Dan Rice
Motion Designer / Director / VFX Artist
Brisbane, AUS
danricemotion.com
instagram @danricemotion
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Q What do you do?
“I’m a Motion Designer and VFX artist who creates animated video content for design & creative studios, tech companies, post houses and direct clients.”
My work covers title sequences, marketing content, TV commercials, explainer videos, UI animation, music videos, voice games and my own experiments.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I studied film at university with a focus on post-production. I spent the following years working as a film and commercial editor before making the switch to motion design upon stumbling across a job opening, at my dream studio, Breeder. I stayed at Breeder for 6 years working on a huge array of projects including title sequences for TV series, virtual reality experiences, voice games, hype & explainer videos for tech start ups and advertising.
I wore a number of hats at Breeder depending on the needs of the project, from 2D-animation, editing, 3D artist, VFX artist, to Art Director, Creative Director and Producer.
There I discovered my passion for working on projects where I can implement new technology or techniques while leading a cast of talented artists to create beautiful work.
I now freelance from my home studio in Brisbane, working with clients from around the world.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I have a strong background in filmmaking and editing which comes across in everything I create. I endeavor to make sure my work is perfectly paced and cuts through the chaff.
Sound is also hugely important to my work. I love crafting the soundscape of a project myself, but will always try to work with talented composers and sound designers to push the work up to the next level.
Q What are you working on right now?
I just finished editing a commercial project and am about to start directing another.
I'm also always working to sharpen my skills. At the moment I'm living inside Cinema 4D learning everything I can.
Q What’s your style?
My reel is a great starting point - danricemotion.com/work/showreel
Personally I love mixing CG and older filmmaking techniques to create something fresh. Also, DIY is a big love of mine. I appreciate creating something that looks expensive using very inexpensive techniques.
I work with clients to figure out what they're trying to express and figure out the best way to deliver that while still adding a little piece of my personality.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I want to spend more time working in 3D. Whether that's to create style frames or delivering shots.
Also, game engines are a more recent curiosity. I've created a number of projects so far, including a VR dance film in Unity and a music video in Unreal, that have pushed the way I work. Whether that's allowing a viewer interact and change the narrative of a project, or even just changing the way you create the end result.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Social media! I find it so hard to maintain a presence when I'm busy.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Run my social media presence please and thank you.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
Back yourself more and listen to your gut. No one will show you the path but you.
Also, get used to sharing things about yourself online! The more open, interesting and generous you are, the more you will see doors opening for you.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I would love to spend time with a master nature photographer. I'm secretly obsessed with bird photography.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I am looking to collaborate with design studios, tech companies and creative studios to deliver beautiful work.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
Being able to collaborate with artists I both admire and are friends with to deliver a project that highlights the best of all of our abilities.
Q What is your rate?
I work to either a project rate or a day rate. The project rate depends on a number of factors including turnaround time, duration and style of work. It could be anywhere from 15k to 150k depending on the project. This is also best if I am handling all aspects of the video creation.
My day rate varies depending on my role. For general motion design I charge $700-$800, while for Art Direction I charge $1000.
*all rates in AUD
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Email is always the best place to reach me. I love hearing the scope, what your goals are and budget if possible. From there we can organize a call that works for everyone's timezone to further chat through anything. Depending on the project, I'll send back a reverse brief before we start to lock things down.
email: dan@danricemotion.com
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Josh Edwards is a great Art Director. I've had the pleasure of working with him once.
Finally, the three people whose work inspired me to join the Breeder team in the first place, Joyce N. Ho, Alex Gee and Chris Morris.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Consuming and experiencing great work.
This member profile was originally published in September 2023