The VFX Artists Podcast

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

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

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

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