The VFX Artists Podcast

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/3You can watch all our episodes on our YouTube channel. Subscribe & Watch all episodes on our YouTube Channel Visit our website Thank you for your support! We appreciate you!

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/3EjHUmYYou can watch all our episodes on our YouTube channel. Subscribe & Watch all episodes on our YouTube Channel Visit our website Thank you for your support! We appreciate you!

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-pointYou can watch all our episodes on our YouTube channel. Subscribe & Watch all episodes on our YouTube Channel Visit our website Thank you for your support! We appreciate you!

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/You can watch all our episodes on our YouTube channel. Subscribe & Watch all episodes on our YouTube Channel Visit our website Thank you for your support! We appreciate you!

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.You can watch all our episodes on our YouTube channel. Subscribe & Watch all episodes on our YouTube Channel Visit our website Thank you for your support! We appreciate you!

In this episode with Matt Merkovich of The Matchmoving Company, we talk about the importance of 3D tracking/matchmove in the VFX industry and what it means to be a matchmove artist. Matt is an expert user of Syntheyes and has been a great influencer in getting it where it is today.  He also uses it for almost all of his work, spiralling almost three decades in the VFX industry.Matt believes #Syntheyes is by far the best 3D tracking software out there and has by far "the best 2D tracking system in the world!", so in this episode, I sit him down to find out why he believes so.Being a Matchmove artist myself, having been a user of PFTrack in the past and an ongoing user of  3DEqualizer I was very curious to hear why Matt thinks so.3D tracking or Matchmove as you may call it, ties perfectly with all the other departments in the VFX pipeline, to complete VFX shots in the biggest visual effects movies out there, making this episode an important one, to gain insights from an industry veteran like Matt.Matt's filmography spars from Minority Report, Star Trek Voyager, Doctor Dolittle 2, The Amazing Spider-Man and more. Here's Matt's IMDB.Matt's company The Matchmoving Company provides 3D tracking services globally and can currently be reached through https://www.mattmerk.com/ As always, if you liked this episode, please 👍 like, 📝 comment, 📢 subscribe, and 📣 share!Listen to all episodes on our websiteWatch our other videos📣The Importance of Matchmove within the VFX pipeline | TVAP EP54 (P-1)📣Inside VFX Recruitment with Melissa Blakey, Global Head of Talent at Crafty Apes | TVAP EP53 (P-1)📣Inside VFX Recruitment with Melissa Blakey, Global Head of Talent at Crafty Apes | TVAP EP53 (P-2)📣Behind The Desk with Hugo Guerra | TVAP EP47Follow Us 👍👍📌📌◉ Instagram◉ Twitter◉ LinkedInSubscribe to us on YouTubeChapters00:00:00 Coming Up  00:02:19 Introductions  00:03:54 Who is Matt Merkovich  00:07:17 Where my interest for film originated  00:14:59 From Lightwave to Matchmoving on Minority Report  00:23:28 Minority Report Matchmoving Pipeline in the 2000's  00:26:24 Evolution of Aspect Ratios00:30:18 Comparing Syntheyes, 3dequalizer, Boujou, PFTrack and more  00:35:13 Good & Bad Tracking Markers  00:38:54 Staying relevant in an evolving industry  00:44:36 Being a VFX artist in the mid 90's  00:46:45 Shot talk - Challenges  00:48:38 The future of 3D tracking  00:53:41 Comparing 3dequalizer and Syntheyes  01:01:01 Matchmove Artists - The underappreciated department  01:03:53 About The Matchmoving Company  01:04:11 Unionize the VFX industry  01:04:11 Conclusion You can watch all our episodes on our YouTube channel. Subscribe & Watch all episodes on our YouTube Channel Visit our website Thank you for your support! We appreciate you!

Inside VFX Recruitment with Melissa Blakey, Global Head of Talent at Crafty Apes | TVAP EP53 (P-1)For many VFX Recruitment is a bit of a black box - we send off our reels and CV and then hope for the best. This week we go behind the curtain with Crafty Apes, Global Head of talent, Melissa Blakey.We cover Melissa's own fascinating career - she started working on-set before moving into post and then worked for almost 20 years in VFX Production before moving into Recruitment! We discuss why she decided a career on set was not for her and start to unpick the way recruiters and VFX houses select candidates.Next we laser in on her best practices for candidates as well as the Crafty Apes philosophy for hiring and retaining staff.WFH resumes, showreel interviews, changing departments we will be discussing all this and more.Unusually for many VFX Houses, Crafty Apes tends to focus on Generalists and on permanent positions so we go into what that means in a market largely dominated by specialists and freelancing.You can watch all our episodes on our YouTube channel. Subscribe & Watch all episodes on our YouTube Channel Visit our website Thank you for your support! We appreciate you!

This is a hot topic with "No AI" trending on Artstation and pending court cases we spoke to Director, Filmmaker and Game Designer Alvaro García Martínezwho has been heavily engaged with this topic.Alvaro worked as VFX Artist for 10 years at London's top studios before founding Mayhem Mirror, his own Game Design studio. So he has experience as an employee an independent creator and as an employer of artists.As Alvaro says, "I am not against AI, but against the unethical use of AI". But what does that mean? Tune in and join the debate!As always, if you liked this episode, please like, comment, subscribe and share!Listen to all episodes on our websitehttps://www.thevfxartistspodcast.com/#vfxpodcast #compositing #motioncaptureYou can watch all our episodes on our YouTube channel. Subscribe & Watch all episodes on our YouTube Channel Visit our website Thank you for your support! We appreciate you!

In the first episode of 2023, we felt it quite important to start the year right, by bringing you some much necessary tips from a VFX recruiter, should you be looking to take on a new role.We are therefore pleased to have Sophie Maydon, former VFX Global Head of HR, Recruitment and PR at DNEG (Double Negative), and Director, VFX Talent & Recruitment Consultant  at her firm PXL TalentSophie has over a decade's experience recruiting 100's of VFX and animation artists across many levels and departments. In this episode, we discuss many topics to do with recruitment, focusing on the perspective of a VFX recruiter, as well as the applicant. We discuss and find out about the best practices and ways one could go about successfully coming on top in an interview, the do's and don'ts, try to understand if there are recruitment prejudices and more.This is a very insightful, useful and long awaited episode, and we hope you find it so. As always, if you liked this episode, please 👍 like, 📝 leave us a comment, 📢 subscribe, and 📣 share!PXL Talent on LinkedInConnect with Sophie Maydon on LinkedInListen to all episodes on our websiteWatch our other videos📣What does it take to be a lighting artist? with Jasmine Katatikarn | TVAP EP49📣Behind The Desk with Hugo Guerra | TVAP EP47Follow Us 👍👍📌📌◉ Instagram◉ Twitter◉ LinkedInSubscribe to us on YouTubeChapters00:00:00 : Coming Up    00:00:29 : Intro    00:01:48 : Overview    00:02:21 : A bit about Sophie Maydon    00:05:59 : Sophie's background as a recuiter at DNEG    00:10:32 : Power comes with pressure, as a recruiter    00:12:42 : Are generic applications a good idea?    00:14:57 : Going through job portals vs LinkedIn DM    00:17:41 : Are Resume's necessary in the VFX industry?    00:21:19 : Showreel advice from a VFX recruiter    00:27:37 : Showreel advice for returning mothers into the industry    00:31:17 : Flexible/Part-Time hours for Mothers in the VFX industry    00:33:41 : In-person vs remote interviewing advice    00:35:25 : Salary expectations - How to respond    00:41:39 : Budget vs experience    00:44:39 : Artists demand by studios    00:47:26 : Should I go to university before working in VFX?    00:52:48 Discrimination in recruiting    00:59:33 Leave a question in the comment section    00:59:55 How to get in touch with Pixel Talent    01:01:28 What not to do, as an applicant    01:03:19 ConclusionYou can watch all our episodes on our YouTube channel. Subscribe & Watch all episodes on our YouTube Channel Visit our website Thank you for your support! We appreciate you!

 This week we catch up with a rising star in the industry, Rishabh Laheja, a Junior Digital Compositor at MPC. Realizing that a career in IT was not for him. Rishabh began studying nights and eventually putting together a compositing showreel with the help of working industry teachers and mentors he reached out to via Linkedin.Launching his new career exactly in the middle of the Covid lockdowns. Rishabh won a remote role at MPC Bangalore and has already worked as a compositor on huge shows such as Prehistoric Planet and HBO's House of Dragons.As he says in the opening, "It's a rollercoaster ride, you may want to buckle up!"As always, if you liked this episode, please 👍 like, 📝 comment, 📢 subscribe, and 📣 share!You can click on up below links to get the courses of some brilliant instructors.📣 Keagan Harris Patreon: patreon.com/keaganharris📣 Josh Parks Masterclasses: https://www.compositingpro.com/nuke-masterclass-courses/📣 FXPhd: https://www.fxphd.comOur own interview with @joshvfxify :  https://youtu.be/tgqlS2BswZ0Listen to all episodes on our websitehttps://www.thevfxartistspodcast.com/Watch our other videos📣What does it take to be a lighting artist? with Jasmine Katatikarn | TVAP EP49      https://youtu.be/ikFiHXeDP1M📣Behind The Desk with Hugo Guerra | TVAP EP47     https://youtu.be/jGJruJHOx2gFollow Us 👍👍📌📌◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevfxartistspodcast/◉ Twitter: https://twitter.com/vfxartistspod◉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-vfx-artists-podcast/Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/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 #compositing #careerAdvice #NewEntrants #HouseOfDragons #India #PrehistoricPlanet #MPC #WorkInIndia00:00:00 : Intro - What to Expect00:01:24 : There's a Tipping POint for Every Artist00:02:19 : I Didn't Know How to Get into VFX00:02:45 : Why Compositing?00:03:20 : Getting in Touch via Linkein, Josh Parks00:03:47 : Online Courses00:05:18 : Keagan Haris Patreon and Marseile00:07:42 : Studying While Working in Another Industry00:09:51 : London Siggraph , Bring Your Own Comp00:12:10 : First Freelance Job00:13:31 : Finally Getting Into The Industry00:15:03 : The Rookies: Dragon Personal Project00:17:51 : Bangalore and Mumbai00:22:58 : Work Life in India00:26:43 : Being Creative in School00:34:38 : Indian Work Culture00:42:00 : Advice for Other New EntrantsYou can watch all our episodes on our YouTube channel. Subscribe & Watch all episodes on our YouTube Channel Visit our website Thank you for your support! We appreciate you!

What does it take to be a lighting artist? with Jasmine Katatikarn | TVAP EP49This week we catch up with Jasmine Katatikarn, lighting artist and co-founder of the Academy of Animated Art.We discuss finding your career path at any stage in life, what it takes to be a lighting artist, what makes a successful lighting application to top VFX, and animation studios, working in the VFX and animation as a woman and POC, diversity in the industry and more.Without a doubt, we also go on to find out about Jasmine's career path in the industry, as well as how she co-founded the Academy of Animated Art, and what her academy teaches lighting artists.Jasmine has over two decades of industry experience as both, being a lighting artist in the VFX industry, and the feature animation industry. Jasmine has gone to work for studios such as Blue Sky Studios (Disney), The Mill, Framestore, and many more incredible studios, stamping her signature on shows such as Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs,  Rio, Rio 2, Spies in Disguise and more.  Enjoy!◉ Academy of Animated Art◉ Academy of Animated Art Courses◉ Diversity Action ProgramSocial Media:◉ Instagram◉ LinkedInConnect with Jasmine on ◉ LinkedIn ◉ InstagramAs always, if you liked this episode, please 👍 like, 📝 comment, 📢 subscribe, and 📣 share!Listen to all episodes on our website 🔊🔊🎧🎧https://www.thevfxartistspodcast.com/Watch our other videos📣The Effective Freelance Compositor, with Shonda Hunt | TVAP EP31      📣Becoming a mother made me an efficient VFX Animator - Part 1 | TVAP EP35     Follow Us 👍👍📌📌◉ Instagram◉ Twitter◉ LinkedInSubscribeListen on 🔊🔊🎧🎧◉ Apple Podcasts◉ Amazon Music◉ Google Podcasts◉ StitcherYou can watch all our episodes on our YouTube channel. Subscribe & Watch all episodes on our YouTube Channel Visit our website Thank you for your support! We appreciate you!

This week we caught up with Courtney Pryce. The industry veterans know him from his years as a Creative Specialist at Foundry.We cover a lot of ground, beginning in the "Rock&Roll" years of London VFX in the early 2000s. Also covering the role of the Creative Specialist and the secrets of financial stability as a Compositor. Courtney worked with UK Film and TV industry Union, BECTU, to put together a suggested rate card for freelance and contract staff in VFX. We get to engage with the methodology and consequences of open disclosure of the often taboo subject of the pay scale.Courtney also engaged strongly with the industry-wide discussion of racism sparked by the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020. We don't shy away from tackling the issue of racism and nepotism in the workplace and there is a forthright but ultimately optimistic discussion.Nevertheless, we never lost sight of Courtney's key skills as a solid professional compositor and reactive as he shares a wealth of knowledge that will benefit artists of all levels and from all backgrounds.You won't want to miss out on this discussion!As always, if you liked this episode, please 👍 like, 📝 comment, 📢 subscribe, and 📣 share!Listen to all episodes on our websitehttps://www.thevfxartistspodcast.com/Watch our other videos📣The Effective Freelance Compositor, with Shonda Hunt | TVAP EP31      https://youtu.be/Ggz82uk6KxI📣How I manage being a VFX artist and a mother of two - Rebecca Holdstock  | TVAP EP41     https://youtu.be/D6zzhlay_AcFollow Us 👍👍📌📌◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevfxartistspodcast/◉ Twitter: https://twitter.com/vfxartistspod◉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-vfx-artists-podcast/Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/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 #compositing #FoundryNuke #vfxartist #Freelancing #financialliteracy 00:00:00 : Intro - what to expect00:18:17 : The Role of  a Creative Specialist at Foundry00:20:06 : When you're too comfortable00:24:00 : Freelancing "Year Zero"00:27:01 : Having kids as a freelancer00:31:01 : Burnout00:34:52 : VFX Rate cards: methodology and controversy00:43:41 : Black Lives Matter and Racism in the Industry00:54:25 : Projects most proud ofChapters by [Chaptered.app](https://Chaptered.app)You can watch all our episodes on our YouTube channel. Subscribe & Watch all episodes on our YouTube Channel Visit our website Thank you for your support! We appreciate you!

Behind The Desk with Hugo Guerra | TVAP EP47Hugo Guerra, Director,  VFX supervisor, and creator of Hugo's Desk.In this episode, Kofi chats to Hugo about his career in the VFX industry. Uncovering decisions and steps that have made Hugo the Director and Supervisor he is today.With an incredible industry footprint, Hugo has a huge voice across the VFX industry, and I felt it quite relevant to learn more about the man behind the glasses, or as our title says, 'Behind The Desk'.In this episode, we discuss the creative and VFX industry in Portugal, and Sweden, remote working, industry overtime, Hugo's VFX journey in London during his time at The Mill, mistakes VFX artists to make when looking for work, steps they could take to protect themselves from being taken advantage of, best video games, movies, series of 2022, industry-wide issues, how we could tackle them, and many more.It was a packed and insightful discussion worth listening to the end, as well as one to be shared!A massive thank you to Hugo for his time and for being such a gem to the industry.As always, if you liked this episode, please 👍 like, 📝 comment, 📢 subscribe, and 📣 share!Listen to all episodes on our websiteWatch our other videos📣Building the Biggest VFX Asset Library in The World! ActionVFX CEO Rodolphe Pierre-Louis | TVAP EP46     📣Share Knowledge - Keep Learning with María Carriedo | TVAP EP43    You can find Hugo on the following platforms:Hugo's DeskBefores & AftersHugo's Desk LinkedInHugo's LinkedInHugo's TwitterHugo's Desk TwitterListen on 🔊🔊🎧🎧◉ Apple Podcasts◉ Amazon Misuc◉ Google Podcasts◉ Stitcher#thevfxartistspodcast #vfxpodcast #hugoguerra #hugosdeskChapters00:00:00 Coming up...    00:01:32 Introductions    00:03:11 Who is Hugo?    00:10:24 The Portuguese creative industry could be better    00:16:30 Reminiscing the London, Soho VFX industry in the 2000's    00:19:27 The unhealthy traits of the VFX industry - Overtime work    00:32:16 Chasing The Goal    00:37:05 How I ended up in the VFX & creative industry    00:39:37 Love-Hate relationship with the VFX industry    00:46:37 What I teach Nuke Compositors    00:49:49 What Junior compositors need to know when job seeking     01:02:41 Achieving targets on a creative journey    01:05:25 Films on Hugo's list for 2022    01:09:29 Where to find Hugo!    01:10:46 Thank you for watching! Subscribe!You can watch all our episodes on our YouTube channel. Subscribe & Watch all episodes on our YouTube Channel Visit our website Thank you for your support! We appreciate you!

I Sold Gum. Now I Blow Things Up! With Action VFX Founder and CEO Rodolphe Pierre-Louis | TVAP EP46I am pretty sure you've heard of Action VFX, I've used them in my own shots! So we managed to get the Founder and CEO on the show to talk about his career. It's a success story that very nearly wasn't!This is a great one for any artists or filmmakers who are thinking of starting a business because Rodolphe has a lot of insight into how to turn FX talent into a business model, as shown by the widespread use of Action VFX elements in the industry.Join us and follow Rodolphe's journey from filmmaker to entrepreneur.After the interview I cheekily asked if I could get our subscribers a discount code and they very kindly agreed! Details at the end of the video.As always, if you liked this episode, please 👍 like, 📝 comment, 📢 subscribe, and 📣 share!Listen to all episodes on our websitehttps://www.thevfxartistspodcast.com/Watch our other videos📣HD - AI in the VFX & Creative Industry: Impact, Issues & Solutions | TVAP EP45      https://youtu.be/i7VhV2WlzEA📣Share Knowledge - Keep Learning with María Carriedo | TVAP EP43     https://youtu.be/BFQ21Nu5vQEFollow Us 👍👍📌📌◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevfxartistspodcast/◉ Twitter: https://twitter.com/vfxartistspod◉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-vfx-artists-podcast/Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/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 #compositing #motioncaptureChapters00:00:00 : Preview00:00:45 : A Special Offer for Subscribers00:03:05 : starting in Filmmaking00:04:24 : College Years, Freelancing00:05:05 : My First Business00:07:24 : The Idea for Action VVFX00:08:36 : Things to bear in mind when shooting for Compositors00:16:34 : The first shoot00:19:33 : Launching on Kickstarter00:52:15 : Advice for Starting a Business00:56:56 : Firing Employees01:05:00 : Plans for the futureChapters powered by [Chaptered.app](https://Chaptered.app)You can watch all our episodes on our YouTube channel. Subscribe & Watch all episodes on our YouTube Channel Visit our website Thank you for your support! We appreciate you!

AI in the VFX & Creative Industry: Impact, Issues & Solutions | TVAP EP45 Join us, as we discuss the impact of AI in the VFX & Creative industry. With the rise of platforms such as Midjourney, Dalle-2, and Stable Diffusion influencing artists, we bring forth this open discussion about what the impact could be for our industries if certain laws and rules aren't put into place to protect artists and creators worldwide. We look to touch on copyright ownership and rights, privacy, ethics, and more! Join us this Wednesday, Nov 2nd, 2022, for the discussion and to take part in our Q&A session with industry professionals in the VFX & creative industry. Our guests are, in no particular order:Simon Legrand - Realtime Supervisor at Untold Studios LondonJustin Braun - FX TD at Untold Studios LondonVladimir Venkov - Modeler/Texture ArtistCarlo Santoriello - 3d artist, Animator & Graphic designerAnthony Martin - Senior Lecturer & Course Leader for Concept Art at Staffordshire UniversityJamie Bakewell - Company Owner / Creative Director (Visualisation for Film, Game & TV) at Bigtooth StudiosTom Paton - Writer // Director // Producer focused on integrating AI, UE5.Artwork created by Carlo SantorielloListen to all episodes on our website#thevfxartistspodcast #vfxpodcast #aiart #midjourneyYou can watch all our episodes on our YouTube channel. Subscribe & Watch all episodes on our YouTube Channel Visit our website Thank you for your support! We appreciate you!

This week it's been a real pleasure to meet Paul Miller and Marco Paolini - Software Developer and Product Manager behind the Oscar winning software, Boris Silhouette.Despite advances in AI, manual rotoscoping and invisible paintouts are still an essential bullwark of the VFX industry and not going away anytime soon.We begin our discussion  with their work on Elastic Reality (used on classic shows like Quantum Leap) and talk about how they have built Silhouette for artists who need to paint 100 stokes a second and export mattes accurate to better than a 16th of a pixel.Recently Silhouette has expanded it's compositing toolset so we discuss their choices around this. Of course machine learning is something cannot avoid discussing, so we look at both its promise and its limitations at the high end.In closing both Paul and Marco give some excellent career advice for anyone entering or advancing in the VFX and Software Development industries.Enjoy!00:00:00 : Preview00:01:39 : Introductions00:02:20 : Founding the team00:03:55 : Elastic Reality00:06:51 : Original plan for Silhouette00:07:43 : The Node Graph00:10:56 : Marco's Journey from Artist to Software00:14:01 : The Smallness of the Industry00:20:05 : What Keeps the Team Busy00:25:34 : The Scripting Engine00:28:38 : The Decision to Add More Comp Features00:31:28 : Performance and Paul's Nightmares00:35:49 : Silhouette as OFX Plugin00:41:15 : Limits of Machine Learning01:06:26 : Retimes01:17:38 : Paul's Advice for Aspiring Developers01:20:50 : Learn Python!01:22:41 : Marco's Advice for Getting into VFX and into Software01:28:41 : Closing thoughts(chapters powered by [Chaptered.app](https://Chaptered.app))#Silhouette #Oscars #scitech #VFX #Podcast #rotoscoping #invisiblevfxAs always, if you liked this episode, please like, comment, subscribe and share!Listen to all episodes on our websitehttps://www.thevfxartistspodcast.com/You can watch all our episodes on our YouTube channel. Subscribe & Watch all episodes on our YouTube Channel Visit our website Thank you for your support! We appreciate you!

In this episode, we chat to María Carriedo, CG Lead at Freefolk and former colleague of Daniel's at The Mill.Born in Mexico, María studied VFX at the prestigious Gnomon School in LA before working at Psyops on commercials. Since then she moved to London to work at The Mill before her current role. In this interview we learn about María's journey into VFX and her approach to continuous learning and development.As a lead María is involved in the hiring process so her showreel advice will be invaluable to any 3D Artists seeking new projects. While trained in Maya, María mostly works with Houdini so we discuss the merits of the 2 giants in the 3D industry as well as touching on Zbrush, Unreal and the new Solaris/Karma renderer in Houdini.There's a lot packed into this interview so you will want to check it out!Einstein image credit: Smart Energy/The Mill, "Join the Revolution"00:00:14 : Current role00:00:32 : Education and beginning of career00:14:34 : Showreel advice from the point of view of a hirer00:19:15 : What seniors can learn from new entrants00:20:33 : What qualities make a better 3D artist00:26:17 : R&D Stages of a project00:29:25 : Reference from everyday life00:33:54 : Solaris and UnrealYou can watch all our episodes on our YouTube channel. Subscribe & Watch all episodes on our YouTube Channel Visit our website Thank you for your support! We appreciate you!

Jörundur Rafn Arnarson  returns after exchanging the frozen mountains of Iceland for the Deserts for his recent VFX Supervisor role on "Rise of The Witches".We talk about how extreme environments influence filmmakers, the route from Compositing to VFX Supervision, "bad CGI", helicopters and much much more.With a Supervisor whose body of work ranges from Icelandic indie films to Cannes Palm D'Or, Triangle of Sadness to Prehistoric Planet to franchise blockbusters Dr Strange - Multiverse of Madness and Game of Thrones, You won't want to miss this one!As always, if you liked this episode, please like, comment, subscribe and share!Listen to all episodes on our websitehttps://www.thevfxartistspodcast.com/#vfxpodcast #compositing #motioncapture 00:03:43 : Triangle of Sadness00:13:42 : The most sought after commodity on-set00:16:03 : The mindset of extreme environments00:23:15 : RIse of The Witches - a Saudi Arabian epic00:28:07 : Dr Strange and Prehistoric Planet00:36:25 : Issues I have with CG00:45:45 : Guiding big and small budgets00:49:17 : I will always cut out VFX if I can00:53:04 : "Bad CGI"01:26:04 : Advice for filmmakers using VFX for the first time.Rendered: 2022-10-01 15:10:27Powered by [Chaptered.app](https://Chaptered.app)You can watch all our episodes on our YouTube channel. Subscribe & Watch all episodes on our YouTube Channel Visit our website Thank you for your support! We appreciate you!

In this episode, we chat to Rebecca Holdstock, senior matchmove and rotomation artist at Cinesite London about her VFX career, spiralling over a decade in some of London's well known and biggest studios, through to becoming a mother of two and the change that comes with being a working mother.I had the privilege of working with Rebecca at Cinesite on The Witcher season 2, and for the first time in my life, I was working with a mother, who was signing on in the middle of the day, on a customised working hours.This blew my mind, and triggered my interest in the topic to which we sat down to discus. Becoming a working mother, or choosing to become a working mother in any industry is often times a big challenge and decision that affects women in all sorts of life and industries. Whilst Rebecca's story focuses on the VFX industry, it very much is relatable to all women and working mothers in every industry, and will be for every generation to come.It therefore is a rightful and important subject to be discussing and brining it to light, to create awareness, and hopefully encourage and or prepare other women in the VFX and wider working industries.Chapters00:00:00  Ident        00:00:05  Introductions        00:01:40  A bit about Rebecca        00:02:31  Journey into the VFX industry        00:09:32  Getting foot in the door of the VFX industry        00:13:19  Settling in the Matchmove department        00:23:49  Motherhood and being an artist in the VFX industry        00:31:59  Managing kids and shots during early days of covid        00:51:46  Planing to start a family, vs having kids unexpectedly        00:54:10  What can be improved for women working in the VFX industry        01:03:15  Advice to any artists looking to start a family        01:05:59  What should women look out for, when applying to join a VFX studio  01:10:51  Conclusion   As always, if you liked this episode, please like, comment, subscribe and share!Listen to all episodes on our websitehttps://www.thevfxartistspodcast.com/#vfxindustry #workingmom  #vfxartist You can watch all our episodes on our YouTube channel. Subscribe & Watch all episodes on our YouTube Channel Visit our website Thank you for your support! We appreciate you!

In this episode, I had the biggest opportunity to chat to Rolf Schneider, owner of Science-D-Visions,  about how he Created 3DEqualizer For The VFX Industry.Looking back at the evolving digital scene in the 80's and 90's, we discuss working on the Commodore 64 and Amiga, to creating the first version of 3DEqualizer in 1996, to MPC and ILM purchasing their first licenses in 1996 and '97. We do a deep dive about the whole journey and how it all happened.An episode not to be missed!As always, if you liked this episode, please like, comment, subscribe and share!Listen to all episodes on our websitehttps://www.thevfxartistspodcast.com/3DEhttps://www.3dequalizer.com/Chapters:00:00:00 Ident    00:00:05 Introducing Rolf    00:00:35 A bit about Rolf, his background and role at Science-D-Vision    00:02:15 Working on the Commodore & Amiga in the 80's    00:04:32 How we started building 3DEqualizer    00:07:06 Coming up with a name for 3DEqualizer    00:08:07 The team    00:11:35 Developing animation & (ray tracing) rendering software in the 80's    00:16:09 Getting the first studio to buy 3DEqualizer    00:22:42 Tools over interface?    00:27:07 Playing a major role in the VFX industry    00:32:17 The future of matchmove & motion tracking within 3DE alongside AI    00:36:40 Industries outside of VFX using 3DE    00:38:50 Is it easier to impliment tools into 3DE    00:42:52 How 3DE became the industry standard for the VFX industry    00:46:21 Best Wins till date    00:49:13 What keeps you going and innovative    00:53:01 What should the industry expect in the future    00:53:18 Appreciation & Conclusion#3dequalizer #matchmove #rolfschneiderYou can watch all our episodes on our YouTube channel. Subscribe & Watch all episodes on our YouTube Channel Visit our website Thank you for your support! We appreciate you!