Digital film production and 3D animation has always required a tremendous amount of hardware and individual talent. That is why directors and advertising agencies usually outsource this kind of work to studios with the trained staff and rooms filled with specialized hardware to make complete these types of projects. Today, however, big time firms have to compete against highly-skilled, well-equipped, one-man shops, like Aaron Reid's Antigravity Studios.

Reid, 33, is one of a growing number of 3D entrepreneurs that are able to deliver top-quality design work with widely available workstation systems and software. "The industry has changed drastically, particularly with regard to what one artist can accomplish on their own with a single piece of hardware, " says Reid.

Reid studied liberal arts at the University of Wyoming, but after college got interested in computer 3D animation. "My interest was sparked when I saw the movie Jurassic Park." Reid says. "I decided then that I wanted to work in the film industry. I bought myself a new workstation, taught myself the software, and set out to create a demo reel." From there his interest in the film industry evolved to include storytelling, directing, shooting, and editing in addition to 3D effects.

He began his career in 1997 creating multimedia for TrainingLinks, an online training materials development company. He later worked as a flash animator for Digital Camera Network in Boulder, Colorado, while creating 3D visualizations for freelance clients. In 2000 he accepted a job at ARC Science Simulations doing visualizations and renderings of the Earth from space for clients like NASA, ILM, Method Studios, and The Challenger Center. In 2001, he left ARC to pursue his career as a freelance designer and 3D professional.

Antigravity Studios was formed in 2003 and now consists of Reid, three workstations (including an n800w notebook workstation), and a Panasonic MiniDV camera. Antigravity currently provides design, 3D modeling/animation, and full service video production from shooting to output for clients who require a mobile crew and a reasonable budget. Reid has also done work for firms like Escape Media and McGrew Consulting. In the future, Aaron would like to expand Antigravity's services to include music video and feature film production.