decide to start your own business, and why you choosed kind of entertainment client basis - movie sites?
Yes, I am the founder of Hybrid Studio. I am also co-founder of The Visionaire Group. Hybrid Studio was started shortly after the dotcom boom and subsequent bust. I was working for a company at the time that was the typical corporate web agency where it was about an inflated value to drive stock prices. Creative was not appreciated or valued so I left and joined a friend's company as a partner. From there, I saw all the potential problems of running a small creative shop and all the things not to do. Both of these experiences gave me the background to start Hybrid Studio and believe that I could do what I love and do it at a very high level. The Visionaire Group came about as a new company to combine 3 existing profitable companies together but still offer the ability for each division to maintain their focus. Most companies fail in maintaining quality control because they try to do it all with the same people. We have specialists that all work and collaborate to bring the best product forward for the client. Even today with the huge staff I have, I still look for independents with a unique point of view and who's work is of the highest level. This obsession I have to advance and grow through teamwork, new collaborations is what I believe truly sets us apart.
Entertainment, out of any other vertical, offers the most creative freedom. We've positioned ourselves within this niche as the company that innovates and reinvents the medium. Each movie offers a unique opportunity to become an artistic extension of the film. And if that can be done and still keep the marketing strong, that's about as difficult of an assignment as there is. That perfect marriage of art and marketing is what we try to achieve.
What are your plans and goals for the future? Maybe more offices? More offices in Europe? Where do you think its going?
The future of The Visionaire Group is very bright. We have yet to do any PR pushes and most people have no idea the vast amount of work we do since we don't publicize it anywhere. We also have a lot of different patents as well as technologies we've invested our own money to create. We are constantly busy and with zero sales force. We feel that once the word is out, we'll be busier than ever. A slow methodical expansion that happens organically is what I have in mind. Growth with the right people, not growth for growth sake. There are no plans for an European office but you never know. Hell, the Euro is so strong compared to the Dollar now. I do have a lot of talented friends in Europe that work with me constantly. I plan on bringing more and more guys here to L.A. for projects. We just launched our brand new 7,500 sq ft creative office space -built completely from scratch. Part of the thinking in the layout and design was specifically geared towards bringing guys in to collaborate with. The other part of the design is centered around teams and divisions. Its very similar to an ad agency model but much more in-house production.
Did you ever think to start of something more non web related? Maybe designing a movie titles? Video production and effects studio?
I have a firm belief that I can design anything. Design is about looking at things a certain way, problem solving and coming up with something that works better, or just feels perfect. We already do a ton of custom 3d and motion graphics at a very high level which we leverage on our web projects. We'll begin to do more in blu-ray menu design, custom video shoots. We have never ever limited our-self in terms of the creative expression possible. The founding idea behind Hybrid Studio is to have a mixture of different disciplines that can result in an amazing end product. Its all about the project and what it innately necessitates. We figure that out and stop at nothing to realize our vision. On a personal level, i can imagine a future where I apply my design background towards excellence in other entrepreneurial fields.
Could you explain about the work process. About how you start to work on film project and how you finish. Do you have the idea of the design and animation before you start it? How much time it usually goes for any movie site?
We begin with reading the script. From that we have a basis as to the story we're trying to market. At some point during the marketing efforts, a title treatment and poster will be available. We will look through photos and pull what we want. A trailer will be ready and that's usually when we can really begin the design process. This varies greatly from project to project and studio to studio. We look at whatever source material that is made available to us and we begin to concept. I sit with my team and we figure out where the angles and the hooks are. I never have a set idea or animation in mind when we start. It has to happen from delving deeper into the project -otherwise you can be creating a site that doesn't quite fit the theme. We push ourselves to find the right online extension of the movie to help propel the marketing. Whatever new techniques or new visual expressions we deploy, its always fitting for the theme and accentuates the product that is the film. We use the same foundation for our none movie clients as well. Most movie sites will take 1-2months for smaller titles. Big blockbuster titles have taken as long as 9 months where I have to be on set during the film shoot to gather enough background and begin to envision an entire drawn out campaign. I firmly believe that if the core idea for the site isn't solid, its like having a bad script for a movie. It never turns out quite right. So we really try to get the core idea right.
How about behind the scenes of the movies. Have you even been invited to the video shoots? And also, are you also invited to see the movie premieres?
I've been invited to the set while filming. People might think this is cool or glamorous but in reality, a film shoot is arduous and quite boring. There's a lot of waiting around. We get invited to premieres sometimes but again, its not as glamourous as perceived. We really look upon working on the project as the perk. After all, we could spend that time working on a boring corporate site for a client or we can really flex our creativity and try to do something no one has ever experienced before. Hey, if you're reading this and you're a corporate client, don't worry... we'll make your boring site into something really exciting.
What’s is your favorite project you have done? Why?
My favorite project is the creation of my new office. Why? Because its the foundation for our future and I want to provide the best environment possible for my team and any future employees. I love architecture, interior design so it was an opportunity to flex other design muscles. As far as online projects, I truly don't have one. We got a lot of press for X-men the Last Stand but I am like a proud dad -I love all the projects. My favorite project is the next one I take on because it'll present new challenges and I'll set my goals higher again and try to smash them.
Do u have any pictures of the office?
We are awaiting some final signage before we take some professional shots. But those will be coming soon and will be posted on our new website for The Visionaire Group.
How many people are now work in Hybrid? Are they all American? How are the rules in your company. Daily timesheets? Be in office at 9am?
The Visionaire Group employs over 40 people globally. There are about 25 in house here in our L.A. office. If you employ the right people, you don't really need rules. Everyone is professional, everyone has a good level of maturity. There's no need for timesheets and the type of corporate handcuffs that constraint creativity. I'm proud to say that every hand selected personnel here is great at what they do, but more importantly they're awesome people first and foremost. I really don't care how talented a person is, if they're a selfish individual or they can't get along with this team, we are not interested. My one rule for my team is to always challenge yourself to be better than you were last week, last month, last year.
How many hours do you work in a day? How do you rest? Rest is important for creative people?
I personally work a lot of hours. I probably average about 10-11 hours a day. I use to work a lot more hours but that wasn't really a healthy thing to do. My staff does the usual 8 hours a day. On Friday’s, we all begin to unwind around 4pm and have beers, hang out, play pool or video games here in the office and we try to finish off the week on positive note. I rest by sleeping in on weekends and just zone out and do nothing. Otherwise, I can't be as on-point the following week. The demands of being creative all the time and having all the solutions does get very taxing.
Imagine the situation, when you give a project to design, to one of your designers, and after some time he delivers something that you didn’t really expect. Bad quality. Designer has no inspiration. What would you do?
Simple, I try to inspire this designer. I am always giving encouragement and ideas. If I have to, I'll do a quick comp to showcase what I'm looking for. If I really have to, I'll go the extra mile and design it myself. But part of my job is to teach, to inspire, to put my team on the right track. Its always a challenge to help a designer work through the uninspired work, but its what has to be done. Happily for me, that doesn't happen too often.
Thanks for your time! Maybe you could tell us at the end of interview?
A pleasure Andreas. I'm proud to be in this industry where so much inspirational work pops up daily. I look forward to meeting more talented people across the globe and collaborating together on interesting projects. I give big props to my team. At the end of the day, its all about teamwork that makes us successful. My motto in life: Live Your Dreams. There is a price to be paid for everything in this world, including your dreams. If you understand the price, will work hard to pay the price, anyone can live their dreams.
