When Aaron wasn’t shooting short films and music videos as a freelance videographer, he was grinding his way through the Prince of Persia series and ranking up in Brawlhalla. Today, he turns his passion for video games and his creative eye towards telling visual stories of our studio and its people. Learn more about Aaron’s career journey and his go-to tech and tools.
Hey Aaron! What do you do as Videographer & Video Editor? And how long have you been with Ubisoft Toronto?
As a Videographer and Video Editor, I am tasked with aiding our Communications team with filming and editing various projects for Ubisoft Toronto. Recently, I’ve also been doing a lot of photography as well. You’ve might’ve seen some of my snaps on our social media channels and new website 😉
Funny enough, it still feels like I only started yesterday. With all the fun I have had it is easy to forget I have been working at Ubisoft Toronto for a year now! Guess what they say is true — “time flies when you’re having fun.”
My favourite thing about my role is the fact that there is never a dull moment. The projects we get to work on are thrilling, impactful, and a fantastic way to meet all the friendly faces in our community.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
What’s your favourite project that you’ve worked on?
My favourite project so far has been the Developer interviews we did for Splinter Cell’s 20th Anniversary. It was a set of videos that highlighted the impact the original Splinter Cell had on the team developing the remake Additionally, it gave insight into how that’s fueling the updated gameplay. The “SC20” interviews allowed me to flex my creativity and bring my personal flavour to the project through creating hand-drawn animated transitions. I was extremely excited when I received the positive feedback from the team. With this successful project and support, I feel like I am one step closer to creating a visual identity for myself here at the studio.
What steps did you take to reach your current position?
Before working at Ubisoft Toronto, I was a freelance Videographer and Video Editor. I shot and edited a wide variety of projects, ranging from music videos and concert coverage to short films and commercial work. Ubisoft Toronto was my big break into the video game industry. To land a similar position a few tips I would recommend are to bring your A-game and a friendly smile. Furthermore, having a strong and diverse portfolio is a wonderful way to ensure that you stand out from the crowd, and showcase your creativity or what you have to offer.
What’s some of the key tech/tools you use regularly in your role? And what tech/tools should aspiring videographers pick-up or learn?
I cannot stress this enough. One of the most important tools is YouTube. I highly recommend taking your time and researching as much as you can. We are in an age where knowledge and information is right at your fingertips.
The sheer quantity of tutorials and lessons to be found on that site is unfathomable. Coming from a music video background, a large part of my inspiration came from videos I found while scrolling through my recommended page.
Additionally, don’t be afraid to use the gear you have access to. While watching others’ tutorials it is easy to feel as if the camera or equipment you have is inadequate. But that is the beauty of the craft. Art does not come from the pencil; it comes from a skilled hand.
LIFE AT UBISOFT TORONTO
What drew you to Ubisoft Toronto?
A better way to answer this question is by asking, what didn’t draw me to Ubisoft Toronto? Many of the joys and friendships I had throughout my life can be attributed to hours of grinding through the Prince of Persia series or ranking up in Brawlhalla. I have always been interested in the game development field, so once I saw that the local studio needed a videographer, I was the first to sign up!
Can you describe the Communications team within Ubisoft?
I might be a bit biased when I say this, but the Communications team at Ubisoft Toronto is the best team. Overall, the studio atmosphere is amazing. Everyone is very welcoming and amazing to work with. But there is something about the Comms team that makes me feel at home.
How has hybrid & flexible work impacted your work/team’s experience?
The hybrid work life has been a welcomed change. After my son’s arrival, working from home is a blessing. Not to mention my managers and our team make balancing work and personal life a priority.
Can you share your experience as a BIPOC video editor in the video game industry?
I feel like I might be an outlier because my first foray into the gaming industry is with such a nice studio but my experience as a black videographer in the gaming industry has been great so far. Although, when I first began pursuing a job in the creative field, because of my appearance I was only taken seriously if I had a basketball in my hand. I had my fair share of difficulties but all-in-all I feel like those difficulties have made me into the person I am today.
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People of Ubisoft Toronto is a series featuring studio members from a variety of projects and backgrounds as they share their experiences at our studio, perspective of the video game industry and, perhaps, even a sneak peek of what they’re working on! 
Our studio values diversity and believes in embracing differences to build stronger and more creative teams. We welcome people who would like to join us and redefine the future of games. Visit our careers page for more information on open roles and how to apply. To know more about our studio members and culture, click here.
