Spotlight: Mikal Vega, Animation Performance Capture Director
In the month of November, to celebrate Veterans Day (US) and Remembrance Day (Global), we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the brave men and women who have served our country and around the world, putting our freedom above all else. These individuals have displayed unwavering courage and sacrifice, wearing the uniform with pride and dedication. We’re honored to work with one of those brave veterans, Mikal Vega, who we spotlight today.
Give us a quick intro!
I served almost 22 years in the US Military and held many positions such as a SEAL Platoon Leading Chief Petty Officer, Personal Security Detail Shift Leader, US Navy SEAL Combatives Instructor, US Navy SEAL Demolitions Instructor and Senior Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician (Bomb Squad). I've been awarded The Purple Heart for injuries sustained during OIF, two Bronze Stars with combat valor for OIF, Army Achievement Medal for Operation Joint Guardian Kosovo and the Navy Achievement Medal.
Storytelling, for me, is a personal revelation of purpose. Whereas once I could only identify with what my team and I were able to affect on the battlefield as being a worthwhile expression of life, I now embrace it from the director's chair. From this position of creative service, I am empowered to deliver authentic and deeply human experiences for our fans and to propagate opportunities to the veterans' community through the voice this platform provides.
I have been with Treyarch officially for almost 2 years now; however, we have been creating together since Cold War. I currently live in Los Angeles, California, with my wife and daughter.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
My hobbies include motorcycles, art (pencil/airbrush/tattoo), boxing, jiu-jitsu, diving, horseback riding, rappelling, free-fall parachuting, swimming, snowboarding/skiing.
What does company culture mean to you?
For me, company culture is about service to the common goal and the collective collaboration we all engage in to achieve it.
What brought you to Treyarch?
I chose to sign up with Treyarch because of the incredible experiences I had co-creating with the people I interfaced with on a day-to-day basis, combined with the professional growth potential I was offered as a Director.
What goals are you hoping to accomplish here?
I view goals as the North Star, a reference along the journey that is constantly shifting as we hit new benchmarks. One of my top missions is to forge trusted bonds with my fellow creators. I'm laser-focused on teamwork, communicating a crystal-clear vision, and turning our collective ideas into reality through unwavering service in action.
What’s your favorite video game?
My favorite game? Can't pick one; there are too many that have impacted me at different periods of my life for profound reasons. The top three are WoW/Diablo, Halo (the OG), and of course, COD. Okay... that was 4.