Rob Petrie joined MPC NY at the beginning of 2015 as CG Creative Director. With over thirteen years of experience and previously at The Mill, Rob has built a successful career in London and New York as head of 3D, and most recently creative director at Mill+.

Rob’s proudest achievements include his work on AT&T’s charming "Birthday" spot, and concepting and directing Company of Heroes’ live action trailer “Western Front Armies”, as well as co-directing DOOM’s teaser. Over the years Rob has worked with some of the industry's best directors and Oscar-winning cinematographers, and his work for OFFF Paris earned him the prestigious Cannes Gold Lion in Design.

With a breadth of experience under his belt we asked Rob to share his experiences in the industry including how he went from runner to creative director and what his drink of choice is…

How many years have you been in the industry and where? 

I have been in the industry for 13 years. I started out as a runner at the Mill London office in January 2002. After 4 months I got a job in the 3D department where I was taught and trained by some of the leading 3D artists. After putting my head down and a lot of late nights and weekends I was made a 3D lead Supervisor. In 2008 I moved across the pond to The Mill NYC. After a couple of years and once again late nights and weekends I was made Head of 3D for the NYC office. I’ve always had a huge desire to direct and 13 months ago was appointed Creative Director where I directed several spots.

What are notable and most current brands, clients, directors you've worked with? 

Notable directors that I've worked with include Peter Thwaites, Fredrik Bond, Noam Murro and Nicolai Fuglsig.  But there are so many highlights. It really has been an amazing journey to work with some of the best directors in the business as well as Oscar winning cinematographers. It’s the best school to be around these guys.

What's your favorite part of your job?

It has to be creating something from nothing. I still love having a blank piece of paper, an empty word doc or a blank 3D scene and think to myself right then Roberto what shall we make and create today.

What excites you about joining MPC?

What got me really excited was the feeling that I could be part of the rapidly growing MPC Creative. There are so many avenues and exciting ventures that MPC can go down and to be a part of that is something I was really looking forward to.

What's your best piece of advice for someone starting out in the industry?

Keep your head down and never show anyone until you are happy with it first. If you don’t like what you have created then you can’t expect other people to follow suit.

What's your favorite website or book? 

Itsartmag.com has great work on it and I look at it every morning with a cup of coffee before starting my day

Which project do you wished you worked on? 

Queens of the Stone Age, Like Clockwork fifteen minute animated short — the amazing music combined with imagery is really impressive.

What's your poison?

You can’t beat an Old Fashioned when the moment suits!