May 8, 2001

· Odd Squad

Admin. Part Two
They are the support staff for a passionate yet tired and hungry production staff. You may think "oil and water" or "black and white" but you couldn't be further from the truth. Just as two halves make a whole, together Admin. and Production define Oddworld Inhabitants. Creative, intelligent,and funny these folks are what make Oddworld unique. Read their insights here exclusively.



Bonnie, Human Resources Assistant
What exactly is your job at Oddworld?  HR Grunt. I answer the jobs alias email, input candidates into our database, review resumes, review demos, correspond with candidates, schedule travel for interviews, plan recruiting events, learning benefits administration,and back-up support to administration.
Best part of your job?   There is a continuous opportunity to learn more about employment issues. I also get to meet alot of great people and brag about the terrific company I'm representing.
Worst part of your job?   Sending rejection letters.
What's your favorite CD right now?   I can't choose one, but any Tragically Hip CD works for me.
Favorite film or TV show:   TV - Jack & Jill
Favorite indulgence:   Ice cream
What inspires you?  The outdoors - breaking out of my paradigm.
Favorite thing to do when not at work:  Be outside
Favorite read:  The Lure of the Limerick
What's so great about being in "Admin.?"   We can't share secrets like this - otherwise everyone will want to be on our team.
How does working for a game company differ from working at other companies?   How do you compare apples to oranges? :) Actually, a lot of the stuff we do here is necessary at other companies too, but in the gaming industry you're surrounded by folks with awesome personalities, creativity, and crazy working hours.



Dave, Production Assistant
What exactly is your job at Oddworld?  To clean, fetch, organize, deliver, order, build, and dispose of whatever items are needed on a day to day basis.
Best part of your job?   It's different every day.
Worst part of your job?   It's different every day.
What's your favorite CD right now?   My favorite music is still on melted cassette tapes in my glove compartment.
Favorite video game:  Activision's "Kaboom" on my old Atari 2600. No thinking involved, just reflex.
Favorite film or TV show:   The Princess Bride
Favorite indulgence:   Chocolate covered chocolate with chocolate chips.
What inspires you?  A little nagging, and getting poked with a sharp stick.
Favorite thing to do when not at work:  Perform in and/or produce community musical theater.
Favorite read:  Smithsonian Magazine
Favorite Oddworld Character and why:   I'd love to have a Slog for a pet. I bet the neighborhood cats would quit using my yard as a litter box.
Any Admin. words of wisdom or OW secrets that you can share??   Your box for weekly vitamins is actually a good place to hide candy, as long as it stays cool.
What's so great about being in "Admin.?"   We get more natural light than the production team that has to work on the dark side of the building.
How does working for a game company differ from working at other companies?   Contrary to what everyone else who works here would answer, I actually work more regular hours now than I did at previous jobs. My wife knows who I am now, and I think it scares her.



Ericka, Legal Assistant
What exactly is your job at Oddworld?  Nabbing cybersquatters, reading and creating contracts, protecting intellectual property, and helping fans with their legal questions and fan sites.
Best part of your job?   Working with all matters related to intellectual property, and reading emails from enthusiastic and dedicated fans.
What's your favorite CD right now?   I like a variety of music, including Sting, 2Pac, Nelly Furtado, some Limp Bizkit, and the list goes on.
Favorite video game:  I think Munch will be my favorite, but my first favorite was the original Mario Bros.
Favorite film or TV show:   Laker basketball games, Friends, and Law and Order.
Favorite indulgence:   Free time!
What inspires you?  People dedicated and enthusiastic about what they do.
Favorite thing to do when not at work:  Spend time at the beach.
Favorite read:  John Grisham books.
Favorite Oddworld Character and why:   Lulu because he has an eccentric wardrobe, and the Fuzzles for their ability to be cute and ferocious at the same time (an advantageous quality).
How does working for a game company differ from working at other companies?  I get to do legal stuff in a non-legal environment!



Janet, Accountant
What exactly is your job at Oddworld?  A broad description according to the Director of Human Resources Michael Reifers (many thanks to Mike for his invaluable help with my answers) for me it is "I am an accountant therefore I account for things." Oddworld Inhabitants know me best for handing out paychecks on paydays.
Best part of your job?   I look forward to coming in to work each day. I get to do something I love with incredible people to work for and with. I also promised that I would put this one in for Mike, "I also get to work next door to Michael Reifers, Director of Human Resources."
What's your favorite CD right now?   I have a 3 way tie, "Born" by Bond, "Brand New Day" by Sting, and "The Very Best of Frank Sinatra".
Favorite video game:  The video games I play at home are Abe's Oddysee, Abe's Exoddus, Tiger Woods 2000 and Gran Turismo.
Favorite film or TV show:   Favorite tv show is definitely The Sopranos and favorite film is The Sixth Sense.
Favorite indulgence:   Always Coca Cola
What inspires you?  Work for and with people who inspire me each day, but I would be remiss if I did not say that my greatest inspiration are my parents. They always told me no dream I ever had was too big or out of reach for me to make a reality and that the best people were the ones with the most interesting thoughts and unusual dreams.
Favorite thing to do when not at work:  I would love to say it's exercising, but I just can't in good conscience, as I am too sporadic at it to call it a actual hobby. I read and watch digital cable in my spare time.
Favorite read:  I love to read, my favorite authors are Wilbur Smith, Janet Evanovich, Sujata Massey, Donald Westlake, Dana Stabenow and JK Rowling.
Any Admin. words of wisdom or OW secrets that you can share??   For every big or little triumph in life there is going to be alot of trying going on to back it up.
How does working for a game company differ from working at other companies?   I have worked outside of the gaming industry and when I look back, I think that the biggest difference is that I work with people who follow their dreams rather than just go in to a job each day. I am fortunate to work with a highly artistic, intelligent, intrinsically motivated group of people who inspire me each day through their hard work and passion for Oddworld.



Kristin, Administrative Assistant
What exactly is your job at Oddworld?  I have sort of a maternal position. I feed, caffeinate, and nutritionally supplement the inhabitants, as well as clean and stock the kitchen. Run errands. Etc....
Best part of your job?   Running errands. I LOVE running errands, I really do.
Worst part of your job?   My feet hurt reeeeeal bad.
Favorite Oddworld Character and why:   Abe's mom. Perpetuation of the species, man!
Favorite video game:  Shockwave Tetris. I like to put the pretty shapes together!
Favorite film or TV show:   TV bad. Sunshine good.
Favorite indulgence:   Shoes. Chocolate. Art and Office supplies. Cheap jewelry. Going barefoot. I indulge a lot.
Favorite web site:   www.sanrio.com. Hello Kitty epitomizes all that I am.
What inspires you?  The pursuit of what has never been done.
Favorite thing to do when not at work:  I spend as much time as possible with my family, just playing around. I like to paint and draw and play with beads and things like that.
Favorite read:  The last book I read was called "A heartbreaking work of staggering proportions" or something like that. It was very good. Very cheeky.
Any Admin. words of wisdom or OW secrets that you can share??   The way to an Inhabitant's heart is through the mug.
What's so great about being in "Admin.?"   We get our own pit, just like a peach, or an arm.
How does working for a game company differ from working at other companies?   Oddworld is way more professional, but retains such style. It's truly amazing.



Tiffiny, Receptionist
What exactly is your job at Oddworld?  I make the sign in sheets
Best part of your job?   I'll have to go with the tracking of FedEx packages - I never knew how fulfilling it could be to follow a parcel's journey.
Worst part of your job?   The fact that there is glue on the seat of my chair
What's your favorite CD right now?   Thievery Corporation's Mirror Conspiracy- with Modest Mouse's Moon and Antarctica coming in second
Favorite film or TV show:   MONDO - (1997) directed by Tony Gatlif. It is a beautiful film.
Favorite indulgence:   English Muffins with peanut butter and Bananas :-)
What inspires you?  Seeing vivid colors, graceful movement, and true signs of desire
Favorite thing to do when not at work:  Relax, read, listen to music and create
Favorite read:  Anything by the brilliant Mr. Milan Kundera
Favorite web site:   www.kcmu.org.- The local radio station in Seattle that I miss so very much. John in the Morning (6-10am) RULEZ!
What's so great about being in "Admin.?"   The team is made up of strong, creative, independent and dedicated people- what more could one ask for?
How does working for a game company differ from working at other companies?   The people are unique and the energy is creative- and although there are serious deadlines and times of tremendous stress (for some) it is a wonderful environment to be in.



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