Interview with Danny Yount

Hello, Danny. Could you tell us, what made you to be a motion designer and how did you start your career?
Well, I started in print design, working on annual reports. The typography was good practice but the subject was extremely boring. I was also doing websites and that became frustrating for me as I realized that I was not very good as a programmer - good enough but not "gifted". But out of that I started learning afterEffects in 1994 when it was still called CoSa and Premiere for editing. I fell in love with animation and editing. It was something I felt I had a knack for. From then on the career decisions I made were toward becoming a designer of main titles.

A little info about your current position and current projects.
I am a Sr Creative Director at Prologue Films. I have been with the company since 1994 when Kyle Cooper started it at his home with a handful of people. We are at our 3rd location now and have grown to around 50. I just finished work on Sherlock Holmes and am now working on a very nice comic book action hero film.



You are working mainly for film and tv, but what do you prefer to work with? Film is more interesting maybe?
Not always, sometimes tv clients have great things - it really depends on the opportunity and level of creative freedom. I've made things for HBO, Discovery, TNT and Cartoon Network that I have been very happy with.

By doing so creative work, where your inspiration come from?
Everything. Everywhere. There is beauty and complexity in all God's work - it surrounds us every day. We just have to appreciate it and learn from it. I used to be afraid to take inspiration form things that are not trendy, but now I realize how limiting that is. And if I rip something off shamelessly then I have become lazy, but if I strive to offer an honest interpretation that is interesting and unique then I have done my job.

When you have to do a project, could you tell us about the process, from the beginning till the project is done. Are you sketching somewhere first, or just start an application and create?
It depends - I always try to make frames but sometimes I can only communicate an idea by drawing it. And sometimes it's best just to make something that is animated and edited before it can be realized.

What if client doesn't like what you have done. Are you pissed off, or you got used, that there are various clients and people around?
I've learned that I can not please everyone. And that is ok. I like what I do and don't expect anyone else to. People are so complex - we all have our own tastes. But I will always try my best to offer something that I am proud of. And I will always try to solve the design problem. I used to get upset but not anymore. It hurts when I work all night or all weekend to do something that is rejected, but the director has his own crap to deal with and is just trying to do the right thing for the film. If I was in his shoes I would do the same. The worst work in the world is made by people who try to please everyone.

How do you feel, if one of your clients ask you to make something, which idea you don't like to do at all. Will you still make it?
Yes, but I will also present something that I would want to do. That is my obligation as a designer - to listen to the client but also to offer another perspective. And it is not a contest - it is two parties trying to solve a problem.

Why did you choose to be a motion designer/director, why not web-designer or something else?
see #1

Mac or PC? Why?
Mac. It makes everything easy. PCs work great when they are not infected with viruses and bugs, but they are usually infected with viruses and bugs. And they are ugly. And uncool. In fact they suck...



Working on something too long, might get you a feeling that you don't like what you are doing anymore, how do you feel, when you are working on something for long time? I know, that seeing same thing everyday makes you a bit confused about the stuff you are making.
It used to, but I've learned my own creative rhythms and know when to refresh - to walk away. I'll go to a bookstore or movie or on a walk to clear my head. It's like mental stretching of a tired cerebellum.

What is the worst part of being a motion designer?
All-night renders and sitting on my butt for more than 24 hours. Other than that, nothing.



What about your offline live, what are your other hobbies? And yes, do you think your job is you hobby as well?
I've learned that it is very important to separate hobbies form work and to get a life. I play a lot of guitar and ride dirt bikes when I am not working.

Is it important to live in Los Angeles, if you want to make film-stuff?
Is this really a question? ha ha