Meet Jury Member Luis Sequera, AR + Video Producer for Telemundo Noticias at NBCUniversal

What are your current roles and responsibilities and what do you love most about your job?

What I love most about my work is being a bridge between the more traditional models of television and emerging technologies. I’m fascinated by experimenting with formulas that can sometimes be disruptive to our business model—it’s the most exciting aspect from my personal perspective.

What was your first job in the industry? What did it teach you?

I started in the media in my home country, Venezuela. In 2006, I began working at a local radio station, where I discovered a new way of telling stories and engaging the senses of the audience. It was at the radio that I learned the importance of being impeccable with every word and project, the vital need to pay attention to the details, and I will always be grateful for that experience.

What initiatives or projects are you working on now that excite you?

Lately, I’m incredibly excited about the future of storytelling in virtual reality. The ability to explain complex topics—ranging from weather patterns and missions to the International Space Station to the importance of coral erosion—is truly fascinating. In the past, connecting audiences with scientific and educational subjects was a challenge, but now, this knowledge is accessible to everyone, right from the comfort of their phones.

What project are you most proud to have worked on?

Definitely, being a founding member of one of the first Augmented Reality departments dedicated exclusively to news—both in the United States and worldwide—has been one of the most rewarding and groundbreaking experiences of my career. Contributing to the evolution of storytelling through innovation and technology is something I take great pride in.

What’s the most challenging part about your job and/or the industry?

Definitely, deadlines. Sometimes we have to work on a last-minute story in just a few hours, gathering relevant information that fits our format and assembling it all in a way that is both innovative and engaging. For me, that is the greatest challenge in my position.

What do you look for to determine creativity and technical talent in Animation and Motion Design?

The first thing I consider when evaluating any content is its relevance, the interaction between the selected elements, and its application. We are all capable of telling stories, but the one who takes the time to craft a story with the right elements/ understands their significance/and weaves them together to create a true work of art. That person is a true creative.

How do you unwind from work mode?

I have many interests that help me disconnect from work—spending quality time with my family, enjoying a game with my little daughter, listening to a comedy special, a podcast, a great interview, or getting lost in an interesting article.

Do you have any specific practices you lean on to fuel your creativity?

I love to look for inspiration, be aware of the trends, and meditate on every story I am responsible for, I am blessed to be around several amazing coworkers and collaborators, their feedback matters and I am always looking to improve our practices.

When did you know that this career is what you wanted to do?

As soon as I got the chance to experiment with my creative side, I knew I had to tell stories, when I finally connected journalism, story telling, and creative design was like I won the Lotto. Bingo!

What inspired you to join the field and create the kind of work you do?

Since I was a child, my mother taught me to dream and think creatively. For several years, I dedicated myself entirely to hard news journalism, but over time, I felt the need for the freedom that creative projects provide. That’s why I decided to merge my two passions. When the opportunity to take on this position arose, I pursued it relentlessly because I knew it was my chance to reclaim my role as a creative.

In your experience, what is a significant change happening in the animation and motion design industry, and what insight can you share about how to navigate it?

The revolution of artificial intelligence is propelling this industry forward at a staggering pace. Undoubtedly, technical knowledge and the ability to leverage these new tools will help us grow as an industry. We are witnessing an army of creatives, and now more than ever, I see disruptive products emerging as a result of new generations. I believe we are living in the best moment of modern history, if we take advantage of these new resources and integrate them into our productions, we can achieve truly remarkable things.

What’s a work tool you use every day and what’s one that is obsolete that you wish still existed?

Collaboration: I would not be able to work at my best if I did not rely on the people around me. One thing I would love everybody to do is work on the basics, the foundations of their work field. For some, it might look basic, but once your ride evolves, we tend to overlook those things. Being proficient and detail-oriented always pays off.