BANGKOK, Thailand, 27 January 2021

Q&A with Yannix’ resident “super tracker” and Production Specialist, Sarun “Run” Auemongkolkarn.

Yannix: Please tell us about your life before you joined Yannix.

Run: I was born in Bangkok’s Chinatown, and I lived in Chinatown during my childhood. When I got older, I moved to Jomthong district.

I attended King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), where I earned a Bachelors of Science Degree in Computer Engineering (International), and then I obtained a Masters Degree (Science Program in Electronic Business), also from KMUTT.

YNX: What made you want to join Yannix?

Run: During my studies at KMUTT, I attended an open house where Yannix was recruiting on campus. I was intrigued by the idea that I could work in Hollywood from right here in Bangkok. After I received my Bachelors Degree in 2007, I applied for a job at Yannix. Back then I was interviewed by Xye. I was happy when I got the job. I was one of the early hires. In fact, my Yannix ID Number is “19.” I’ve been at Yannix since 2007 so I guess I’ve been with the company for almost 14 years.

YNX: What is your current role at Yannix?

Run: When I started working at Yannix, we were a much smaller company. We only had a few people working in Production at the time. It was a good opportunity for me as I had the chance to learn how to do a lot of things, not only working in Production, but also many other things, too. Because our team was small, I was able to learn about the entire process – from starting on shots all the way through until the shots were completed. I became very familiar with the various steps in our pipeline. The experience was invaluable. It taught me how to manage a project and how to identify and solve problems, and it taught me how to maintain quality control throughout each project.

Of course, now Yannix has expanded to be larger. We currently have around 300 people.
At present, I’m in a position to bring all of my experience to bear. I serve as a consultant for the 2D and 3D Teams, and for our Rotomation Team. I help them to identify ways to make the job easier, and to make the process go faster. And, I help them to achieve better quality.

I research new techniques and I explore new technologies in areas like motion capture. I also analyze processes and identify ways to improve workflow. I work directly with our SIT Team to help develop applications/software that help our Production Team to work smarter, and more efficiently.

YNX: Is there a project you’ve worked on at Yannix that you consider to have been challenging, or one that you are particularly proud of?

Run: Every project comes with its own challenges, but I really enjoy identifying and solving problems. This is especially true when we get a new project where we need to develop new techniques in order solve the shots.

There was a project a few years ago that involved 360 degree Motion Reconstruction and Stitching. This was very new for me and I welcomed the challenge.

Another project which challenged me was a movie that received an Academy Award for VFX. It was a real challenge at the time because some of shots started with the camera above water and then the camera went under water in the same shot.

YNX: What do you do in your free time? Do you have any hobbies?

Run: During my free time, I like to read comic books, and Chinese fiction books. I play games, and watch action/adventure movies.

YNX: We understand congratulations are in order as you recently became a first-time father. Do you have any thoughts on which role is more challenging… your day job at Yannix or fatherhood?

Run: In my work role at Yannix, I have experiences that I can fall back on when I need to. I’ve developed ways to handle difficult situations and solve problems. And when I’m at a loss, I have my colleagues that I can consult so that together we can find ways to fix things.
Sometimes, being a father is difficult. Sometimes it is difficult to understand what a baby is trying to communicate. This can be very challenging. No matter how hard I try, sometimes I wonder if I’m doing it right.

My life perspective has changed. I am an adult now. I’ve grown a lot since I joined Yannix. I try to understand others and I enjoy working with, and learning from other people.

I will always support my family and take good care of them. I will continue to strive to be a good person.

YNX: Thank you Run for taking the time to answer our questions.