Bruce was born in 1964 in the picturesque province of Newfoundland, Canada, a region known for its rugged coastline, rich history, and vibrant culture. His fascination with animation began at a young age, and as he entered his teenage years, he started creating short films and experimenting with Super-8 footage alongside his friends.
These early experiments consisted of animated shorts featuring toy fights that often ended in dramatic flames, showcasing Bruce's creativity and passion for the medium. His interest in animation only grew stronger, leading him to pursue Super-8 film courses at his local college. During this time, Bruce formed a film club with like-minded friends, which eventually connected with a larger network of hobby filmmakers and self-proclaimed geeks.
The group would often gather to watch an abundance of National Film Board (NFB) films at home on their 16mm projectors, immersing themselves in their love of film and learning from the masters. Bruce's artistic interests extended beyond animation, as he also studied Music in Performance at the University of Toronto in 1985 and later completed his Bachelor of Arts in Literary Studies by 1990.
However, it was animation that ultimately became his true calling, and an opportunity to apprentice under Belgian animator Dirk van de Vondel in Barcelona further honed his skills in animation and design. This European experience was a defining moment in Bruce's career, shaping his artistic vision and informing his unique style.
In 1991, Bruce co-founded Cuppa Coffee, one of the largest animation houses in Canada, which he would lead for five years before setting up Tricky Pictures in Chicago's Backyard Productions in 1995. The studio would go on to achieve great success, and Bruce's ability to nurture and grow a production company would become a hallmark of his career.
However, the Pacific Northwest was calling, and in 2000, Bruce returned to his Canadian roots, setting up Global Mechanic in Vancouver, where he still leads the company today. Global Mechanic has grown into a thriving production company, producing films, TV shows, commercials, titles, and more recently, digital and product design work through its subsidiary, Global Mechanic Labs.
As an experimental artist, Bruce is known for pushing the boundaries of conventional animation techniques, often combining stop motion with hand-painted and drawn elements. His work is heavily influenced by music, and he often incorporates sound and movement into his pieces. Bruce has also directed over 500 commercials, including numerous Coca-Cola campaigns, which have allowed for creative freedom and collaboration with artists from around the world.
One of his most notable commercial campaigns resulted in the most viewed commercial in South Africa of all time, a testament to his ability to create engaging and memorable work. Throughout his career, Bruce has remained true to his artistic vision, always seeking to innovate and push the limits of what is possible in animation and beyond.
