VANCOUVER, B.C. – Matt Shepherd has worked on some of the biggest movie blockbusters of recent years, but he got his start at the Miramichi Campus of New Brunswick Community College (NBCC).
A 2003 graduate of the Animation and Graphics Technology program, Shepherd has reached the pinnacle of his industry, with more than 35 production credits to his name, including Hotel Transylvania 3, The Emoji Movie, Smurfs: The Lost Village, Sausage Party and The Lego Movie 2.
So how did he get from NBCC to the big screen?
“It really comes back to that network I developed at NBCC Miramichi,” said Shepherd. “I keep in touch with all of my fellow grads, because that is the baseline and foundation for my network.
“The animation scene in Canada is pretty tight-knit; I rely on all my friends and networks to give me direction on what projects to move to next. With a bit of luck, connections and a booming industry in Vancouver, I’ve now been working in film for seven years.”
Shepherd credits his career trajectory to the start he got at NBCC Miramichi. The dedication of the instructors and their industry knowledge helped prepare him for a career in animation, he said.
“It’s a good program. The instructors have industry experience and it’s every bit as good as what’s being offered elsewhere. It’s such a solid foundation. NBCC is competitive, and it’s going to give you opportunities.
“My time at NBCC really cultivated the passion for what I’m doing today.”
Shepherd stays connected to NBCC as a mentor to animation graduates. He also volunteers as a keynote speaker for the Jalloo Festival.
Shepherd’s achievements in his chosen industry were celebrated in 2018 when he received the NBCC Alumni Recognition Award. To nominate an outstanding NBCC alumnus for an award, please visit https://nbcc.ca/alumni/alumni-recognition-awards/how-to-nominate.
