The VFX Artists Podcast

In this conversation with Desiree, a VFX executive at Amazon MGM Studios, we speak about her journey from FX artist to industry expert, insights into VFX production, vendor management, and industry trends including AI and industry shifts post-COVID and the strikes.Topics covered: - Career progression in VFX from artist to executive.- Vendor selection and management in VFX projects.- Impact of AI and industry shifts on VFX workflows.- A day in the life of...- Experience as a working mother in the industry.Links: Desiree's LinkedIn Profile The Studio (TV Series)Watch all episodes on our YouTube ChannelVisit our websiteThank you for your support!

The Art of Observation in Animation & VFX, with Jahirul Amin, founder of CAVE Academy | TVAP EP63SummaryIn this conversation, Jahirul Amin emphasizes the significance of real-world observation in the field of animation. He advocates for practical experiences, such as watching people walk or observing natural light and shadows, to enhance understanding and skills in animation. This approach encourages animators to engage with their environment to inform their work, rather than relying solely on theoretical resources.TakeawaysThe simplest way to learn animation is through physical observation.Real-life examples, like bouncing balls, enhance understanding.Observing people walking provides better insights than books.Going outside helps in understanding light and shadows.Asking questions about observations deepens learning.Practical experiences are crucial for animators.Engaging with the environment informs animation work.Understanding color in light is essential for rendering.Observation leads to better animation techniques.Real-world experiences can inspire creativity in animation.Watch all episodes on our YouTube ChannelVisit our websiteThank you for your support!

In this episode of the VFX Artists Podcast, Kofi interviews Freefolk VFX supervisor Rob Sheridan, about his journey in the visual effects industry, the importance of internships, and the evolving landscape of VFX jobs. Rob shares insights on how he progressed from a runner to a supervisor, the significance of the Futurefolk internship program, and advice for aspiring VFX artists. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by the industry and the importance of communication and collaboration in career advancement.Takeaways- Rob Sheridan has been with Free Folk for 11 years.- Starting as a runner can provide valuable insights into the industry.- Internships like Futurefolk are crucial for gaining experience.- Strong communication skills are essential for career progression.- Applicants should focus on showcasing their best work in reels.- The VFX industry is changing, with fewer runner positions available.- Commercial work can provide quick opportunities for building a portfolio.- Networking and reaching out on LinkedIn can open doors.- It's important to be proactive and aware of industry changes.- Positivity and attitude play a significant role in career success.📌Chapters00:00 Coming up03:13 Rob Sheridan's Journey in VFX06:18 The Role of a Runner in VFX09:12 Transitioning from Runner to Supervisor12:13 Future Folk Internship Program Overview15:09 What Makes a Strong Internship Candidate?18:15 Advice for Unsuccessful Applicants21:13 Industry Challenges and Opportunities23:57 Career Progression and Communication in VFX27:07 Highlights of Working in VFX29:31 The Value of Commercial Work in VFXWatch all episodes on our YouTube ChannelVisit our websiteThank you for your support!

B-corp and sustainability in VFX, with Robin Chowdhury, COO of Dupe VFX | TVAP EP61Join us for an insightful discussion on what it means to be sustainable in post production. B Corp Certification is a designation that a business is meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials.It was great speaking with Robin, COO of Dupe VFX about how he worked towards making their studio the first B Corp certified VFX company, the considerations for any studio wanting to pursue this and the ongoing commitment.📌TakeawaysSustainability in VFX is often overlooked but essential.Becoming a B-Corp involves a rigorous assessment process.New companies may find it easier to implement sustainable practices from the start.Established companies face challenges in changing existing processes.Data tracking is crucial for measuring sustainability efforts.Community engagement can enhance a company's sustainability profile.B-Corp certification is a benchmark, not a guarantee of perfection.Internal communication is key to understanding sustainability goals.Volunteering initiatives can foster community ties.The industry is gradually moving towards more sustainable practices.You can get in touch with Robin via LinkedIn or via [email protected] 📌Below are some useful links to find out more. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22155.Let_My_People_Go_Surfinghttps://www.bemorepirate.com/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BY_AEvvFQ9U (What is a B Corp)https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/programs-and-tools/b-impact-assessment/https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/certification/📌Chapters00:00 Introduction to VFX and Sustainability01:40 Journey to B-Corp Certification04:21 Challenges for Established Studios07:19 Sustainability in Practice10:28 Balancing Business and Sustainability12:10 Embedding Sustainability in Operations14:46 Encouraging Industry-Wide Change16:03 Understanding B-Corp Challenges18:41 Community Engagement and Volunteering23:18 Recommendations for VFX ArtistsWatch all episodes on our YouTube ChannelVisit our websiteThank you for your support!

In this conversation, Kofi interviews Richard Clark, the head of visualisation and VFX supervisor at Cinesite, to discuss the role of visualisation in the industry. We explore the origins and evolution of visualisation, the use of real-time tools like Unreal Engine, and the impact of virtual production. Richard emphasizes the importance of quick workflows and the ability to think visually in the visualisation process. He also highlights the trend of studios taking back pre-production work and the potential for students to enter the industry through visualisation. Richard suggests exploring other areas of VFX, such as medical visualisation and motion graphics, to start earning and learning. He advises patience and mentions that the industry is slowly recovering from the effects of the strike. Richard shares his journey into the VFX industry, starting with his early interest in computer art and his experience working on various films. He discusses the potential impact of AI on the industry, noting that while AI has the potential to automate certain tasks, it may not replace the creativity and expertise of artists.Takeaways- Visualisation is a quick way of seeing and planning what a sequence or shot will look like before it is filmed or created.- Real-time tools like Unreal Engine have revolutionized visualisation by allowing for faster and more efficient workflows.- Visualisation departments in studios offer an end-to-end solution and allow for more flexibility and collaboration in the production process.- Students interested in entering the industry can explore visualisation in areas like architectural visualisation or working with companies that contract with the Ministry of Defense.- The industry is currently experiencing a slowdown, but there is potential for a surge in demand once production ramps up again. Explore other areas of VFX, such as medical visualisation and motion graphics, to start earning and learning.- Be patient as the industry recovers from the effects of the strike.Motion graphics is still in demand and can be a good career path for 2D artists.- Richard shares his journey into the VFX industry, starting with his early interest in computer art and his experience working on various films.- While AI has the potential to automate certain tasks, it may not replace the creativity and expertise of artists.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background01:49 The Use Cases and Need for Visualisation07:07 The Evolution of Visualisation Tools10:58 Post-Vis and Tech-Vis28:30 The Future of Visualisation and the Role of Generalists34:22 Challenges in the VFX Industry38:56 Richard's Journey into the VFX Industry46:18 Exploring Opportunities in Other Areas51:50 The Potential Impact of AI in VFXWatch all episodes on our YouTube ChannelVisit our websiteThank you for your support!

In this episode, I chat to VFX Comp Supervisor Ruth Meridjen about the state of the VFX industry in 2024 and the impact of the pandemic on production. The slow ramp-up of production and the greenlighting of projects are discussed. The future of the industry and the role of AI in filmmaking are examined, with a focus on the limitations and regulations surrounding AI. The importance of storytelling and the need for more unique and diverse stories are emphasized, as well as the need for VFX to support the story rather than overshadow it. The conversation covers topics such as representation in movies and TV shows, attitudes towards AI in the VFX industry, the impact of AI on job security, adapting to changes in Nuke, balancing work and learning, Ruth's journey in the VFX industry, and addressing burnout in the VFX industry.TakeawaysThe VFX industry has faced challenges due to the pandemic, with a slow ramp-up of production and the greenlighting of projects that may not have been approved in normal circumstances.AI has the potential to impact the industry, but regulations and laws are still being developed, and the role of AI in reproducing human artistry is limited.The industry should prioritize storytelling and the creation of unique and diverse stories to engage audiences and avoid repetitive content.VFX should be a supporting cast member to the story, enhancing it without overshadowing it. There is a need for more diverse and inclusive representation in movies and TV shows.Attitudes towards AI in the VFX industry range from excitement to fear of job loss.While AI may pose risks to certain jobs in the industry, it is unlikely to completely replace artists.Staying updated with software upgrades and new workflows is important in the VFX industry.Finding a work-life balance and setting boundaries is crucial to avoid burnout in the industry.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage01:18 The State of the Industry in 202404:44 Slow Ramp-up of Production05:29 The Future of the Industry and AI07:29 The Role of AI in Filmmaking09:32 Regulations and Laws around AI11:15 The Limitations of AI in Reproducing Human Artistry13:09 The Future of AI and the Flattening Curve of Progress14:08 The Impact of AI on VFX Processes15:11 The Quantity vs Quality Dilemma18:30 Audience Fatigue with Repetitive Content19:25 VFX as a Supporting Cast Member20:24 Playing It Safe and Lack of Unique Stories21:29 The Need for More Diverse Stories21:33 Representation in Movies and TV Shows23:08 Attitudes Towards AI in the VFX Industry25:18 The Impact of AI on Job Security26:23 Adapting to Changes in Nuke29:32 Balancing Work and Learning32:39 Ruth's Journey in the VFX Industry37:21 Addressing Burnout in the VFX IndustryListen to all episodes on our websiteFollow Us 👍👍📌📌◉ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thevfxartistspodcast◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevfxartistspodcast/◉ Twitter: https://twitter.com/vfxartistspod◉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-vfx-artists-podcast/Listen on 🔊🔊🎧🎧◉ Apple Podcasts:  https://apple.co/3NSllZG◉ Amazon Misuc: https://amzn.to/3UrOrSn◉ Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3fWyuog◉ Stitcher: https://bit.ly/3EjHUmYWatch all episodes on our YouTube ChannelVisit our websiteThank you for your support!

Exploitation of VFX Artists - With Senior CG Generalist Mark Woodcock | TVAP EP58In this episode, I chat to senior CG Generalist Mark Woodcock about the exploitation of Artists in the VFX industry, following his recent and ongoing dispute with IXOR Visual FX.Mark joins the podcast to enlighten us, for the purpose of informing and educating other artists in order to be aware and avoid similar situations.We hope you find this episode useful, and would encourage artists to fight and speak out about injustices, to protect other artists from falling into similar issues.Follow Mark's LinkedIn postDisclaimer: The information shared by Mark comes from his recent experience with a Visual Effects studio and includes knowledge gained from former employees of that studio. Whilst he endeavours to provide factual information, he has asked me to specify that some incites such as ex-employees thoughts and a few instances of speculation cannot be 100% verified. His contract payment dispute is still on-going and verifiable which is the focus of the discussion.00:00 Introduction & Disclaimer01:17 Mark's story04:39 The Recruitment Process07:38 Lack of Communication and Organization15:37 Payment Issues and Lack of Accountability17:07 Introduction and Background17:52 Unresolved Payment Issue18:36 Impact on Freelancers19:36 Financial Consequences21:02 Limited Company and Financial Buffer22:32 Fear of Speaking Up23:58 Concerns from Other VFX Companies24:58 Ownership and Legal Issues28:43 Cracked Software and Legal Troubles30:10 False Image and Misrepresentation31:01 Manipulation of Services Offered32:23 Poor Quality of Work33:16 Resolution and Awareness35:29 Manipulation of Reviews36:43 Investigation and Glassdoor Reviews38:29 Prioritizing Job Security39:21 False Offices and Deterrence39:50 Lack of Resolution and Communication40:24 Exploitation in the UK41:30 Importance of Contracts43:38 Exploitation in Other Studios47:25 Working Without Contracts48:43 Other Sketchy Experiences51:44 Protecting Artists and Changing the Industry52:43 Diversifying and Finding Other OpportunitiesWatch the full videos📣Inside VFX Recruitment with Melissa Blakey, Global Head of Talent at Crafty Apes | TVAP EP53 (Part-1)      https://youtu.be/C6n0zndRPDI📣Inside VFX Recruitment with Melissa Blakey, Global Head of Talent at Crafty Apes | TVAP EP53 (Part-2)     https://youtu.be/BNXNMo32oesAs always, if you liked this episode, please 👍 like, 📝 comment, 📢 subscribe, and 📣 share!Listen to all episodes on our websitehttps://www.thevfxartistspodcast.com/Follow Us 👍👍📌📌◉ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thevfxartistspodcast◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevfxartistspodcast/◉ Twitter: https://twitter.com/vfxartistspod◉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-vfx-artists-podcast/Subscribe: @TheVFXArtistsPodcastListen on 🔊🔊🎧🎧◉ Apple Podcasts:  https://apple.co/3NSllZG◉ Amazon Misuc: https://amzn.to/3UrOrSn◉ Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3fWyuog◉ Stitcher: https://bit.ly/3EjHUmYWatch all episodes on our YouTube ChannelVisit our websiteThank you for your support!

The health of the VFX industry in 2024, with foudner of MOTUS Kurt Maclachlan | TVAP EP57In this episode, I chat to Kurt Maclachlan about the status of the VFX in 2024.We discuss where things are at currently, what needs to be done for a better future of the VFX industry and more!00:00 Introduction and Background02:48 Causes of the Strikes04:29 Key Concerns for Actors and Writers04:59 Impact on VFX Artists06:06 Duration of the Strikes07:48 Current State of the Industry08:09 Hiring and Recovery09:07 Rate Negotiations and Holding the Line10:06 Outsourcing and Global Rates12:11 Impact of Strikes on Crew15:04 Embracing AI and Automation39:34 Positioning for Graduates41:29 Improving Courses and Industry Collaboration42:54 Networking and Job Search Strategies47:02 Preventing Future Industry Disruptions52:03 Introduction to Motus and its Mission55:03 Staying Connected and Informed57:04 Closing Remarks and Future OutlookWatch the full videos📣Inside VFX Recruitment with Melissa Blakey, Global Head of Talent at Crafty Apes | TVAP EP53 (Part-1)      https://youtu.be/C6n0zndRPDI📣Inside VFX Recruitment with Melissa Blakey, Global Head of Talent at Crafty Apes | TVAP EP53 (Part-2)     https://youtu.be/BNXNMo32oesAs always, if you liked this episode, please 👍 like, 📝 comment, 📢 subscribe, and 📣 share!Listen to all episodes on our websitehttps://www.thevfxartistspodcast.com/Follow Us 👍👍📌📌◉ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thevfxartistspodcast◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevfxartistspodcast/◉ Twitter: https://twitter.com/vfxartistspod◉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-vfx-artists-podcast/Subscribe: @TheVFXArtistsPodcastListen on 🔊🔊🎧🎧◉ Apple Podcasts:  https://apple.co/3NSllZG◉ Amazon Misuc: https://amzn.to/3UrOrSn◉ Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3fWyuog◉ Stitcher: https://bit.ly/3EjHUmY#thevfxartistspodcast #vfxpodcast #vfxindustry #writersstrike Thumbnails copyright to GQ Magazine - https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/hollywood-vfx-industry-breaking-pointWatch all episodes on our YouTube ChannelVisit our websiteThank you for your support!

The Man Who Wrote The Book on Compositing with Ron Brinkman | TVAP EP56When I embarked on my compositing journey, Ron Brinkmann's book, "The Art and Science of Digital Compositing," proved to be an invaluable resource. It provided a wealth of visual information and included a DVD with footage for hands-on practice. Even today, this book remains a seminal work and continues to be relevant for artists, thanks to its emphasis on developing the skill of visual perception.Therefore, it was a tremendous honor to have Ron Brinkmann as a guest on our show. He served as the Compositing Supervisor at Sony Imageworks for films such as Speed, Contact, James and the Giant Peach, and more. Interestingly, despite being widely recognized for his expertise in compositing, Brinkmann initially started his journey in the field of 3D as a demonstration artist for Wavefront. (Wavefront later merged with Alias and played a significant role in the development of Maya, a renowned software).Subsequently, Brinkmann co-founded Nothing Real with his colleagues and created Shake, a compositing software that held sway in the industry for many years, particularly in high-end compositing. (I believe it was most recently used by Dneg for their work on Inception).As always, if you liked this episode, please 👍 like, 📝 comment, 📢 subscribe, and 📣 share!Listen to all episodes on our websitehttps://www.thevfxartistspodcast.com/Watch all episodes on our YouTube ChannelVisit our websiteThank you for your support!

This week's guest is co-founder of FXGuide, arguably the first and foremost podcast and blog in our field. He also co-founded FXPhd which was my route into the industry so this was a massive honor for me.We dive deep into Neural Rendering (which Mike has been involved with since 1999) machine learning and practical applications within visual effects and filmmaking.We then discuss the ethics of machine learning  and art, why there won't "a metaverse" and some of the most likely applications of AR and VR.This raises some general points about the application of new technology which it would be well of us to heed.Watch all episodes on our YouTube ChannelVisit our websiteThank you for your support!