Jiri Kilevnik is a Creative Director and AI VFX Pipeline Architect at Runway, where he helps build the next generation of creative tools for filmmakers and video creators. Before joining Runway, he spent years as a Visual Effects Supervisor at Framestore and Rodeo FX, working on projects like Deadpool and Wolverine, Loki, The Fall Guy and Snow White. He also teaches at NYU, helping students combine AI with real-world production pipelines.

In this episode, Jiri shares how he went from studying to become an electrician in a small Czech town to supervising blockbuster films and building cutting-edge tools at one of the world’s most innovative AI startups. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at working in an industry where progress happens faster than ever, along with real advice for anyone aiming to break into VFX, AI or the new wave of creative tech.

Connect with JIri:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jiri-kilevnik-48a0584b/
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8945630/
https://www.jirikilevnik.com/

Timestamps:
00:00 – How AI is changing filmmaking
01:00 – Podcast intro and guest welcome
02:27 – From Star Wars fan to VFX artist
04:45 – First projects: ads and shampoo labels
05:08 – Why Jiri never went to film school
06:55 – Learning Maya and Shake from manuals
08:40 – How learning VFX has changed since the 2000s
10:14 – Breaking into film after years of rejection
13:44 – Freelancing abroad: London and Barcelona
15:30 – Working on Game of Thrones in Croatia
17:26 – Persistence, failure, and staying motivated
21:13 – Why filmmakers must learn AI now
23:51 – How fast AI is changing VFX workflows
25:42 – Moving from film to AI development
29:14 – Building The Weeknd’s AI avatar for Spotify
33:01 – Using AI for Marvel movies
37:36 – Why advertising adopted AI faster than film
40:33 – Joining Runway as Creative Director
42:45 – What Jiri actually does at Runway
45:46 – How he accidentally became popular on LinkedIn
47:58 – Balancing work, family, and side projects
49:26 – Book and film recommendations (sci-fi favourites)
52:19 – Where to find Jiri online
54:19 – Why sharing failures matters in tech
56:47 – Podcast closing and thank you
 

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