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20+ Years in 3D

Live Q&A with Michael Amasio, Think Tank Student #001. From the very first student through our doors in 2005 to technical leadership on EA's Skate, Amazon Games, and films like Blade Runner 2049.

September 18, 2026 · 10:00 AM PDT · Online via Zoom

A 20+ year career in 3D, start to finish. Studio stories from film and games, the artist-to-technical-director arc, and where the opportunities are heading
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Michael Amasio smiling in a forest, wearing a beanie and round glasses

Studios that hire our students

Animal Logic Digital Domain Icon Creative Studio The Coalition Bardel Studios Double Negative Imageworks Walt Disney Studios BioWare Electronic Arts Industrial Light & Magic Waterproof Blizzard Entertainment Framestore Relic Weta Digital CD Projekt Red Hellbent Games Scanline VFX Zoic

About
TTTC

20 years training the finest artists. Think Tank Training Centre is one of the VFX schools with the highest placements in the industry. Over 100 placements in the past 10 months, in the shortest period of training.

Behind each program, webinar or in-person event is the same philosophy. It's a drive to give CG artists the tools and mentoring they need to expand their vision and build meaningful connections in the industry.

The Rookies — Ranked #1 The Rookies — Ranked #1 The Rookies — Ranked #1 The Rookies — Ranked #1

What You'll Hear

Real stories from film and game studios — and a real look at where the industry is heading.

Michael Amasio will share the path from Think Tank's very first cohort to leading technical teams—plus how to leverage modern learning paths to build a flexible, future-proof career in 3D.

  • 20+ years across feature film VFX and AAA game production
  • The shift from artist to technical director
  • Where technical opportunities are opening up today
Register for the live talk
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Inside the Conversation

Topic 1

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The Student #001 Journey

  • Think Tank's first-ever cohort in 2005
  • Leading technical teams at EA, Amazon, and DNEG
  • How 3D learning has evolved over two decades

Topic 2

Close-up of a textured black character suit helmet with glowing red accents

The Full Career Arc

  • Starting in modeling and lighting
  • Moving into animation, rigging, simulation, and tools
  • How to avoid getting boxed into one niche

Topic 3

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The Evolving Pipeline

  • Which positions remain vital today
  • Where technical opportunities are opening up
  • Building a flexible, future-proof skill set

Topic 4

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Open Q&A & Studio Stories

  • Unfiltered perspective on film VFX vs. AAA games
  • Behind the scenes on Blade Runner 2049 and Skate
  • Live questions from the audience

What It Covers

Michael Amasio standing outdoors wearing a tropical-print shirt with headphones around his neck

Featured Guest

Michael Amasio

Think Tank Student #001 · Senior Technical Artist, People Can Fly

Back in 2005, Michael was literally the very first student through Think Tank's doors. Over the past two decades, he has evolved his career from modeling and lighting into character rigging, animation, simulation, and high-level pipeline tools across the world's top film and game studios.

Selected experience and credits

  • Former Technical Director, EA's Skate
  • Animation Director, undisclosed AAA titles
  • Principal Technical Animator, Amazon Games
  • Senior Technical Artist, People Can Fly
  • Blade Runner 2049
  • Avengers · Age of Ultron · Iron Man · Ant-Man
  • Pacific Rim Uprising
  • Fantastic Beasts
  • Storks
  • This Is the End
Michael's LinkedIn Michael's IMDb credits

Scholarships Available

Think Tank Training Centre currently has a partial scholarship initiative. This event is simply helping spread the word; scholarship availability, eligibility, and award decisions are handled separately from registration for this live talk.

FAQ

When is the live talk?
Friday, September 18, 2026 at 10:00 AM PDT / 1:00 PM EDT.
Where does it take place?
Online via Zoom. Registration details will be sent to registered attendees.
What will Michael discuss?
His 20+ year journey from Think Tank Student #001 to technical director, moving between film VFX and AAA games, the evolving pipeline, and building a future-proof career.
Can I ask Michael a question?
Yes. This is a live Q&A session.
Register for the live talk