Luke Ogrodnik

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Tell us about yourself?

I am a Video Producer here at DreamWorld Studios. Here, my main focus involves editing video. Outside of work I edit video, make short films, edit video, spend some time with the girlfriend, edit video, write & compose music, edit video, shoot hoops, edit video, tell jokes, edit video, draw, edit video, paint, edit video and edit video.

What's your background?

Ah, well, I attended Julliard, I'm a graduate of the Harvard business school. I travel quite extensively. I lived through the Black Plague and I had a pretty good time during that. I've seen ‘The Exorcist' about a hundred and sixty-seven times, and it keeps getting funnier, every single time I see it! OK, none of that is actually true, except the ‘Exorcist' part. The truth is I attended college for Multimedia Design. My professional experience has been heavy in Graphic Design and Audio/Video Production. I also do gigs on the side as a part time Wedding Singer.

What inspires you?

I'm inspired by art that I find fascinating. Whether it be a print ad, commercial, or feature film, I like to use such inspirations to push me to the next level. Also, I find people who care about their work inspiring. People who work hard for what they want, like my Dad and Jack Bauer.

What's it like working at DWS?

The people I work with here are great. The people I don't work with here, I don't talk to.

Seriously though, we have a lot of fun when we can, and that makes working in the bat cave an entertaining experience. I've met a lot of friends here, including my BFF!

Has this job affected your skills?

Most definitely. It has enabled me to become more effective with the Adobe Creative Suite. I've been able to greatly expand my knowledge base with animation and expressions in After Effects. But most of all, I love working in Windows Movie Maker.

Why is your job so interesting?

I find my job interesting because of the media I get to work in. I've always been fascinated by the art of moving pictures, and I love working in the field. I think it's rad that we're now able to work in HD. I can't wait for our first Hi-Definition AD to hit the air.

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What personal and work characteristics are important to have with your job?

I think it's important to work hard all the time. I strive to be a perfectionist and always go the extra mile. In the video world sometimes you have to shoot until midnight and edit for 24 hours straight. I like working with people who know what it takes to make it in this field.

What's the best thing about working at DWS?

The best thing about working at DWS is that I get a chance to do it all on the Video Production side. Besides editing I'll get to direct, shoot, write, compose music & sound effects, record voiceovers, story board, travel across the country to shoot video, act, sing and dance, you name it. I like being able to add my talents, wherever needed to any project.

What's a typical work day like for you?

Typically I stroll in around the crack of noon and get my day started. My day mainly consists of editing television commercials in my two wall cubicle (or tubicle, if you will). Then my favorite part of the day rolls around at 12:05, lunch! Almost every day I eat lunch at my desk. You guessed it, pork chop sandwiches! Which results in having to use the ‘dust off' every other day to get the crumbs out of my keyboard… and Steve's hair. Then from 12:06-??? it's edit, edit, edit!

How important is it to be multi-skilled, for example to know the programming as well as the design?

Coming from a strong background in design I find it very important to be multi-skilled here. I find any knowledge from creative design can be portrayed through your video edit and vice versa. I think it's very beneficial to have a creative side and technical side. I've always been on the creative side myself.

What are your future goals?

My future goals would be to travel back in time and bet on sporting events to make my future a heck of a lot easier. If that doesn't work out, I would love to make movies about the future, or past.

What's your dream project?

My dream project would be to write, direct, and star in a television show or feature film. If that doesn't work out, just finishing “Christmas Ape” (www.christmasapethemovie.com) will suffice for now.

LUKE'S Corner

Currently listening to

Nine Inch Nails: Y34RZ3R0R3M1X3D and all other NIN remixes, Mr. Fusion, unavoidable X-mas music, the 'Jurassic Park' score

Currently watching

30 Rock, The Office, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

Current Hobbies

Working on music and sound effects... while wrapped in post production on short feature, "Christmas Ape". Hoops every Thursday!

My Favorite Links

Mr.Fusion This music has been stuck in my head for awhile now.

30 Rock Catching up on missed episodes, and watching ones I've already seen, again & again!

Futurama"We're back baby!" Pretty much the new coolest up and coming site on the interweb!

nine inch nails Now being updated by Trent Reznor on a ~~monthy~~, ~~daily~~, hourly basis, how can I not pay frequent visits!

BFF

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