Born and raised in the vibrant culture of Kingston, Jamaica, in the early 1980s, Ruel Smith's journey to the pinnacle of visual storytelling is nothing short of inspirational. This podcast series explores the remarkable path of a boy who discovered his passion for animation in a high school classroom in East Orange, New Jersey, and transformed it into a groundbreaking career in the world of film and virtual production.    We delve into the various chapters of Ruel's life - from his early days exploring 2D and 3D animation techniques to earning a prestigious scholarship at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. We journey with him from his formative years in NYC, where he cut his teeth as a commercial 3D generalist, to his decisive move to Los Angeles, diving into the world of big studio productions.    Listeners will get an insider's view of Ruel's groundbreaking work at Digital Domain and his pivotal role in films like Clint Eastwood's "Flags of Our Fathers," "Black Panther," and "Captain Marvel." We'll explore his foray into real-time filmmaking with Disney’s "Jungle Book," a milestone in creative technology, and his latest ventures with Impossible Objects (IO) and Stept Studios, pushing the boundaries of virtual production.    This is more than just a chronicle of Ruel Smith's professional achievements; it's a testament to his commitment to mentorship, his dedication to creating new representations of lineage, and his continuous quest to innovate within the industry. Join us as we uncover the layers of Ruel's career, his collaborations with iconic directors like Ryan Coogler, Jon Favreau, David Fincher, and Clint Eastwood, and his visionary work in video games and short films.    Whether you're a budding filmmaker, a seasoned professional, or just a lover of compelling stories, this episode offers a unique blend of personal narrative, industry insights, and artistic inspiration. Tune in and be part of Ruel Smith's ongoing journey to redefine the art of visual storytelling.  Visual Intonation Website: https://www.visualintonations.com/ Visual Intonation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visualintonation/ Vante Gregory's Website: vantegregory.com Vante Gregory's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directedbyvante/ To support me on Patreon (thank you): patreon.com/visualintonations Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@visualintonation Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@directedbyvante