The Allan McKay Podcast
by Emmy Award Winner | Speaker | Mentor | Visual Effects Expert
Allan McKay is an award winning Visual Effects Supervisor and Technical Director in Hollywood - join Allan as he interviews many of the leading experts in Hollywood about their careers, pitfalls and what they took to succeed, while also gaining a lot of core knowledge to help build your career, money and success and skills to make the biggest impact in your career AND in your life!
Episodes
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468 - ComfyUI in VFX Production with Doug Hogan
Doug Hogan is a VFX Supervisor, Senior Compositor and Creative Technologist with nearly two decades of experience across feature films, animation, advertising, theme parks and immersive media. His credits include Space Jam: A New Legacy, G-Force, Scoob! and Free Birds. Doug currently works as a...
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467 - Spider-Noir - VFX Supervisor + VFX Producer
In this episode, Allan McKay sits down with Hnedel Maximore, VFX Supervisor on Spider-Noir, and Brooke Noska, VFX Producer on the series, for a deep dive into the creative, technical, and production challenges behind one of the most visually distinctive Spider-Man projects to date. Hnedel and...
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466 - Alex Wang, VFX Supervisor - The Last of Us - Season 2
In this episode, Allan McKay sits down with Alex Wang, the Visual Effects Supervisor for the acclaimed HBO series The Last of Us, to break down the monumental VFX work behind the show's highly anticipated second season. Alex pulls back the curtain on the incredible challenges and creative…
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465 – Jason Smith – Forging Middle-earth
In this follow-up conversation, Allan reconnects with Senior VFX Supervisor Jason Smith for a wide-ranging discussion that revisits his recent work on a flagship fantasy series and pulls back the curtain on life at the top of the industry. The two cover current challenges in large-scale visual...
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464 - Andy Boyd - JAMM VFX
In this episode, Allan McKay sits down with Andy Boyd, a seasoned VFX Supervisor, and co-owner of Jamm VFX. Andy shares his extensive journey in the visual effects industry, from his early days breaking into major studios like Framestore and Method Studios to founding his own successful VFX...
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463 - Lux Aeterna - Rob Hifle + Paul Silcox
Overview In this episode, Allan McKay engages in an in-depth conversation with Rob Hifle, CEO & Creative Director, and Paul Silcox, VFX Director at Lux Aeterna. They delve into the evolution of visual effects in the digital media landscape, discussing their journey from early tools like Flash and...
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462 - Faruk Heplevent - The Scope
In this episode, Allan McKay sits down with Faruk Heplevent, founder and CEO of Scope Studio, to delve into the intricate world of automotive visual effects and the evolution of CG in the automotive industry. They explore Faruk's journey from his early days as a car photographer in Hamburg to...
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461 - Jason Smith - Rings of Power - VFX Supervisor
In this episode, Allan McKay sits down with Jason Smith, Senior Visual Effects Supervisor for Rings of Power and longtime ILM veteran, to delve into his fascinating career journey and creative process in the world of visual effects. Jason shares his story, from early passions for creature design...
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460 - RADiCAL - Democratizing Motion Capture
In this episode, Allan McKay sits down with Gavan Gravesen and Matteo Giuberti, the co-founders of RADiCAL, to explore the groundbreaking advancements in AI-powered motion capture and the future of accessible 3D animation technology. They discuss Gavan and Matteo's journey from their diverse...
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459 - Phil Cramer - Digital Domain VFX Supervisor
In this episode, Allan McKay sits down with Philip Cramer, VFX Supervisor at Digital Domain, to explore the groundbreaking world of character-based visual effects and the innovative tools shaping the future of the industry. They discuss Philip's journey from animation to supervising some of the...
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458 - Nick Seavert - CEO & Founder JangaFX (Embergen, LiquiGen, GeoGen)
In this episode, Allan McKay sits down with Nick Seavert, CEO and founder of JangaFX, to explore the cutting-edge world of real-time visual effects software. They discuss Nick's entrepreneurial journey, the development of JangaFX's suite of tools including Embergen, LiquiGen, and GeoGen, and the...
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457 - Feng Zhu - Concept Designer & Art Director
In this episode, Allan McKay sits down with Feng Zhu, renowned concept designer and educator, to explore the world of concept design in the film and video game industries. They discuss Feng's impressive career journey, his work on numerous high-profile projects, and the unique challenges of...
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456 - Stephan Fleet - The Boys VFX Supervisor
Stephan Fleet is the VFX Supervisor for the hit Amazon series The Boys and serves as Associate Producer and Co-Producer on its spinoff Gen V. With a diverse background in visual effects and production, Stephan has become a leading innovator in television VFX. Stephan has developed a reputation…
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455 - Tim Carras - VFX Supervisor Barnstorm VFX "Shogun, Clipped"
VFX Supervisor Tim Carras joins Allan McKay to discuss his work on high-profile projects like "Clipped" and "Shogun". Tim shares insights into the challenges of creating realistic crowds for basketball arenas, crafting flaming arrow effects for period dramas, and the intricacies of on-set VFX...
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454 - Xavier Bernasconi - VFX Supervisor for Masters of The Air
In this episode, Allan McKay sits down with Xavier Bernasconi, VFX Supervisor at DNEG, to dive deep into the world of virtual production. They discuss Xavier's fascinating career journey, his recent work on the highly anticipated Masters of the Air, and the decision to utilize virtual production...
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453 - Colin Giles - Vancouver Film School - Head of School for Animation & VFX
In this insightful episode, Allan McKay sits down with Colin Giles, head of the School for Animation and Visual Effects at Vancouver Film School, for a deep dive into the world of modern VFX education. They discuss Colin's fascinating journey from small town artist to leading a world-class...
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452 - Shogun VFX Supervisor - Michael Cliett
In this epic episode of the Podcast, Allan sits down with Michael Cliett, the overall VFX Supervisor for the hit TV series Shogun. Michael shares his journey into the world of visual effects, from his early fascination with behind-the-scenes movie magic to working his way up in the industry. He...
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451 - Chad Wanstreet - SWAT + Kill The Orange Faced Bear
In this episode of the Allan McKay Podcast, Allan sits down with VFX Supervisor Chad Wanstreet for an engaging discussion about Chad's experiences in the visual effects industry. They dive into Chad's transition from vendor-side to client-side VFX supervision, his work on the TV shows SWAT and…
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450 - The Sympathizer - Chad Wanstreet - VFX Supervisor
EPISODE 450 - THE SYMPATHIZER - CHAD WANSTREET - VFX SUPERVISOR In this episode, Allan McKay interviews VFX Supervisor Chad Wanstreet about: His role as VFX Supervisor on the highly anticipated series The Sympathizer, an adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel; Collaborating closely with...
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449 - Olivio Serikas - Your Guide To AI Art Workflows
In this episode of the podcast, Allan McKay sits down with Olivio Sarikas, a renowned AI expert and YouTuber, to dive deep into the world of AI image generation. Olivio shares his extensive knowledge and experience working with various AI tools, providing valuable insights for both beginners and...
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448 - Director Roxana Baldovin
In this episode, Allan McKay interviews Roxana Baldovin, an esteemed music video and commercial director known for her vibrant visual style. Roxana discusses her creative journey, from her early aspirations of being a screenwriter to becoming a sought-after director collaborating with major…
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447 - Important Looking Pirates - David Wahlberg
In the latest episode, I'm excited to spotlight David Wahlberg, an esteemed 2D Pipeline Supervisor and Comp Supervisor at Important Looking Pirates VFX in Stockholm, Sweden. With an expansive career of over 17 years, David has traversed the globe, contributing his vast skills to studios in...
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446 - A personal 2024 Podcast Update
Quick updates on many things happening in 2024 and on the Podcast! Resuming back to the normal Podcast starting next week but thought I would share views on AI, the industry as it is right now in Q1 of 2024 and more!
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445 - GEN V - VFX Supervisor Karen Heston
Karen Heston is a VFX Supervisor on feature films and episodic tv. They began their VFX career at commercial houses in NYC on the night shift; while finishing their MFA in computer art by day. Starting as a Flame artist, they led VFX teams and engaged with creatives from storyboards to finals....
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444 - Film Producer Josh Rosenbaum - Waypoint Entertainment
Josh Rosenbaum is a Producer at Waypoint Entertainment. Josh majored in Business Administration at the USC Marshall School of Business and minored in Music Industry through the USC Thornton School of Music. Before he joined Waypoint Entertainment, he worked as an Agent Trainee at William Morris....
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443 - "NO CGI = INVISIBLE CGI" - VFX Supervisor Jonas Ussing
With 15 years in the VFX business, Jonas Ussing has supervisor credits on several feature and television titles, including the Netflix series THE RAIN. Jonas has furthermore earned nominations for an Emmy and a Danish Academy Award. In 2012, Jonas was nominated for an Emmy for his work on INSIDE...
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442 - Infinite-Realities Founder and Director Lee Perry-Smith
Infinite-Realities (IR) specializes in digital humans. Founded in 2007, IR has been developing static and motion scanning systems for over 15 years. Lee Perry-Smith is the original Founder of Infinite-Realities. As CEO, he has led various large scale project developments. He has a deep passion…
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441 - Writer, Producer & Head of Writing at Vancouver Film School Kat Montagu
Kat Montagu is the Head of Writing for Film, Television and Games Program at the Vancouver Film School. She has taught for over 20 years in VFS's Writing and Film Production Departments. Her Career Launch class has prepared countless VFS graduates to work on feature films, in the writers' rooms…
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440 - Kriscoart YouTube Channel Creator Kris Truini
Kris A. Truini was born in Middletown, Connecticut, and was raised in Italy until the age of 15. There, he first discovered his passion for film when he was 8 years old and has been making videos ever since. With little to no help for his first videos, he had to explore and learn as much as...
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439 - VFX Supervisor Robert Nederhorst
Rob Nederhorst is a veteran of the VFX industry. As a VFX Supervisor, he's worked on titles like JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3 - PARABELLUM, THE CONJURING, GHOSTBUSTERS, CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER, and so many others. Rob has deep knowledge in compositing, lighting, 3D, 2D and programming. In...
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438 - LAIKA - CG Supervisor Eric Wachtman
Eric Wachtman is a CG / VFX Supervisor and Art Director at LAIKA where he's been working for nearly 20 years. Prior to that, he served as the Director of CG / Visual Effects and Art Director at the Cartoon Network. LAIKA was founded in 2005 in Oregon and is guided by the vision of its President &...
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437 - THE LAST OF US - VFX Supervisor Alex Wang
Alex Wang is a VFX Supervisor. He started his career in visual effects at The Orphanage on THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW, right after graduating from Ringling College of Art and Design in 2003. He then joined Image Movers Digital to work on THE CHRISTMAS CAROL and MARS NEEDS MOMS. In 2010, Alex joined...
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436 - Freelancing in VFX in 2024
Freelance is such a big topic in visual effects! For those of you starting in the industry, you're probably wondering how to get your foot in the door. Ultimately, 2024 will be a very busy year. That means that those of you who are good should be ready to turn down work. The first thing you need…
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435 - The ROI of VFX and Other Advice - Crafty Apes Co-Founder Chris LeDoux (Part II)
Chris LeDoux is the Co-Founder of Crafty Apes, a VFX Supervisor and an Entrepreneur. Born and bred in Alaska, Chris earned Bachelor's degree in both psychology and sociology, but his fascination with filmmaking led him to the world of visual effects. He began his career in VFX as a compositor at...
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434 - The Threat of AI - Crafty Apes - Co-Founder Chris LeDoux
Chris LeDoux is the Co-Founder of Crafty Apes, a VFX Supervisor and an Entrepreneur. Born and bred in Alaska, Chris earned Bachelor's degree in both psychology and sociology, but his fascination with filmmaking led him to the world of visual effects. He began his career in VFX as a compositor at...
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433 - HOUSE OF THE DRAGON - VFX Supervisor Mark Spindler
Mark Spindler is a Visual Effects Supervisor at Pixomondo in Frankfurt, Germany. He's worked on feature films such as Midway, Justice League, Star Trek: Into Darkness, as well tv shows like The Mandalorian and Game of Thrones for which he received two VES Award nominations. His most recent work…
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432 - ReDefine - Executive VP Eric J. Robertson
Eric J. Robertson is the Executive Vice President of ReDefine, as well as a Producer, Cinematographer and Entrepreneur. As part of the DNEG Group, ReDefine leverages an incredible legacy of creative and technical innovation to cater to projects that benefit from their agile boutique approach. The...
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431 - Ghost Robot - CEO Zach Mortensen & CCO Mark DePace
Ghost Robot is the creative studio of the future based in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY. They work with a global community of artistic talent to create content for forward thinking clients. Ghost Robot was founded in 2002 by Zachary Mortensen. The company derived its name from the theme of a music...
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430 - CG Boost - Zach Reinhardt
Zacharias "Zach" Reinhardt is a 3D Artist, as well as Founder and Lead Instructor at CG Boost. CG Boost provides Blender tutorials and resources for 3D artists, in order to make creating passionate 3D projects achievable for anyone. In this Podcast, Allan McKay interviews the Founder of CG Boost...
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429 - AI YouTube Channel Theoretically Media – Founder Tim Simmons
Tim Simmons is an experienced media producer with a demonstrated history of creating short and long form video to create engaging content.Tech Savvy, people savvy, and self motivated creator with a successful track record of building a brand from scratch, Tim is passionate about sharing his...
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428 - Expression Scientist Melinda Ozel
Melinda Ozel is an Expression Scientist, Consultant and Educator of all things face related. Before pioneering a career path in expression science, she worked as a Researcher at Meta and Affective where she used her expression expertise to advise the tracking and simulation of facial behavior.…
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427 - Activision Blizzard - Executive Principal Recruiter for Art in Animation & Creative Robin Alan Linn
Activision Blizzard's history goes back more than 40 years. Two incredible gaming brands Activision and Blizzard Entertainment merged, bringing together the best creative talent in gaming. The acquisition of King in 2016 further strengthened the company's vision to bring the world together…
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426 - Alkemy X - Executive Creative Director Jep Hill
A veteran facilitator with over 25 years experience in VFX and animation, Jep Hill is an Executive Creative Director at Alkemy X, an award-winning global creative company at the intersection of advertising, brands and entertainment. The company is a creative partner for the biggest names in film...
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425 -- I'M A VIRGO – VFX Sups Todd Sheridan Perry & Scott Kirvan
Todd Sheridan Perry is an On-Set Supervisor on the show with a diverse background in video games, film and television. He's worked on titles like Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers to Final Destination 5, The Immortals, Total Recall, Resident Evil 5 and Avengers: Age of Ultron. Todd has also…
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424 – OPPENHEIMER – Compositor and VFX Sup Marco Baratto
With 10+ years of VFX industry experience, Digital Artist and VFX Sup Marco Baratto is more than ever interested in being an integral part of it through compositing and creative leadership. An understanding of light, color and composition are essential to his approach. His additional interests...
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423 - AI Creator Caleb Ward - Co-Founder of Curious Refuge
Curious Refuge is a home for unlocking your inner artist using the latest tools. Founded by Caleb and Shelby Ward, the company believes in giving back to the creative community with their videos, blog content and interactive courses. They develop compelling and innovative video and blog content…
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422 - Ingenuity Studios - Partner Grant Miller
Grant Miller is a Partner and an Executive VFX Supervisor at Ingenuity Studios. Grant brings a deep level of technical and artistic acumen to his role as Executive VFX Supervisor at Ingenuity Studios. He oversees the studio's CG, FX, and Pipeline teams, ensuring that final results meet the…
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421 -- FIVE DAYS AT MEMORIAL - VFX Supervisors Eric Durst & Matt Whelan
With a passion for storytelling and a flare for the visual, Matt Whelan has been making short films and commercials for over 10 years. Training as a classical animator at Sheridan College, Whelan's experience spans live-action and digital Directing, storyboarding, CG animation, and VFX…
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420 - TED LASSO - VFX Supervisor James MacLachlan
James MacLachlan is a London-based VFX Supervisor and Director with a career spanning 19 years.He has worked for studios in New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom. James has worked at a number of London VFX houses including Glassworks and The Mill and is currently a Freelance On-set VFX...
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419 -- Pixar President Jim Morris
Jim Morris is President of Pixar Animation Studios, where he oversees all of the company's productions and operations. Morris began working at Pixar in 2005. Films under his supervision include RATATOUILLE, UP, TOY STORY 3, CARS 2, BRAVE, MONSTERS UNIVERSITY, INSIDE OUT, THE GOOD DINOSAUR…
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About this show
Allan McKay is an award winning Visual Effects Supervisor and Technical Director in Hollywood - join Allan as he interviews many of the leading experts in Hollywood about their careers, pitfalls and what they took to succeed, while also gaining a lot of core knowledge to help build your career, money and success and skills to make the biggest impact in your career AND in your life!
Hosted by
Emmy Award Winner | Speaker | Mentor | Visual Effects Expert