Miguel Angel OrtizMexican special effects animator, has left his mark in the film industry by being part of the team of Walt Disney Animation Studios in Vancouver.
With more than nine years of experience, Ortiz has worked in productions iconic like:
- “Avatar: The Way of Water” (2022), “Spider-Man: No Way Home” (2021), “Dune” (2021), “Venom” (2018), “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” (2019) and “Blade Runner 2049” (2017), winner of the Oscar and Bafta for Best Visual Effects in 2018 (at that time with the studio Double Negative in Vancouver).
However, his debut in a animated movie of disney with “Moana 2″, which opens today in movie theaters, has marked a before and after in his career.
“Be part of disney Animation is magic pure, a dream come true”, expresses Ortiz with enthusiasm. This project not only allowed him to work with a diverse and talented team, but also lead the quality of the animation to new heights.
The magic behind the effects
Ortiz plays a crucial role as effects artist in “Moana 2″ when being in charge of creating effects visuals in water, volumetric fire and storms. And in this animated production his main challenge was to bring to life the ocean and Kai, the spirit of water, a character who had to transmit emotions through technology.
“Our goal was to take everything that was learned in the first film and improve it, creating settings that all artists could use to deliver a final product that the public would love,” he explains.
The creative process for Ortiz includes a collaboration constant with others departmentsensuring the director’s vision comes to life on screen. “The excitement of seeing the final product, first on your computer and then on the big screen, is indescribable. Seeing all the team’s effort come to life is just great.”
In “Moana 2” Michelangelo focused on perfecting the water effects, a complex challenge that involved realistically animating the water and giving it character, in the case of “Kai,” the spirit of the ocean.
An achievement that was possible thanks to advanced technology and solid support from the studio.
Between the action live and animation
With experience both in movies action live as animated, Ortiz points out that the work has similarities, but in disney found something unique: direct communication with directors.
“In disneythe directors They make the effort to get to know you. Let them come and tell you: ‘Hey Miguel‘How’s this shot going?’ is something I had never experienced in other studios. It is a experience that fills with joy”, expresses Michelangelo.
Ortiz deeply values
Inspirations and dreams
Since childhood, Ortiz He was captivated by the magic of cinema, citing films such as “Star Wars”, “Jurassic Park” and “Tron: Legacy” (2010) as his biggest influences.
“The project that made me say ‘I need to work on disney‘It was ‘Tangled’. If I can ever do something with that universe, that would be great. I also would love working on ‘Zootopia’,” he says.
These dreams reflect his passion for art and animationdriving him to overcome challenges and achieve new goals.
Tips for new generations
As a mentor and reference, Ortiz shares an inspiring message for young animators who dream of working in disney: “There is no need to give up. dreams They are fulfilled as long as you start working on them. Learn, share what you know and generate a community among artists.”
His story is a reminder that perseverance and talent can open unimaginable doors, even in the most competitive.
With “Moana 2″, Miguel Angel Ortiz Not only did he contribute to one of the most anticipated films of 2024, but he also cemented his place as a leading film artist. effects visuals. His career continues to be an example for those seeking to turn their passion into a profession, demonstrating that, with effort, anything is possible.
