MEET THE TEAM - MORTEN NIKLASSON - "THE INTERN"

Morten Niklasson self portrait using Joystick 'n Sliders

What’s your name and tell us something interesting about yourself

I am Morten, ”The Intern”!

Swedish westcoastian who is struggling with acting my age (who isn’t?!) and though it’ll probably never happen, I still dream of becoming a rockstar and/or pro skateboarder…

Animation aside, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I quite recently got introduced to climbing (or ”bouldering), which is great.

Being emotionally unstable when watching Game of Thrones is great.

Eating good food, preferably at a restaurant is also great. Paired with good beer or wine is even greater.

Doing all of the above with my girlfriend is a great plus.

Name the three things that are essential in getting you through your day?

A good nights sleep, good music or a podcast for my commute and good coffee. The last one is not that essential but it does make for a better day.

How did you get into animation?

I applied with no skills what so ever for a motion graphic program at the school Hyper Island, with the intention to do ”live action and maybe learn to add some special effects if necessary”… With no previous skills in live action either. Got in, discovered animation, fell in love and got stuck! Haven’t thought about live action since. Except now!

Which animators or artists inspire your work?

Is it OK to write Fraser Davidson or would that count as ass kissing? If so, then James Curran, Markus Magnusson, Bee Grandinetti, Tony Babel, Frida Ek and Nicolas Ménard. Great design, great characters and great animations.

What would be your dream animation project/client?

I really wanted to do something for the BBC just to have Sir David Attenborough narrate it. But now that I think about it, I’d be happy to do whatever as long as Sir David Attenborough narrates it!

What surprised you most about the animation industry?

Everything! Except doing animations. Coming straight outta Hyper, there wasn’t really anything that could prepare me for ”the real world”. 

What advice would you give to your younger self?"

"Relax! Apparently you’ll do just fine in the future. Who knew? Just be kind to people. And don’t worry too much.”