Resume

CREATIVE / TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
Visual Effects · Compositing · 2D/3D Animation · Design · Post-Production · A.I. Workflows · Creative Management

Creative leader with 20+ years of experience delivering high-impact compositing, VFX, CG, animation, and design for broadcast, film, and digital platforms. Skilled in blending storytelling with technical precision to create emotionally resonant visual experiences. Proven collaborator across departments and disciplines with a deep toolkit and a passion for innovation.

Core Strengths

Animation & Visual Effects: Proficient in 2D/3D animation (character rigging, design, animation), VFX, motion graphics, and pre-visualization.
Compositing & Post-Production: Skilled in timeline and node-based compositing, retakes, storyboarding, and quality control.
Creative Direction & Pipeline Optimization: Experienced in shaping creative vision, streamlining workflows, and managing cross-functional teams - both in-house and remote.
Look Development & Design: Deep involvement in key art, in-show graphics, main titles, end credits, and digital design.
Software Proficiency: After Effects, Maya (primary), Toon Boom Harmony, Storyboard Pro, Cinema 4D, Blender, 3ds Max, Zbrush, Nuke, Substance, DaVinci Resolve, Photoshop, Illustrator, SketchUp, Premiere Pro.
Scripting & IT Consultation: Experience with JavaScript, MEL, Python, and After Effects Expressions; consulting for artist tools and production pipeline integration.
System Admin: Building and running high end PCs for studio production environments.

Warner Bros. Animation

Sr Technical Director/Effects/Designer/Motion Graphics

Sep 2012 - Nov 2024 12 yrs 2 mos

• Extensive experience in post-production and visual development for theatrical releases, DTV, TV series, and commercials.

• Proven expertise in VFX, compositing, CG, and both 2D/3D animation, along with exceptional skills in visualization, design, retakes, storyboarding, main titles, and presentations.

• Demonstrated ability in crafting distinctive branding, logos, marketing strategies, and advertising materials to enhance project identity.

• Strong track record in troubleshooting, editing, quality control (QC), and interfacing with senior staff while leading both internal and external crews.

• Directed R&D initiatives, organized internal showcases, spearheaded new show development, and built streamlined production pipelines in close collaboration with Executives and senior leadership.

• Filmography available at www.bretthardin.com/filmography - Animation Guild IATSE Local 839 Member

Warner Bros. Animation

Executive Director, New Media Design

May 2008 - Jan 2012 3 yrs 9 mos

• Directed high-impact creative initiatives for marquee franchises such as KidsWB, DC Beyond, Scooby-Doo, and Looney Tunes.

• Oversaw the design and execution of immersive interactive content, advanced video games, comprehensive marketing campaigns, and digital design strategies across multiple platforms.

• Managed creative teams and built strategic partnerships with internal stakeholders and external partners.

Brett Hardin Media, LLC

Owner / Artist

Oct 2003 - Present 21 yrs

• A dynamic network of highly skilled professionals working on both original and client-based projects.

• Expertise spans a broad range of creative disciplines including animation, visual effects, CG, character design, illustration, storyboarding, cinematography, editing, sound design, and generative/inference technologies.

• The collaborative group consistently delivers innovative and cross-disciplinary experiences.

Deadline Advertising

Senior Art Director

Sep 2006 - Oct 2007 1 yr 2 mos

• Managed campaign development for top-tier clients including Disney and Sony.

• Delivered award-winning advertising solutions across animation, print, digital media, and mobile platforms with a focus on compelling visual narratives and strategic brand messaging.

Walt Disney Internet Group

Lead Artist

Oct 2003 - Sep 2006 2 yrs 2 mos

• Served as the principal designer for Disney.com and its affiliated brands.

• Managed a diverse range of creative projects-including illustration, animation, concept development, coding, and visual design for digital platforms.

• Directed live-action video initiatives for Disney Motion.

Walt Disney Internet Group

Senior Site Content Developer

Oct 2003 - Aug 2004 11 mos

• Lead developer for the homepage of Disney.com, pioneering early web development efforts.

• Utilized PHP, HTML, MySQL, Flash, and JavaScript to craft engaging and interactive online experiences.

Red Shift ISP

Director of Web Development

Oct 1999 - Mar 2003 3 yrs 6 mos

• Co-founded and managed the creative division, overseeing web development, design, budgeting, and client relations across a range of digital projects.

• Combined creative vision with technical expertise to consistently deliver projects that balanced cutting-edge design with robust functionality.