Tom Kloucek

What course did you study at ANOMALIA?

I’ve studied character animation with Rich Quade an Andrew L. Schmidt. I also did creature workshop with Kenny Roy.

How did studying at ANOMALIA help you into the world of animation, gaming, vfx? 

It showed me what its like to be an animator on daily basis. It taught me the importance of networking, hard work and perseverance. I have taken many different training courses in animation prior to ANOMALIA and being in the same room with a top professional and other animators, when we all get pushed by the atmosphere and motivation to be better is priceless. It took me a long time to wrap my mind around the concept of bringing a character to life, and I know now that face-to-face and intensive learning in an isolated and beautiful Litomyšl gave me the biggest boost, especially when I felt the most down and skeptical about my skills after taking so many other online schools. Coming to ANOMALIA kicked my butt. Seriously. 

What are you working on at the moment? And what have you previously worked on?

I’m currently working on Timmy Failure. My past projects were Jurassic World 2, Ready Player One, Life, Assassins Creed, The Jungle Book and some more. The Jungle Book was my favourite project so far.

What were you doing before you started your course at ANOMALIA?

I was working (part time) as a specialist for Apple Inc.

How quickly after completing your course did you secure your first job?

I got my first proper animation work (internship for Trixter) 8 months after Anomalia. It was for a show called Wolfblood which was animation of realistic wolves. That experience proved to be super important as it landed me a job on The Jungle Book a year later.

What lessons have you learnt during your time studying and your time working in animation, gaming, vfx?

That attitude is way more important than talent. Longevity really comes down to personality. Skill is of course important but personality is usually what makes or breaks you.

What is your advice for those considering entering the industry?

Go for it only if you really love it. Its highly competitive so don’t get discouraged if its takes too long to get in, be patient, be persistent and work hard. There really is no magic here. Just hard work.

If you had to sum up your time at ANOMALIA in one word, what would it be and why?

FUN! Because thats what it should be. Creative process is fun and Anomalia really excels at that. Loved every minute of it.

What’s your favourite movie and why?

I don’t really have a favourite movie. I have certain movies that I really like but each for different reasons.

Recently I enjoyed these Movies/TV shows:

Ozark – smaller Breaking Bad

The Affair – fantastic acting

The Favourite – superb acting

Lucifer – silly chill TV but Tom Ellis is joy to watch