The VFX Process

AI filmmaking is rapidly transforming the film industry. In this episode, we sit down with Nikola Todorovic, co-founder of Wonder Dynamics, to explore how AI tools are changing visual effects, film production, and the future of storytelling.Nikola shares his journey from working as a VFX artist to building Wonder Dynamics and Flow Studio, tools designed to make high-end visual effects accessible to filmmakers. We discuss how the company grew from an ambitious idea into one of the most talked-about AI platforms in filmmaking, and how support from industry figures like Steven Spielberg and the Russo Brothers helped bring the vision to life.From the emotional highs and lows of building a startup to the evolving role of AI in film production, this conversation dives into the challenges and opportunities facing creators in the next generation of filmmaking technology.We also explore Nikola’s perspective on how AI will reshape creative workflows, empower independent filmmakers, and redefine what it means to work in visual effects and film production.Whether you're a filmmaker, VFX artist, or creative technologist, this episode offers a fascinating look at how AI-driven tools could transform the future of the industry.We discuss:• The origin and vision behind Wonder Dynamics and Flow Studio• How AI is transforming visual effects and film production• The journey from VFX artist to AI startup founder• Working with industry leaders like Steven Spielberg• The future of AI-driven filmmaking tools• Advice for innovators, filmmakers, and creative entrepreneurs

In this episode, we sit down with Seiji Anderson and David Weinstock to break down the making of F451. an Unreal Engine cinematic inspired by Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451. They share how they transformed the novel’s dystopian themes into a visually striking real-time short film using Unreal Engine.. From concept to final render, this conversation dives into the creative and technical process behind building narrative-driven personal work in Unreal Engine.We also explore their professional journeys across film, TV, advertising, and automotive industries, working with clients like Marvel, Netflix, Pixar, Apple, Google, and why creating personal projects like F451 is essential for growth in a VFX and motion design career. Whether you're an aspiring CG artist, Unreal Engine filmmaker, or freelance motion designer, this episode is packed with insight into breaking into the industry and pushing your craft forward.We discuss:• The making of F451 and adapting Fahrenheit 451 into a cinematic• Unreal Engine cinematic workflows• Building a VFX / motion design career• Freelancing vs studio life• Why personal work matters in the creative industry

In this episode we’re joined by India Barnardo, animator at Walt Disney Animation Studios, award-winning filmmaker, and creator of the animated short film Cat & Moth.We explore India’s inspiring journey from runner at Framestore to working on major animated films including Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Moana 2, Zootopia 2, The Sea Beast and more. She shares behind-the-scenes insights into the animation industry, the making of her award-winning short film, and practical career advice for aspiring animators who want to work at top studios like Disney, Sony Pictures Imageworks, and Framestore.🎬 In this podcast we cover:• How to start a career in animation• Working your way up in the animation industry• The making of Cat & Moth• What studios like Disney & Sony look for in animators• Tips for building a portfolio and getting hired in animationIf you dream of becoming a professional animator, working in feature animation, or breaking into the film and games industry, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we sit down with Nishaan Singh, a 20-year-old Blender artist and 3D generalist whose journey started at just 13 years old. Nishaan was hired as a 3D apprentice at 16 by our company Bigtooth Studios, and we catch up with him to see how his animation career has evolved since then.We dive deep into the process behind his award-winning Blender short films, Joyrider and Detour, both created entirely in Blender 3D. Nishaan breaks down his pipeline, storytelling approach, and how lessons learned working in a professional studio environment helped him refine his 3D workflow.While Joyrider was less structured, Nishaan explains how applying stronger planning, pipeline discipline, and storytelling techniques, developed during his time at Bigtooth Studios, made Detour a far smoother and more confident production.🏆 Awards→ Young Animator of the Year UK 2022 – Joyrider→ Young Animator of the Year UK 2025 – DetourThis conversation is packed with insights for anyone interested in:→ Becoming a Blender artist→ Creating award-winning Blender short films→ Learning Blender from a young age→ Building a real-world animation career→ Moving from self-taught work into professional studiosVIDEO PODCASTWATCH DETOURWATCH JOYRIDER

In this episode we sit down with David Stapp, Cinematics Director at Form Studios and host of Virtual Production Insider, to break down his career journey and the creation of his latest Unreal Engine cinematic inspired by the Battlefield universe.With over a decade of experience across film, VFX, post-production, cinematography, and virtual production, David shares how his background in traditional filmmaking directly informs his work creating real-time cinematics for video games.We dive deep into the making of “Conquest,” a Battlefield-inspired Unreal Engine fan film developed as a full R&D project for Form Studios. The goal? To test and refine an end-to-end game cinematics pipeline that Form can now offer as a service.What we cover in this episode:✅ David Stapp’s career path from film to game cinematics✅ Unreal Engine workflows for real-time cinematics✅ Building a Battlefield fan film that stays true to the source material✅ Using motion capture for realism in game cinematics✅ Traditional vs markerless mocap solutions✅ Virtual production pipelines✅ How R&D projects help studios expand creative services

In this in-depth podcast interview, we sit down with Aaron Blaise, a legendary animator with 38 years of experience, known for his work at Disney Animation Studios during the golden era of the 1990s. Aaron shares incredible stories from animating Disney classics like Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King, and directing Brother Bear.Aaron opens up about his life-changing journey after the devastating loss of his wife in 2007, a moment that led him to leave Disney and rebuild his career from the ground up. He founded Creature Art Teacher (The Art of Aaron Blaise), an online education platform dedicated to teaching drawing, animation, and traditional animation techniques to artists around the world.We dive deep into the creation of SNOW BEAR - A Hand-Drawn Animated Short Film. Created digitally while using classic traditional animation methods, the making of Snow Bear was fully documented across Aaron’s YouTube channel and website, building anticipation for the film, which has just been shortlisted for Best Animated Short at the upcoming Academy Awards.Inspired by grief, healing, and finding love again, Snow Bear tells the touching story of a lonely polar bear searching for companionship, making it both heartbreaking and heartwarming.In this conversation, we discuss:✅ Aaron Blaise’s career at Disney Animation in the 1990s✅ Working on iconic animated films like The Lion King and Aladdin✅ Leaving Disney and starting Creature Art Teacher✅ The emotional story behind Snow Bear✅ How to create an animated short film from scratch✅ Using traditional animation techniques in a digital workflow✅ Art, loss, resilience, and finding purpose againWhether you’re an animator, artist, Disney fan, or storyteller, this episode is packed with inspiration, practical insights, and honest reflection from one of the industry’s most respected figures.🎬 Video Podcast: 🎬 Watch Snow Bear: https://youtu.be/xOXolSQcEb4?si=9LTK7XS0g4DfE97o🌐 Official Snow Bear Film Website: https://snowbearshort.com/🎨 Aaron Blaise’s Website / Creature Art Teacher: https://creatureartteacher.com/🐻‍❄️ Polar Bears International: https://polarbearsinternational.org/

In this interview, writer, director, and self-taught animator Denver Jackson shares the incredible journey behind creating not one, but two solo animated feature films — Esluna: The Crown of Babylon and The Worlds Divide. From teaching himself 2D animation, to battling carpal tunnel and back issues, to reinventing his workflow in Blender 3D, Denver breaks down exactly how he built these full-length, anime-inspired films with a tiny team and massive determination. We dive deep into his creative process — how he writes, how he animates, how he stays motivated, and what it really takes to make a solo filmmaking dream a reality.If you're passionate about animation, indie filmmaking, anime films, or the idea of creating your own solo animated feature film, this conversation is packed with insight, inspiration, and practical advice.➡️ The workflow behind creating two full animated features➡️ Building worlds and characters as a solo filmmaker➡️ Staying motivated through long-term creative projects➡️ Advice for aspiring animators and indie creators➡️ How combining 2D & 3D with Blender saved himVIDEO PODCASTDENVER JACKSON

We chat with UK-based illustrator Luke Preece, who started his career as a graphic designer, moved into video game GUI work, and eventually found his true calling — illustration. In this interview, Luke takes us on a creative journey from designing for games to producing iconic artwork and posters for some of the world’s biggest rock and metal bands, including Metallica, Blink-182, Pantera and Foo Fighters — and even the final “Back to the Beginning” show of Black Sabbath.He’s also created art for major video games, movies and skate brands, including Gears of War, Alien Earth, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater, and the legendary skate label Santa Cruz Skateboards.This episode is a little different from our usual deep dives into VFX, animation and storytelling — but we had to make it happen. We’ve been long-time fans of Luke’s work, and it’s simply too good not to share. In this special edition of the show, we explore his incredible career journey and creative process.https://www.lukepreece.com/VIDEO PODCAST

In this episode, we talk with Magnus Møller, animator, 3D artist, and creative director of Tumblehead Animation Studio — an award-winning production company based in Viborg, Denmark, which he runs with his partner Peter Smith.Magnus shares how he built Tumblehead from the ground up and what it takes to run a successful animation studio. He offers practical advice on getting clients, maintaining creative freedom, and why he believes making original short films under your studio’s name is more effective than any showreel — helping attract the kind of projects and collaborators you actually want.The conversation also explores Tumblehead’s short film “Turbulence,” created with Christopher Rutledge in collaboration with SideFX to test the new Houdini animation tools. Known mainly for its VFX power, Houdini has rarely been used for character animation — until now. Magnus explains how the team built a custom Houdini animation pipeline, executed the film from start to finish inside the software, and ultimately switched their entire studio pipeline to Houdini. As he puts it, “having every department in the same software feels like living in the future.”➡️ How to start and grow a creative animation studio➡️ Why short films can replace traditional showreels➡️ Insights into Tumblehead’s Houdini pipeline➡️ Behind the scenes of the short film “Turbulence”Watch - TURBULENCEWatch - VIDEO PODCASTConnect -TUMBLEHEAD

We sit down with Character Animator & Director Luciano A. Muñoz Sessarego, who shares his remarkable journey through the animation industry.We dive into the making of Freelance — a solo short film that grew into a worldwide collaboration and was ultimately completed with the help of Tumblehead Animation Studio.💬 In this conversation: • The highs and lows of creating Freelance over six years • How collaboration transformed the project’s scope and finish • What it really takes to survive and thrive as a freelance 3D artist in 2025Packed with honesty, insight, and experience, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the world of freelance animation and 3D art.GETTING INTIMATE WITH YOUR INDUSTRY!Watch Freelance: HEREConnect with Luciano: HEREWatch the Video Podcast: HERE

Trevor Carlee shares his inspiring journey — from creating a 3D artwork for every episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, to his first fan short, “Buffy: Into the Slayerverse” (a Spider-Verse-style Buffy animation), to discovering Bricklink and Mecabricks, the online platforms that changed everything.With these platforms’ free LEGO 3D meshes, Trevor was able to speed up his workflow and bring his LEGO-style animations in Blender to life — and his channel exploded.He’s now known for recreating iconic scenes from popular TV shows and movies in LEGO form, a creative niche that’s earned him a dedicated following.In this interview, we dive deep into:🔹 How Trevor got started animating LEGO after discovering these tools🔹 Tips & tricks for LEGO lighting, cameras, and animation🔹 His workflow from start to finish🔹 Dealing with negativity as a content creator🔹 How to stay motivated and consistent on YouTubeWhether you’re a Blender artist, LEGO animation enthusiast, or aspiring 3D content creator, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and practical advice to help you level up your own Blender projects.TREVOR CARLEE LINKTREEVIDEO PODCAST

In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Luke Angus, a professional animator and director from Glasgow, to talk about his award-winning 3D animated short film Solstice.Solstice has already made waves on the festival circuit, winning multiple awards including Best Short at the prestigious Short Shorts Film Festival – an OSCAR® and BAFTA accredited festival. This win has secured Luke the opportunity to submit his film for Oscar and BAFTA consideration.What makes Solstice even more impressive is that Luke created the entire film solo – from writing and storyboarding to animating in Maya and experimenting with Houdini for the first time. In this conversation, Luke gives us insight into:✨ His creative process and storytelling approach🎨 The challenges and hacks of solo filmmaking & animation🏆 Tips for navigating the film festival circuit and getting your film noticedWe were lucky enough to get an exclusive private screening of Solstice (it isn’t online yet, since eligibility rules prevent films from streaming before Oscar/BAFTA submissions). Trust us – this is one of the most beautiful and moving animated shorts you’ll see.If you’re passionate about animation, short films, or filmmaking, this is a must-watch interview.VIDEO PODCASTWATCH THE SOLSTICE TRAILER

We sit down with three members of TMC — James Dower, Constantin Kormann, and Bernhard Engstler — the indie filmmaking collective behind the incredible BattleTech fan film series HIRED STEEL.In this conversation, we focus on HIRED STEEL - A Mech Machinima – Episode 4, the first project where TMC integrated Unreal Engine (UE5) into their filmmaking pipeline. They reveal how they combined Blender for modeling and animation with Unreal Engine for rendering and VFX, unlocking new levels of cinematic storytelling.TMC began as a group of competitive BattleTech gamers and has since grown into a powerhouse team of artists, animators, and filmmakers. From hobbyists to AAA game developers, their combined skills have brought HIRED STEEL to life, earning recognition from fans worldwide — and even from the creators of BattleTech themselves.We also dive into:🎮 Staying true to BattleTech lore as fans⚙️ The challenges and opportunities of switching to a UE5 pipeline🤖 How their work led to collaborating on MechWarrior 5: Clans cinematicsWhether you’re a BattleTech fan, a filmmaker, or just passionate about indie animation, this discussion is packed with insights into the future of fan-driven storytelling.VIDEO PODCAST: WATCH HERE

In this episode, we sit down with Josué Zabeau, a 3D artist with an engineering background, to break down his incredible Blender short film Heritage. What started as a small personal project quickly evolved into one of the most action-packed Blender short films, showcasing jaw-dropping 3D realism, cinematic motion, and high-speed intensity — all created inside Blender.We explore the full creative journey behind Heritage: ✅ How Josué achieved photorealism in Blender using smart workflows and detailed references ✅ Why references are essential for building believable environments, lighting, and textures ✅ The tools, add-ons, and techniques that powered the production ✅ How the focus on momentum, velocity, and action makes this short film stand out ✅ The surprising story of why this incredible Blender film almost didn’t get released💡 If you’re passionate about 3D art, animation, and filmmaking in Blender, this interview is packed with insights, tips, and inspiration for artists who want to push realism and storytelling through motion.The VFX Process Podcast #71Getting Intimate With Your Industry!For the video podcast: click hereWatch HERITAGE: click here

We sit down with Peter Haynes, the director and creator of the acclaimed fantasy live‑action webseries AFK and the viral Star Wars parody series For The Empire, hosted on his channel Epically Casual.We dive deep into Peter’s transition from live‑action filmmaking to digital production using Unreal Engine during the COVID lockdowns — a journey that began with a viral tech test featuring two stormtroopers on their first day of the job, and evolved into three hilarious seasons of For The Empire.He explains how his live‑action experience shaped his digital filmmaking style, the challenges of the Unreal Engine learning curve, and offers valuable tips for new creators. We also explore his plans for a long‑awaited Season 3 of AFK and his future digital projects, along with insights into how he is raising funds for indie digital and live‑action productions.Whether you’re a Star Wars fan, an Unreal Engine enthusiast, or an indie filmmaker, this interview offers a behind‑the‑scenes look at how Peter Haynes is pushing creative boundaries in both fantasy live‑action and virtual production.The VFX Process Podcast #70Getting Intimate With Your Industry!For the video podcast: click hereWatch For The Empire & AFK: click here

In this episode, we sit down with Arthur Baum — a Director of Photography turned VFX artist and 3D filmmaker — to explore his remarkable journey into the world of Unreal Engine filmmaking.Just three years after stepping into the 3D space, Arthur claimed the spotlight by winning Kitbash3D’s “Secrets of the Luminara” challenge with his jaw-dropping short film, Tuk Tuk Tango — a 4.5-minute, action-packed cinematic experience.Arthur shares how his background in live-action cinematography shaped every aspect of his digital work, from lighting and shot composition to pacing and camera movement, bringing unparalleled cinematic realism to his film.You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at the Unreal Engine pipeline Arthur used — including tools like Blender, Embergen, and the Cinematic Car Rig — plus valuable insights for creators looking to dive into real-time filmmaking.📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Arthur’s creative process for Tuk Tuk TangoHow cinematography skills translate into 3D filmmakingThe essential tools behind his award-winning filmTips for tackling real-time production and creative challenges like Kitbash3D’sThe VFX Process Podcast #69Getting Intimate With Your Industry!For the video podcast: click hereConnect with Arthur: click here

What happens when a hospital administrator with no animation background decides to make a 25-minute sci-fi film in Blender — solo?Meet Dave Brain, the creator of Kosmic Kidnap and the face behind Dave Makes a Movie. In this episode, Dave shares how he taught himself Blender by diving straight into making a full animated short, what he's learned along the way, and how he's building a following by documenting the whole process.🎬 Topics include:Starting a film with no animation experienceTools and workflow in BlenderThe realities of solo animated filmmakingGrowing an audience on social mediaTips for beginners making their first film in BlenderWhether you're a filmmaker, Blender beginner, or just love creative DIY stories — this one will inspire you to start before you're ready.The VFX Process Podcast #68Getting Intimate With Your Industry!For the video podcast: click hereKosmic Kidnap Trailer: click hereConnect with Dave: click here

We sit down with Butterbug, the creator of the viral HELLDIVERS 2 fan film Straight to Hell — a fully animated short made in Blender. Inspired by the chaotic universe of Helldivers 2 and the cinematic VFX techniques of Ian Hubert, Butterbug shares how he brought this ambitious project to life.We dive deep into his creative process, how he started learning Blender, and what it takes to build a standout fan film from scratch. He also opens up about battling imposter syndrome, finding his unique style, and staying consistent as a solo creator.Whether you're a Blender artist, Helldivers 2 fan, or aspiring filmmaker, this conversation is full of insights on animation, discipline, and the power of community-driven storytelling.The VFX Process Podcast #67Getting Intimate With Your Industry!For the video podcast: click hereWatch STH: click here

In this episode, we sit down with Jackie Droujko — a talented 2D character artist, filmmaker, and YouTuber from Vancouver, Canada. Jackie is known for her work with major studios like Disney TV, Netflix, and Nickelodeon, but in this interview, she opens up about stepping into unfamiliar territory: creating her first 2D/3D hybrid short film, Space Dates 5, using Blender. Co-created with her husband, the film marks a major stylistic shift from her usual character design, embracing a more experimental and personal aesthetic.Jackie shares the emotional and creative journey behind learning Blender as a traditionally trained 2D artist, and what it was like to challenge herself artistically during a difficult period. With the VFX industry facing instability, she found herself out of work for over a year — a time that forced her to confront questions about self-worth and identity as an artist. Instead of giving up, Jackie poured her energy into growing her YouTube channel, which is now approaching one million subscribers.Now standing at a major crossroads, Jackie reflects on the path ahead: return to the studio system or fully embrace a more independent, self-sustained creative career. It’s a raw and inspiring conversation about resilience and what it means to be an artist in a rapidly changing industry. Whether you're into 2D/3D art, Blender, or just looking for honest insight into the realities of the VFX world, this interview offers a rare glimpse into the life of a creator redefining her future.The VFX Process Podcast #66Getting Intimate With Your Industry!For the video podcast: click hereConnect with Jackie: click here

Go behind the scenes with VFX artist, filmmaker, and YouTuber Sam Denison aka Samster, as he reveals the making of We Few Survivors — a fan made short film set in the universe of The Last of Us.Sam shares how he used cutting-edge Vicon motion capture (mocap) technology and a talented cast of actors to bring both survivors and infected to life. From capturing realistic performances to building immersive environments in Unreal Engine, this film is a passion project made for fans, by a fan.With Season 3 of The Last of Us on the horizon, We Few Survivors is a must-watch for anyone craving more post-apocalyptic action and emotional storytelling.We Few Survivors: click hereThe VFX Process Podcast #65Getting Intimate With Your Industry!For the video podcast: click hereConnect with Samster: click here

The VFX industry is evolving quickly, and if you're exploring careers in VFX or want to know how to get into the VFX industry, this episode is packed with real-world insight. Jamie sits down with his longtime friend and former colleague Miran Dilberovic — now a Senior Cinematic Artist at Epic Games London — for a candid conversation about VFX jobs in 2025 and what it really takes to succeed.Miran shares his journey from being a production assistant on Game of Thrones to working on Star Wars: The Last Jedi, then moving into previs roles at The Third Floor and Proof Inc, where he and Jamie first crossed paths. His story is proof that there’s no single path into visual effects careers — and that success often comes from persistence, networking, and doing great personal work.They also dive into the real challenges of the job, including overworking in VFX (crunch culture), and why having a good supervisor can make all the difference in your experience. Whether you're a student, a career-switcher, or an aspiring artist, this episode offers honest advice on how to break into the VFX industry, build a strong showreel, and stay competitive in the ever-changing world of visual effects.The VFX Process Podcast #64Getting Intimate With Your Industry!For the video podcast: click hereConnect with Miran: click here

Success as a 3D artist doesn’t always mean happiness. In this emotional and inspiring episode, Lucas Camargo—aka the mind behind Untitled Army—shares the story of how a thriving career in 3D character design and advertising left him burnt out, creatively drained, and personally lost. Despite working with global brands like Nike, Apple, and Coca-Cola and winning some of the industry's top awards, Lucas found himself in a dark place, ultimately leading to divorce and disconnection from his creative self.We dive deep into how his personal project, Untitled Army, saved him. What began as a daily sketch challenge evolved into a world of playful yet profound 3D characters that brought joy and purpose back into his life. Lucas opens up about why chasing money and external validation in your 3D career can lead you away from the very passion that got you into art in the first place—and how reconnecting with your voice as an artist can set you free.This episode is a must-watch for any 3D artist or creative struggling with burnout or the pressure to succeed. Lucas’s journey is proof that creating for yourself—not just for clients or the audience—is often the most fulfilling and impactful path forward in character design and beyond.The VFX Process Podcast #63Getting Intimate With Your Industry!For the video podcast: click hereConnect with Lucas: click here

Duncan Rudd, a seasoned CG animator, rigger, and generalist with over 25 years in the industry, shares the story behind Deep Rooted—his fourth animated short and his first created entirely in Blender. Duncan dives into how Blender, Geometry Nodes, and pure passion helped him bring this 10-minute 3D film to life.WATCH DEEP ROOTED: click hereWe explore Duncan’s creative process, from character and rigging to scene construction and rendering—all powered by Blender. He breaks down why personal projects are essential for freelance 3D artists, offering a chance to express your unique voice and stand out in a competitive animation landscape. His insights are gold for any aspiring freelance 3D generalist or animator looking to grow their career and creative skills.Duncan also shares his perspective on the shifting industry landscape, with the collapse of major VFX and animation studios opening new doors for small 3D studios and freelancers. Whether you're into indie animation, Blender workflows, or building a sustainable freelance 3D career—this episode is packed with real talk and valuable advice.The VFX Process Podcast #62Getting Intimate With Your Industry!For the video podcast: click hereConnect with Duncan: click here

Caleb Worcester, a Kansas City-based illustrator and animator, blends traditional and 3D art to create striking, immersive visuals. In this video, he takes us behind the scenes of his stunning stylized 3D short film, Under The Thicket. We explore his creative process, from developing the story and characters to refining the film’s unique style to his rendering techniques in Blender. Caleb also walks us through a few key Blender scenes, offering insight into how he brings his vision to life.Beyond the technical side, we dive into the inspiration behind Under The Thicket, discussing how nature influenced its design and how he crafted an emotional story without dialogue. As an independent animator, Caleb shares his thoughts on the growing impact of Blender in the animation industry. With its powerful tools and accessibility, Blender is leveling the playing field, allowing indie creators to produce high-quality films that rival those of major studios.We also discusses Flow, the independent Blender-animated film that recently won an Oscar—beating out giants like Pixar, Disney, and DreamWorks. Directed by Gints Zilbalodis and created by a small, passionate team, Flow proves that with vision, creativity, and Blender, indie animators can compete at the highest level. This win marks a turning point for independent animation and the power of open-source tools.The VFX Process Podcast #61Getting Intimate With Your Industry!For the video podcast: click hereConnect with Caleb: click here

Is Unreal Engine the #1 filmmaking tool? According to Charlie Driscoll, it just might be. As a cinematographer, Charlie first saw UE5 as a wat to practice real-world filmmaking techniques—but it quickly became a game-changer for crafting professional-level cinematics. Through his YouTube channel, The Darkest Age, he’s pushing the limits of Metahumans, AI motion capture, and real-time rendering to create stunning short films and animation tests.In this episode, we break down why UE5 is revolutionising filmmaking, diving into Charlie’s fight scene cinematic, a masterclass in virtual action storytelling, and his zombie horde animation, where he brings large-scale crowds to life. We also discuss Move AI, a cutting-edge motion capture tool making high-quality animation more accessible than ever. With Unreal Engine 5, indie creators can now achieve high quality cinematics and tell stories without a massive budget. Charlie also shares his belief that if you’re a good filmmaker in real life, you’ll be a good one in Unreal Engine too, emphasising how the skills transfer seamlessly into the virtual world.If you’re passionate about the future of digital filmmaking, this episode is packed with insight. From crafting photo-realistic Metahumans to harnessing AI-driven animation, Charlie shares his process and why he believes Unreal Engine 5 is the most powerful tool for filmmakers today. Don't miss this deep dive into the future of virtual production!The VFX Process Podcast #60Getting Intimate With Your Industry!For the video podcast: click hereConnect with Charlie: click here

In this episode, Jamie sits down with Craig Caton-Largent, VFX artist and Chair of 3D Animation & VFX at the New York Film Academy (NYFA) Los Angeles, to discuss his incredible 45-year career in the VFX industry. Born in Portland, Oregon, Craig has contributed to over 100 films and collaborated with legendary directors like Tim Burton, Steven Spielberg, and James Cameron. His journey began with creating animatronics and puppets for Ghostbusters, Jurassic Park, Terminator 2, and other iconic blockbusters, working alongside industry icons like Stan Winston.Craig is most famous for bringing some of the most iconic creatures in Hollywood film history to life, including the Slimer ghosts in Ghostbusters (1984), the penguins in Batman Returns (1992), the raptors in Jurassic Park (1993), and the beloved E.T. puppet, which he cared for from 1994 until its retirement in 2010.As CGI began to revolutionise the industry, Craig thought his career might be over, but instead, he embraced the change. Thanks to his strong relationships with Stan Winston and James Cameron, Craig became the first employee at Digital Domain, the pioneering CGI studio. He co-founded the company and helped create one of the earliest performance capture stages. Later, Craig worked for Disney and DreamWorks, developing digital animation and character rigging systems.In this interview, Craig shares his experiences working on groundbreaking films, his thoughts on the rise of AI in VFX, and the creative process behind some of the most memorable characters in cinema.🔥 Topics Covered:➡️ Craig’s transition from practical effects to CGI➡️ Behind-the-scenes stories from Ghostbusters, Jurassic Park, and Terminator 2➡️ The founding of Digital Domain and his role in its success➡️ How AI is changing the VFX industry➡️ Craig's impact on VFX education and his work at NYFATune in for a fascinating conversation with a true VFX legend and a deep dive into the evolution of visual effects in Hollywood! 🎥💥The VFX Process Podcast #59Getting Intimate With Your Industry!For the video podcast: click here

In this episode, Jamie sits down with Rasmus Poulsen (aka Technouveau), a Copenhagen-based Art Director in the AAA games industry. With an impressive resume working on titles like Hitman, Kane & Lynch, and the upcoming Project 007, Rasmus has also built a name for himself as a sci-fi artist, crafting stunning Blender renders of futuristic ships and worlds.As a lifelong Star Wars and sci-fi fan, Rasmus began cyber-tuning vehicles, creating concept art, and photo-bashing before discovering Blender through tutorials by Jama Jurabaev and Ian Hubert. He later contributed to Big Medium Small, creating asset packs. Now, he shares his creative process, focusing on visual storytelling over technical mastery—inspiring 3D artists of all levels to push their creativity further.🔥 Topics Covered:➡️ How Rasmus approaches sci-fi world-building➡️ The balance between artistic vision and technical skill➡️ His journey from Star Wars-inspired projects to original creations➡️ Practical advice for Blender artists of all levelsDon’t miss this deep dive into the world of Technouveau and the power of Blender! 🚀The VFX Process Podcast #58Getting Intimate With Your Industry!Accompanying media:Connect With Rasmus click hereFor the video podcast: click here

Jamie sits down with VFX artist and director Santiago Menghini to discuss the making of his incredible Unreal Engine short film, RALLY. This suspenseful, action-packed film marks Santiago's debut in Unreal Engine, showcasing his transition from traditional live-action filmmaking to the world of real-time animation.Originally intended as a live-action project, RALLY was shelved due to unforeseen circumstances—until Santiago discovered the power of Unreal Engine. With no prior animation experience, he dove into the software, determined to bring his vision to life. The result is a stunning film that has captivated audiences, racking up nearly 1 million views on YouTube.Thanks to Unreal Engine’s cutting-edge Metahumans and Santiago’s expertise in directing and cinematography, RALLY comes alive with cinematic realism and intense visual storytelling. This conversation dives deep into the challenges and triumphs of learning animation from scratch while pushing the boundaries of VFX and filmmaking in the digital realm.The VFX Process Podcast #57Getting Intimate With Your Industry!Accompanying media:Connect With Santiago click hereWatch RALLY click hereFor the video podcast: click here

Join VFX artist and filmmaker Calvin Romeyn as he takes you behind the scenes of his ambitious Unreal Engine short film, Firmware. This groundbreaking project, which took two years to create, marked Calvin’s first time using Unreal Engine. Despite being new to the platform, Calvin utilised advanced tools like Metahumans for lifelike faces and motion capture with actors to create thrilling action sequences—mastering techniques that challenge even seasoned pros.With a career that includes working as a VFX artist on four Star Wars films and many other blockbusters, Calvin brought his expertise to Firmware, which was picked up by the YouTube channel DUST and has since garnered over 1.6 million views. The film also earned recognition, winning Best Sound at the Leo Awards in British Columbia.Now the founder of his own company, Niche VFX, Calvin is sharing the highs, challenges, and creative insights from this incredible journey. Whether you’re passionate about Unreal Engine, VFX, or filmmaking, this is your chance to learn from one of the best in the business!The VFX Process Podcast #56Getting Intimate With Your Industry!Accompanying media:Connect With Calvin click hereWatch FIRMWARE click hereFor the video podcast: click here

In this episode, VFX artist MX Bell takes us behind the scenes of his incredible work as a VFX art director on Deadpool and Wolverine! Working alongside acclaimed director Shawn Levy and visionary production designer Raymond Chang, Martin utilised the power of Unreal Engine to revolutionise the creative process.We explore how Unreal Engine helped visualise the stunning sets of Deadpool and Wolverine, turning ambitious ideas into cinematic reality. Learn how MX Bell collaborated with the team to bring their concepts to life, pushing the boundaries of technology and storytelling. Whether you’re a fan of VFX, Unreal Engine, or the Marvel universe, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!The VFX Process Podcast #55Getting Intimate With Your Industry!Accompanying media:Support GIBLETS: click hereConnect With MX Bell click hereFor the video podcast: click here

Join Nikodem Bredlich, also known as DemNikoArt, as he shares his insights into Blender 3D filmmaking and the secrets behind his efficiency in creating high-quality animations. In this video, Niko breaks down the process of crafting his latest Mega Man 3D fan film, Mavericks Episode 5, offering an in-depth look at how passion and careful planning come together to bring his vision to life. Whether you're a seasoned animator or just starting in the world of Blender, this video is packed with inspiration and practical tips.Fresh off his talk at Blender Con 2024, Niko dives into the key strategies that keep his filmmaking process smooth and efficient. From time-saving workflows to his favourite go-to Blender add-ons, he reveals the tools and techniques that have helped him save hours on production without compromising quality. His insights are invaluable for anyone looking to optimise their process while maintaining creative integrity.Niko shares his journey, reflects on the challenges and joys of creating fan films, and provides actionable advice for anyone wanting to push the boundaries of what’s possible in Blender. Whether you’re here for filmmaking tips, Blender tricks, or a love of Mega Man, there’s something for everyone in this breakdown of Mavericks Episode 5.The VFX Process Podcast #54Getting Intimate With Your Industry!Accompanying media:Connect With Niko: click hereSupport Niko: click hereWatch Mavericks Ep 5: click hereFor the video podcast: click here

In this episode, VFX graduates Sondre Fagerborg and Sebastian Sveen, who attended Kristiania University College in Norway, take you behind the scenes of their ambitious bachelor project, Cryo Odyssey—a fully CG sci-fi short that showcases their mastery of Hollywood-level VFX compositing. Sondre and Sebastian dive into the challenges and creative choices involved in bringing Cryo Odyssey to life, exploring the techniques they learned in their VFX Bachelor course and applied with advanced Nuke software to achieve cinematic results.In addition to their collaborative work on Cryo Odyssey, each shares insights into their individual university projects. Sondre discusses The Suit, a live-action project enriched with VFX compositing to create stunning visual effects, while Sebastian reflects on The Cannon, another live-action production transformed through high-level VFX compositing.Discover how their university projects not only refined their skills but also prepared them for success in the VFX industry. Their hard work paid off—Sondre and Sebastian both landed their dream VFX compositing jobs right out of university, ready to tackle Hollywood-level projects. If you're a VFX student, a compositing enthusiast, or just curious about the power of visual effects, this deep dive into their journey will inspire and inform you!The VFX Process Podcast #53Getting Intimate With Your Industry!Accompanying media:Connect With Sondre: click hereConnect With Sebastianl click hereFor the video podcast: click here

In this episode, VFX artist and writer/director MX Bell discusses Giblets, his upcoming live-action dark comedy short currently in the pitching and visualisation stage. Bell explains how Unreal Engine and Virtual Production are essential in bringing his vision to life. Though still unfilmed, Unreal Engine’s real-time tech has enabled him to pitch the concept to collaborators and investors.Bell, an award-winning writer/director and animator, created the festival-winning animated short Prazinburk Ridge in Unreal Engine and has visualised large-scale action scenes for major films like Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw, No Time to Die, The Little Mermaid, 1917, and The Wheel of Time. Most recently, he served as VFX Art Director for Marvel’s Deadpool & Wolverine. In 2023, he joined Dimension Studios and DNEG 360 as their first real-time Visualisation Supervisor and mentored Unreal Engine Fellows.Giblets, inspired by a bizarre encounter Bell had with two men in chicken suits in a London bar, stars comedy talents Thomas Green and Joel Stern. The film blends absurd humour with dark comedy, and Bell aims to expand it into a feature-length project. He is actively seeking funding and support to bring this unique vision to life.This episode offers an engaging look at filmmaking with Unreal Engine, from visualising concepts to pitching, making it essential viewing for filmmakers and VFX artists interested in virtual production.The VFX Process Podcast #52Getting Intimate With Your Industry!Accompanying media:Support GIBLETS: click hereConnect With MX Bell click hereFor the video podcast: click here

In this video, we sit down with writer and animator Sean Buckelew to discuss his work on HBO Max's sci-fi animated series Scavengers Reign. Sean gives an inside look at writing for such an immersive, otherworldly project, sharing his approach to crafting unique stories and compelling characters in animation. He also talks about overcoming imposter syndrome, offering advice for creatives facing self-doubt, especially in the competitive fields of animation and screenwriting.We also explore his animated short films Drone, I Am A Robot, and Lovestreams, diving into how technology and storytelling intersect. Sean’s insights into the impact of AI and tech on narratives are both thought-provoking and inspiring.Sean Buckelew is an award-winning animator, writer, and director with an MFA from CalArts and a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He is also a Guggenheim Fellow and a founding partner at Green Street Pictures, an independent animation studio in LA.The VFX Process Podcast #50Getting Intimate With Your Industry!Accompanying media:Connect With Sean click hereFor the video podcast:PART 1: click herePART 2: click here

In this video, animation director Raman Djafari dives deep into their career creating visually stunning music videos for some of the biggest names in the industry, including Coldplay, Dua Lipa, and Ashnikko. We'll explore their artistic journey, how they developed their signature style, and the truth behind working in the animation and music video industries. From their early influences to collaborating with major artists, Djafari sheds light on what it takes to thrive as an animation director in today's fast-paced creative world.In particular, we'll break down the creative process behind the visually striking "Worms" music video by Ashnikko. This video, which is a mix of live-action and 3D animation created using Blender, exemplifies Djafari’s talent for blending the surreal with the real. We’ll look at how the 3D environments and characters were crafted in Blender to enhance Ashnikko's chaotic, rebellious persona, and how live-action footage was integrated seamlessly to create an otherworldly narrative.Raman Djafari is an illustrator, animator and filmmaker working in both 2D and 3D, currently living in Berlin, Germany. Through colorful imagery and fragmented narratives they are hoping to reach into a realm of honest emotionality and willful fragility, creating surreal worlds and characters that oscillate between the familiar and the fantastical. The VFX Process Podcast #50Getting Intimate With Your Industry!Accompanying media:Connect With Raman click hereFor the video podcast click here

In this episode, we sit down with 3D artist Trent Fortune to explore his innovative work in recreating a scene from X-Men '97 using Unreal Engine. Trent shares his expertise on how this project, designed as a Previs exercise, demonstrates Unreal Engine's potential for revolutionizing Previs in animation and filmmaking.Trent’s animation software of choice is Maya, where he modeled, rigged, and animated his X-Men character. He explains the process of importing a 3D character from Maya into Unreal Engine.We’ll delve into the essential role of Previsualisation (Previz) in the filmmaking process, discussing its significance in the 3D pipeline and how it enhances creative decision-making and production efficiency.Trent Fortune, a 3D animator based in Atlanta, Georgia, began his career in finals animation with notable projects like Cats and Finch. He has since transitioned to the realm of Previs and Postvis, contributing to major Marvel productions such as Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Doctor Strange, The Marvels, and She-Hulk. Join us as Trent offers a behind-the-scenes look at his career and the future of Previs in the industry.The VFX Process Podcast #49Getting Intimate With Your Industry!Accompanying media:Connect With Trent click hereFor the video podcast click here

In this episode, we sit down with Christopher Rutledge, an innovative CG artist and filmmaker, to explore his unique approach to creating stunning animations. Known for his exceptional use of SideFX's Houdini, Chris takes us behind the scenes of his creative process, showcasing the making of several of his captivating short films. While Houdini is typically recognized as a go-to tool for blockbuster VFX, Chris explains why it's his software of choice for animation, proving that Houdini can do so much more than just big movie effects.Chris delves into the future of Houdini, sharing insights on how the software is positioning itself to revolutionize the entire CG pipeline. With proceduralism at its core, Houdini is not only a powerhouse for creating complex simulations but also a versatile tool that’s set to dominate the animation and CG industry. Chris's perspective offers a glimpse into the potential of Houdini as it continues to expand its influence beyond traditional VFX into all areas of 3D content creation.Currently, Chris is collaborating with a group of talented artists and SideFX to create an animated short film entirely in Houdini 20.5. This ambitious project is designed to stress test Houdini for the entire filmmaking and animation process, pushing the software to its limits and exploring new possibilities for the future of CG production.Don’t miss out on this deep dive into the world of Houdini and discover how Chris is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in CG with Houdini.The VFX Process Podcast #48Getting Intimate With Your Industry!Accompanying media:Connect With Chris click hereFor the video podcast click here

AJ Jefferies (MOONJAM) is a multi-disciplinary digital artist, illustrator, retoucher, character designer, animator, and director. He has been creating images, characters, and animations for the advertising, gaming, and entertainment industries since 2001.In this episode, AJ dives into making his 3D animated short films Peas and Horse, fueled by wacky ideas and a desire to learn new 3D animation technology.AJ, a versatile 3D Generalist, explains the chaotic yet creative nature of the job. We also discuss his involvement with The Monster Project, which helps children recognize the power of their imaginations and pursue their creative potential.And don't miss AJ's story about making a tiny Ryan Gosling from The Fall Guy, which started as a 3D illustration for Empire Magazine and escalated into physical versions.This episode offers great insights into working as a 3D Generalist, making animated short films, and having fun as a 3D artist.The VFX Process Podcast #47Getting Intimate With Your Industry!Accompanying media:Connect With AJ click hereFor the video podcast click here

In this episode, Julian Glander dives deep into the making of Boys Go to Jupiter. Self-produced and self-financed, the film was animated entirely using Blender 3D software. Julian explains why Blender was the perfect software for this project and praises the Blender 3D community for their support. He shares the highs and lows of producing a feature-length animation in Blender over the course of five years.Julian Glander is a 3D artist and animator who uses Blender. He has directed projects for Adult Swim, Disney, HBO Max, and Cartoon Network. He is also well-known for his cult hit video game ART SQOOL and his 3D illustrations, which frequently appear in the New York Times and New Yorker. His debut feature film, Boys Go to Jupiter, recently premiered at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival.Boys Go to Jupiter is billed as a surreal animated coming-of-age story, brought to life in Glander’s trademark 3D visual style and sonic palette. The film follows a week in the life of a teenager in suburban Florida as he hustles through a series of bizarre gig economy errands.The film features a voice cast of comedy and musical talent, including Jack Corbett, Elsie Fisher, Tabi Gevinson, Julio Torres, Sarah Sherman, Joe Pera, Grace Kuhlenschmidt, Miya Folick, Chris Fleming, Cole Escola, River L. Ramirez, Eva Victor, Demi Adejuyigbe, and Max Wittert.The VFX Process Podcast #46Getting Intimate With Your Industry!Accompanying media:Connect With JULIAN click hereFor the video podcast click here

Vikki & Niels discuss starting YONK, an animation studio utilising VR sculpting with Blender to create unique and playful character designs and animations."Hello there! We are YONK, the 3D animation studio that specialises in using Virtual Reality Sculpting software to craft visually striking artworks, animations and character designs. Our innovative approach to this technology has resulted in a unique style that seamlessly combines raw, childlike sculpting with polished, vibrant veneers. Our goal is to break free from traditional 3D norms and craft work that's playful, maximalist and delightfully strange." - YONK ONLINEIn this episode, Vikki Young and Niels van der Donk discuss starting their Netherlands-based animation studio, YONK, and their decision to use VR sculpting as the cornerstone of their creativity.Discover how YONK produces unique and captivating animations with VR sculpting in Blender, accelerating their creative process by tenfold.Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how they crafted a puppet rig in Blender using VR and designed an innovative car rig powered by geometry nodes and an Xbox controller.This episode offers great insights into using VR as a creative tool, the power of Blender 3D, and developing a unique artistic style.The VFX Process Podcast #45Getting Intimate With Your Industry!Accompanying media:Connect With YONK click hereFor the video podcast click here

SouthernShotty is widely known in the 3D community for his unique character designs and his Blender tutorials on YouTube. Shotty started teaching Blender skills to the community four years ago and is now one of the go-to content creators for those wanting to make 3D animated films.In this episode, SouthernShotty shares the process of creating his animated short film "Watermelon Girl," made using Blender with a little help from After Effects and the Adobe Substance suite. After failing many times to complete this project, Shotty reveals how he finally made it to the finish line, covering the creative process of producing a 3D film in Blender. He focuses on scalability, character design, asset reuse, and the importance of feedback from the Blender community. He also delves into the challenges, learnings, and advice for aspiring artists and filmmakers. Produced by a single animator, "Watermelon Girl" tells the story of a girl born from a watermelon seed in a departed king's stomach. A stunning journey begins, with an art style inspired by hand-made arts and crafts. Looking to create your own films in Blender? Check out this ultimate guide to solo filmmaking. Learn about animation, production, design, and all the tips you need to create animated short films by yourself with the help of SouthernShotty.The VFX Process Podcast #44Getting Intimate With Your Industry!Accompanying media:Connect With SoutherShotty click hereFor the video podcast click here

Jess Wiseman, a 3D animator and designer based in the UK, shares her journey from painting portraits to working with brands and individuals to bring their creative ideas to life. She started by entering competitions and cold emailing potential clients, offering her work for free to overcome her lack of experience. Her strategy paid off when she received a reply from YouTube superstar KSI and went on to create artwork for him to promote his boxing match with Logan Paul.Jess shares her experience of learning animation and 3D design through real projects using Blender. She talks about how she took on a job to create animations for Pop Smoke's album visuals, even though she had no prior experience in animation. This forced her to quickly learn Blender and overcome beginner struggles. She also discusses her journey of working with brands like Notwoways, KSI, The Sidemen, and Vandy The Pink, among many others, creating photorealistic visuals of their products using Blender.Jess is using her Blender 3D skills to create a brand called Figuregot. The brand combines digital collectible art with physical products. She explains the process of creating animations and visuals for the brand and discusses her process of creating shaders and materials in Blender, emphasising the importance of paying attention to real-world objects and references. She also talks about the potential future directions for her brand, including animations, streetwear, and digital/physical collectibles.This episode provides great insight into building a portfolio as a young artist, using Blender to create photorealistic visuals, the controversy behind NFTs, and how to start your own brand with no start-up cost, utilising free 3D software.The VFX Process Podcast #43Getting Intimate With Your Industry!Accompanying media:Connect With Jess click hereFor the video podcast click here

Joshua Toonen discusses his VFX journey and his mission to push the limits of Unreal Engine's filmmaking and visual effects capabilities.Joshua Toonen is a seasoned VFX artist with 8 years of experience in the film industry, contributing to blockbuster films like Alien: Covenant, Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse, and Star Wars, among others.In 2020, Josh embarked on a personal project, creating 'Stay,' a short film/music video inspired by 'The Last of Us.' In this episode, he shares his journey and the creative process behind this remarkable project.Recently, Josh transitioned into the world of Unreal Engine and virtual production. He worked as an virtual production supervisor on the sets of Avatar: The Last Airbender and Star Trek: Discovery, igniting his passion for Unreal Engine. Determined to push its boundaries, he set out to recreate a scene from Dune: Part One entirely in Unreal Engine within 24 hours, documenting the entire process on his YouTube channel. https://youtu.be/-syj6kFf6e4?feature=sharedJosh’s latest challenge is a Godzilla sequence, exploring the question, "How can we achieve everything within Unreal Engine?" He is streaming the entire process live on his YouTube channel, titled The Godzilla Masterclass.The VFX Process Podcast #42Getting Intimate With Your Industry!Accompanying media:Discover Joshua Toonen click hereFor the video podcast click here

Olov Burman, a multi-award-winning director, discusses his journey, unique characters, and projects ranging from Cartoon Network to Tenacious D.Olov Burman, an animation director from Sweden, travels the globe while collaborating with networks of artists and clients worldwide. He has harboured a passion for animation and visual storytelling since a young age, and throughout his professional career, he has been involved in over 200 animated film productions, often serving as Creative Director, Storyboard Artist, or Animator.Olov has worked in various techniques such as 3D, 2D, and Stop Motion. Currently, he freelances as a Director, assisting clients in developing ideas and creating pitch material for diverse film productions.In this episode, Olov guides us through a range of projects, starting from his early days animating for Cartoon Network, directing animation for Tenacious D's 'Video Games,' and culminating in his latest personal project: expanding his viral short film 'The Food Thief' into a 12-minute version, as demanded by fans.Join us as we delve deep into the work of Olov Burman and discover how he pushes the limits of animation with his unique 3D character rigs and unmistakable style.The VFX Process Podcast #41Getting Intimate With Your Industry!Accompanying media:Discover Olov Burman click hereFor the video podcast click here

Hollywood Stunt Coordinator Dave Macomber discusses previsualising a fight sequence for David Fincher's 'The Killer' and his latest Unreal Engine project.Meet Dave Macomber, an award-winning stunt/fight coordinator and second unit director in the film industry. With a passion for Visual Effects (VFX), Dave seamlessly incorporates VFX elements into his stunt visualisations, providing a comprehensive template for the crew.Having worked on iconic blockbusters like Transformers, HBO's Watchmen, and numerous Marvel Cinematic Universe films, Dave's expertise shines through. Just a glance at his IMDB page showcases his impressive portfolio.In his latest project for David Fincher's 'The Killer', Dave coordinated a gripping 6-minute fight sequence shot mostly in darkness. Join him as he shares insights into collaborating with David Fincher, labelling it 'the most intimidating thing I've ever done in my career'.'Killer vs Brute' exemplifies Dave's mastery in delivering high-impact action sequences.Venturing into Unreal Engine filmmaking during his spare time, Dave's creativity knows no bounds. Last year, he unveiled 'The Ronin', his first Unreal Engine short film, showcasing a fight scene performed entirely by himself, using Rokoko motion capture technology. Now, with 'The Widow: Assassins Highway', Dave enlists a team of MARVEL stunt performers to help him capture the stunts and elevate the action.This episode offers a captivating glimpse into the VFX pipeline, Hollywood stunt process, and Unreal Engine filmmaking.The VFX Process... Getting Intimate With Your Industry!Accompanying media:Watch 'The Widow: Assassins Highway': click hereFor the video podcast click here

The VFX Process Podcast #39Jamie chats with THUMBS about building his brand focused on pop culture and how he was commissioned by Mark Hoppus of Blink 182.Nick Thompson, also known as THUMBS, is a West London-based artist who has built his brand through a love for 80's and 90's pop culture. His work includes paintings, prints, apparel, and collectible toys, filled with an incredibly nostalgic feel by breathing new life into his favourite pop culture icons, including The Simpsons, Marvel, DC, Disney and many others.THUMBS also integrates a significant musical presence into some of his designs, combining pop culture characters with artists such as MF Doom, Beastie Boys, Biggie Smalls, and Blink 182.We delve into how Nick built THUMBS Art & Design from stickers in a skate shop to the globally recognised brand and family business it is today. THUMBS has showcased his art in exhibitions around the world and has been fortunate to collaborate with brands such as Virgin Galactic, Xbox, Hello Kitty, Deadmau5, Looney Tunes and even the Chicago Bulls.We discuss how Nick utilises social media as an artist/brand, how he has perfected pop culture characters in his art, and how he navigates copyright issues with his designs, which prominently feature multiple intellectual properties (IPs).As a huge fan of Blink 182, Nick designed a limited edition poster combining The Simpsons with the cover of Blink's legendary live album 'The Mark, Tom & Travis Show'. This led to the bass player, Mark Hoppus, becoming a fan of THUMBS, purchasing a print, and later commissioning Nick to design a bass guitar for their 2023 world tour.The VFX Process... Getting Intimate With Your Industry!Accompanying media:Discover THUMBS click hereFor the video podcast click here

The VFX Process Podcast #38Patrick 4D shares his 3D process, discusses how he utilises social media as an artist.Patrick Foley is a 3D artist who specialises in creating photorealistic food. Utilising a combination of ZBrush, Cinema 4D and Octane, he has earned legendary status in the 3D world through his daily Instagram reels, showcasing the process behind his remarkable food renders that have claimed him the name 'The Digital Chef.'What began as a 3D artist having fun transformed into Patrick securing high-profile clients eager to feature his photorealistic food renders on their product packaging. Patrick owes all his professional 3D opportunities to social media, emphasising that Instagram functions as a live portfolio and should be viewed as a means of branding yourself online.Showcasing his ZBrush skills daily on social media led to Patrick's invitation to the official ZBrush Summit, and he regularly hosts live streams titled 'Cooking With Patrick' on the ZBrush YouTube Channel.Streaming daily on his Discord server, Patrick creates unique 3D food renders in real time, later showcasing them as his daily Instagram reels. Also... we throw in a challenge! Patrick 4D is tasked with creating one of his 3D food renders within just 10 minutes, and he does not disappoint!This episode provides valuable insights into achieving success as a 3D artist, building an online community, and mastering the art of photorealistic 3D modelling and texturing.The VFX Process... Getting Intimate With Your Industry!Accompanying media:Discover Patrick 4D click hereFor the video podcast click here

The VFX Process Podcast #37Jamie chats with Faruk Heplevent, the brilliant mind behind The Scope, a ground-breaking fully CGI automotive launch company.Faruk began his journey as a globetrotting car photographer, capturing iconic images for the world's leading car brands, all on traditional film. However, faced with the rise of CGI, Faruk encountered a career crossroads. Undeterred, he founded The Scope, pioneering the creation of jaw-droppingly realistic CGI car renders that have become a staple for high-end automotive product launches.Faruk introduces us to Scope City, an innovative tool that revolutionises the industry by procedurally generating cities. This cutting-edge technology, powered by a combination of V-Ray 6, Maya, and Houdini software, enables clients to showcase their latest cars in meticulously crafted urban landscapes.Dive deep into Faruk's past as a car photographer, as he unveils the painstaking process required to capture a single shot on film. Gain insights into the challenges that paved the way for his evolution into the world of CGI cars.Don't miss Faruk's exclusive reveal of his top 5 tips for creating photo-realistic car renders. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring CG artist, these invaluable insights will elevate your craft to new heights!The VFX Process... Getting Intimate With Your Industry!Accompanying media:Discover 'The Scope' click hereFor the video podcast click here

TVP Podcast #36 | Jamie chats with Alireza 'Mehran' Fattahi about his viral BATMAN cinematics. Discover how he brought THE DARK KNIGHT to life using the power of UNREAL ENGINE.Ali, also knows as Mehran is an Unreal Engine artist based in Iran. He reflects on his journey since creating his first Batman cinematic just one year ago. Little did he know, the response would be monumental! Now, after a series of cinematics, Mehran is gearing up to make 'BATMAN: GOTHAM RENEGADE', a 15-minute Batman short, unleashing the full potential of Unreal Engine.Get an exclusive peek at Mehran's insanely detailed Batman rig, born from the fusion of Z Brush, Maya and Unreal Engine tools. Dive deep into Mehran's Unreal Engine journey as he reveals how Unreal Engine 4 was a game-changer, shaping and revolutionising his artistic path.Explore Mehran's unique take on Batman and uncover what makes his rendition of The Dark Knight stand out in the vast cinematic universe of Batman. And finally, brace yourself for the ultimate question: 'WHO IS THE BEST BATMAN?' Mehran tackles the controversy head-on, sharing his perspective on this age-old debate.This episode is a unique window into Unreal Engine filmmaking, using your strengths as a creator and how to make a fan film stand out from the rest.The VFX Process... Getting Intimate With Your Industry!Accompanying media:Watch 'Batman Cinematics' click hereFor the video podcast click here

TVP Podcast #35 | Brent Forrest discusses the creation of 'Samurai Frog Golf,' the award-winning 3D animation produced by the Japanese studio 'Marza Animation Planet.'Brent, a Canadian-born animator currently residing in Tokyo, is employed by the acclaimed animation studio Marza Animation Planet. We delve into Brent's independent filmmaking career, where he has crafted 3D short animations such as 'Crack' and 'Like & Follow,' collaborating with his creative partner Tobias Schlage. (Forrest-Schlage)His latest action packed 3D animated short, 'Samurai Frog Golf,' was acquired by the studio 'Marza Animation Planet.' Brent discusses the differences between producing a film independently and collaborating with a studio.Brent reflects on his early days as an animator in the early 2000s, when he worked for the Canadian animation studio Red Rover. He progressed from the coffee run to instructing all the 2D animators on how to use Maya, ultimately leading to the development of Canadas first Disney 3D TV show.This episode offers a unique perspective on pushing the boundaries as an animator, exploring Japanese animation style, the early days of animation, and contrasting indie filmmaking with studio work.Accompanying media:Watch 'Samurai Frog Golf' click hereFor the video podcast click here