Nick Bartone
About Nick Bartone
Nick Bartone serves as the Lighting Lead at Pixar Animation Studios, where he has worked since 2010. He specializes in lighting technical direction and has contributed to looks development and pipeline creation for various projects.
Work at Pixar Animation Studios
Nick Bartone has been employed at Pixar Animation Studios since 2008. He started as a Lighting Intern, where he gained foundational experience for six months. In 2010, he transitioned to a Lighting Technical Director (TD) role, a position he has held for 14 years. In 2019, he advanced to the position of Lighting Lead, where he has been responsible for overseeing lighting processes and team management for five years. His work includes looks development and pipeline creation for various projects, contributing significantly to the studio's renowned visual storytelling.
Previous Experience at Tippett Studio
Before joining Pixar, Nick Bartone worked at Tippett Studio as a Lighting Technical Director for a period of nine months in 2009. This role provided him with valuable industry experience and skills that he later applied at Pixar. His time at Tippett Studio helped him develop a deeper understanding of lighting techniques and the technical aspects of animation production.
Education and Expertise
Nick Bartone earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Visual Effects and Technical Direction from the Savannah College of Art and Design. He studied from 2004 to 2008, during which he developed a strong foundation in visual effects and technical skills essential for his career in animation. His education has equipped him with the knowledge necessary to excel in lighting and rendering within the animation industry.
Technical Contributions and Innovations
Throughout his career at Pixar, Nick Bartone has made significant technical contributions. He developed a lighting rig from scratch for entire sequences, working closely with a Director of Photography. He also created utility Python scripts, including command-line tools and plugins, to enhance team efficiency and support re-lighting tools. Additionally, he implemented optimizations and compositing fixes to improve the efficiency of rendered shots, demonstrating his commitment to technical excellence in the lighting department.
Problem-Solving in Lighting Department
Nick Bartone has utilized his technical expertise to resolve complex rendering issues within the lighting department at Pixar. His ability to ensure error-free outputs has been crucial in maintaining the high standards of quality expected in animated productions. His problem-solving skills contribute to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the lighting processes, supporting the studio's reputation for excellence.