Member Profile: Cristobal Cheng

1. What do you do, and how long have you been doing it?

I currently work as a Dailies Assist Operator for the On-Location Services team at Technicolor and have been for the last two in half years.

2. What was your first job?

My first job out of university was a QA Analyst for Square-Enix’s US localization team.

3. Where did you complete your formal education?

My formal education was completed at the University of Southern California, earning a BS in Computer Science.

4. How did you first get involved with ACM SIGGRAPH?

I first became involved with ACM SIGGRAPH through the Student Volunteers program for the 2001 SIGGRAPH Conference in Los Angeles.

5. What is your favorite memory of a SIGGRAPH conference?

My absolute favorite SIGGRAPH Conference memory occurred in 2001, when I was accepted as a Student Volunteer. You never really forget how everything began. I attribute every fond memory I have had and will have to that moment.

6. Describe a project that you would like to share with the ACM SIGGRAPH community.

Currently the only project I am allowed to share are those I am supporting for the 2018 SIGGRAPH Conference. For 2018 I am a part of the Attendee Experience program and we are working on several new initiatives to enrich attendees time, both at the Conference and the city of Vancouver.

7. If you could have dinner with one living or non-living person, who would it be and why?

I would definitely like to have dinner with Stan Lee. As a comic book fan I’ve always wanted to meet one of the creators of several characters I grew up reading and had a hand in inspiring my imagination.

8. What is something most people don’t know about you?

I normally don’t do public speaking, but found myself doing surprisingly well hosting the 2017 Real-Time Live! event.

9. From which single individual have you learned the most in your life? What did they teach you?

My philosophy teacher from Community College would be that single individual. The main thing I took away from his teachings is that you should always make your assessment on everything you encounter in life. Question the norm and never buy in to quickly to any concept, particularly theirs.

10. Is there someone in particular who has influenced your decision to work with ACM SIGGRAPH?

My cousin Frank Cheng. He was the one who informed me about ACM SIGGRAPH and the Conference. If not for him I would not have known about volunteering at the Conference or understanding that it can lead to various volunteer roles and an amazing network within the tech and graphics industry.

11. What can you point to in your career as your proudest moment?

This was a recent accomplishment, but my proudest moment in my career was organizing and live hosting the 2017 Real-Time Live! program for the 2017 SIGGRAPH Conference.