The VFX Artists Podcast, hosted by Kofi Opoku-Ansah and Daniel Mark Miller is the spot for artists to share, learn and discover other artists in the VFX industry. We aim to bring artists from different levels and departments to discuss industry practice, software, processes, journey and more. We are a podcast made by artists for artists.

Exploitation of VFX Artists - With Senior CG Generalist Mark Woodcock | TVAP EP58

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B-corp and sustainability in VFX, with Robin Chowdhury, COO of Dupe VFX | TVAP S2, EP1



Join us for an insightful discussion on what it means to be sustainable in post production. B Corp Certification is a designation that a business is meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials.

It was great speaking with Robin, COO of Dupe VFX about how he worked towards making their studio the first B Corp certified VFX company, the considerations for any studio wanting to pursue this and the ongoing commitment.

📌

Sustainability in VFX is often overlooked but essential.

Becoming a B-Corp involves a rigorous assessment process.

New companies may find it easier to implement sustainable practices from the start.

Established companies face challenges in changing existing processes.

Data tracking is crucial for measuring sustainability efforts.

Community engagement can enhance a company's sustainability profile.

B-Corp certification is a benchmark, not a guarantee of perfection.

Internal communication is key to understanding sustainability goals.

Volunteering initiatives can foster community ties.

The industry is gradually moving towards more sustainable practices.

You can get in touch with Robin via LinkedIn or via hello@dupevfx.com



📌Below are some useful links to find out more.



https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22155.Let_My_People_Go_Surfing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BY_AEvvFQ9U

https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/programs-and-tools/b-impact-assessment/https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/

https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/certification/



00:00 Introduction to VFX and Sustainability
01:40 Journey to B-Corp Certification
04:21 Challenges for Established Studios
07:19 Sustainability in Practice
10:28 Balancing Business and Sustainability
12:10 Embedding Sustainability in Operations
14:46 Encouraging Industry-Wide Change
16:03 Understanding B-Corp Challenges
18:41 Community Engagement and Volunteering
23:18 Recommendations for VFX Artists

The Power of Real-Time Tools in Visualization, with Richard Clarke, Head of Visualization at Cinesite | TVAP EP60

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.





- 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.





00:00 Introduction and Background
01:49 The Use Cases and Need for Visualisation
07:07 The Evolution of Visualisation Tools
10:58 Post-Vis and Tech-Vis
28:30 The Future of Visualisation and the Role of Generalists
34:22 Challenges in the VFX Industry
38:56 Richard's Journey into the VFX Industry
46:18 Exploring Opportunities in Other Areas
51:50 The Potential Impact of AI in VFX


The Power of Real-Time Tools in Visualisation, with Richard Clarke, Head of Visualisation at Cinesite | TVAP EP60

The State of The VFX Industry in 2024, with VFX Comp Supervisor Ruth Meridjen | TVAP EP59

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.



The 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.



00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage
01:18 The State of the Industry in 2024
04:44 Slow Ramp-up of Production
05:29 The Future of the Industry and AI
07:29 The Role of AI in Filmmaking
09:32 Regulations and Laws around AI
11:15 The Limitations of AI in Reproducing Human Artistry
13:09 The Future of AI and the Flattening Curve of Progress
14:08 The Impact of AI on VFX Processes
15:11 The Quantity vs Quality Dilemma
18:30 Audience Fatigue with Repetitive Content
19:25 VFX as a Supporting Cast Member
20:24 Playing It Safe and Lack of Unique Stories
21:29 The Need for More Diverse Stories
21:33 Representation in Movies and TV Shows
23:08 Attitudes Towards AI in the VFX Industry
25:18 The Impact of AI on Job Security
26:23 Adapting to Changes in Nuke
29:32 Balancing Work and Learning
32:39 Ruth's Journey in the VFX Industry
37:21 Addressing Burnout in the VFX Industry

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Exploitation of VFX Artists - With Senior CG Generalist Mark Woodcock | TVAP EP58

In 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 



Disclaimer: 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 & Disclaimer
01:17 Mark's story
04:39 The Recruitment Process
07:38 Lack of Communication and Organization
15:37 Payment Issues and Lack of Accountability
17:07 Introduction and Background
17:52 Unresolved Payment Issue
18:36 Impact on Freelancers
19:36 Financial Consequences
21:02 Limited Company and Financial Buffer
22:32 Fear of Speaking Up
23:58 Concerns from Other VFX Companies
24:58 Ownership and Legal Issues
28:43 Cracked Software and Legal Troubles
30:10 False Image and Misrepresentation
31:01 Manipulation of Services Offered
32:23 Poor Quality of Work
33:16 Resolution and Awareness
35:29 Manipulation of Reviews
36:43 Investigation and Glassdoor Reviews
38:29 Prioritizing Job Security
39:21 False Offices and Deterrence
39:50 Lack of Resolution and Communication
40:24 Exploitation in the UK
41:30 Importance of Contracts
43:38 Exploitation in Other Studios
47:25 Working Without Contracts
48:43 Other Sketchy Experiences
51:44 Protecting Artists and Changing the Industry
52:43 Diversifying and Finding Other Opportunities


Watch 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/BNXNMo32oes

As always, if you liked this episode, please 👍 like, 📝 comment, 📢 subscribe, and 📣 share!

Listen to all episodes on our website
https://www.thevfxartistspodcast.com/

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The health of the VFX industry in 2024, with foudner of MOTUS Kurt Maclachlan | TVAP EP57

The health of the VFX industry in 2024, with foudner of MOTUS Kurt Maclachlan | TVAP EP57

In 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 Background
02:48 Causes of the Strikes
04:29 Key Concerns for Actors and Writers
04:59 Impact on VFX Artists
06:06 Duration of the Strikes
07:48 Current State of the Industry
08:09 Hiring and Recovery
09:07 Rate Negotiations and Holding the Line
10:06 Outsourcing and Global Rates
12:11 Impact of Strikes on Crew
15:04 Embracing AI and Automation
39:34 Positioning for Graduates
41:29 Improving Courses and Industry Collaboration
42:54 Networking and Job Search Strategies
47:02 Preventing Future Industry Disruptions
52:03 Introduction to Motus and its Mission
55:03 Staying Connected and Informed
57:04 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook


Watch 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/BNXNMo32oes

As always, if you liked this episode, please 👍 like, 📝 comment, 📢 subscribe, and 📣 share!

Listen to all episodes on our website
https://www.thevfxartistspodcast.com/

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#thevfxartistspodcast #vfxpodcast #vfxindustry #writersstrike

Thumbnails copyright to GQ Magazine - https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/hollywood-vfx-industry-breaking-point

When I embarked on my compositing journey, Ron Brinkmann's book, "The Art and Science of Digital Compositing," proved to be an invaluable resource. It provided a wealth of visual information and included a DVD with footage for hands-on practice.

Even today, this book remains a seminal work and continues to be relevant for artists, thanks to its emphasis on developing the skill of visual perception. Therefore, it was a tremendous honor to have Ron Brinkmann as a guest on our show. 

He served as the Compositing Supervisor at Sony Imageworks for films such as Speed, Contact, James and the Giant Peach, and more. 

Interestingly, despite being widely recognized for his expertise in compositing, Brinkmann initially started his journey in the field of 3D as a demonstration artist for Wavefront. (Wavefront later merged with Alias and played a significant role in the development of Maya, a renowned software). 

Subsequently, Brinkmann co-founded Nothing Real with his colleagues and created Shake, a compositing software that held sway in the industry for many years, particularly in high-end compositing. (I believe it was most recently used by DNeg for their work on Inception). 

 : The Art and Science of Digital Compositing book 

 : How Ron would Design a Compositing Software Today 

The Man Who Wrote the Book On Compositing with Ron Brinkmann  | TVAP 56

This week's guest is co-founder of FXGuide, arguably the first and foremost podcast and blog in our field. He also co-founded FXPhd which was my route into the industry so this was a massive honour for me.

We dive deep into Neural Rendering (which Mike has been involved with since 1999) machine learning and practical applications within visual effects and filmmaking.

We then discuss the ethics of machine learning and art, why there won't "a metaverse" and some of the most likely applications of AR and VR.

This raises some general points about the application of new technology which it would be well of us to heed.

Machine Learning, AI and Compositing with Mike Seymour | TVAP EP55

The Importance of Matchmove within the VFX pipeline | TVAP EP54

In this episode with Matt Merkovich of The Matchmoving Company, we talk about the importance of 3D tracking/matchmove in the VFX industry and what it means to be a matchmove artist.

Matt is an expert user of Syntheyes and has been a great influencer in getting it where it is today. He also uses it for almost all of his work, spiralling almost three decades in the VFX industry.

Matt believes #Syntheyes is by far the best 3D tracking software out there and has by far "the best 2D tracking system in the world!", so in this episode, I sit him down to find out why he believes so.

Being a Matchmove artist myself, having been a user of PFTrack in the past and an ongoing user of 3DEqualizer I was very curious to hear why Matt thinks so.

3D tracking or Matchmove as you may call it, ties perfectly with all the other departments in the VFX pipeline, to complete VFX shots in the biggest visual effects movies out there, making this episode an important one, to gain insights from an industry veteran like Matt.

Matt's filmography spars from Minority Report, Star Trek Voyager, Doctor Dolittle 2, The Amazing Spider-Man and more. Here's Matt's 

.

Matt's company The Matchmoving Company provides 3D tracking services globally and can currently be reached through 



As always, if you liked this episode, please 👍 like, 📝 comment, 📢 subscribe, and 📣 share!


Watch our other videos
📣

The Importance of Matchmove within the VFX pipeline | TVAP EP54 (P-1)

Inside VFX Recruitment with Melissa Blakey, Global Head of Talent at Crafty Apes | TVAP EP53 (P-1)

Inside VFX Recruitment with Melissa Blakey, Global Head of Talent at Crafty Apes | TVAP EP53 (P-2)

Behind The Desk with Hugo Guerra | TVAP EP47


00:00:00 Coming Up
00:02:19 Introductions
00:03:54 Who is Matt Merkovich
00:07:17 Where my interest for film originated
00:14:59 From Lightwave to Matchmoving on Minority Report
00:23:28 Minority Report Matchmoving Pipeline in the 2000's
00:26:24 Evolution of Aspect Ratios
00:30:18 Comparing Syntheyes, 3dequalizer, Boujou, PFTrack and more
00:35:13 Good & Bad Tracking Markers
00:38:54 Staying relevant in an evolving industry
00:44:36 Being a VFX artist in the mid 90's
00:46:45 Shot talk - Challenges
00:48:38 The future of 3D tracking
00:53:41 Comparing 3dequalizer and Syntheyes
01:01:01 Matchmove Artists - The underappreciated department
01:03:53 About The Matchmoving Company
01:04:11 Unionize the VFX industry
01:04:11 Conclusion

Inside VFX Recruitment with Melissa Blakey, Global Head of Talent at Crafty Apes | TVAP EP53 (P-1)

For many VFX Recruitment is a bit of a black box - we send off our reels and CV and then hope for the best. This week we go behind the curtain with Crafty Apes, Global Head of talent, Melissa Blakey.

We cover Melissa's own fascinating career - she started working on-set before moving into post and then worked for almost 20 years in VFX Production before moving into Recruitment! We discuss why she decided a career on set was not for her and start to unpick the way recruiters and VFX houses select candidates.

Next we laser in on her best practices for candidates as well as the Crafty Apes philosophy for hiring and retaining staff.

WFH resumes, showreel interviews, changing departments we will be discussing all this and more.

Unusually for many VFX Houses, Crafty Apes tends to focus on Generalists and on permanent positions so we go into what that means in a market largely dominated by specialists and freelancing.

Inside VFX Recruitment, with Global Head of Talent at Crafty Apes, Melissa Blakey | TVAP EP53

This is a hot topic with "No AI" trending on Artstation and pending court cases we spoke to Director, Filmmaker and Game Designer Alvaro García Martínez who has been heavily engaged with this topic. 

Alvaro worked as VFX Artist for 10 years at London's top studios before founding Mayhem Mirror, his own Game Design studio. So he has experience as an employee an independent creator and as an employer of artists. 

As Alvaro says, "I am not against AI, but against the unethical use of AI". But what does that mean? 

00:08:00 : If it feels wrong it probably is wrong 

00:42:30 : Translating emotions into actions

Markers powered by [Chaptered.app](https://Chaptered.app) As always, if you liked this episode, please like, comment, subscribe and share!

Listen to all episodes on our website https://www.thevfxartistspodcast.com/#vfxpodcast#compositing#motioncapture

AI - a Historical Moment, with Alvaro García Martínez from Mayhem Mirror | TVAP EP52

A VFX Recruiter's Guide To Getting Hired | TVAP EP51

In the first episode of 2023, we felt it quite important to start the year right, by bringing you some much necessary tips from a VFX recruiter, should you be looking to take on a new role.

We are therefore pleased to have Sophie Maydon, former VFX Global Head of HR, Recruitment and PR at DNEG (Double Negative), and Director, VFX Talent & Recruitment Consultant at her firm PXL Talent

Sophie has over a decade's experience recruiting 100's of VFX and animation artists across many levels and departments.

In this episode, we discuss many topics to do with recruitment, focusing on the perspective of a VFX recruiter, as well as the applicant. We discuss and find out about the best practices and ways one could go about successfully coming on top in an interview, the do's and don'ts, try to understand if there are recruitment prejudices and more.

This is a very insightful, useful and long awaited episode, and we hope you find it so.

As always, if you liked this episode, please 👍 like, 📝 leave us a comment, 📢 subscribe, and 📣 share!



What does it take to be a lighting artist? with Jasmine Katatikarn | TVAP EP49


00:00:00 : Coming Up
00:00:29 : Intro
00:01:48 : Overview
00:02:21 : A bit about Sophie Maydon
00:05:59 : Sophie's background as a recuiter at DNEG
00:10:32 : Power comes with pressure, as a recruiter
00:12:42 : Are generic applications a good idea?
00:14:57 : Going through job portals vs LinkedIn DM
00:17:41 : Are Resume's necessary in the VFX industry?
00:21:19 : Showreel advice from a VFX recruiter
00:27:37 : Showreel advice for returning mothers into the industry
00:31:17 : Flexible/Part-Time hours for Mothers in the VFX industry
00:33:41 : In-person vs remote interviewing advice
00:35:25 : Salary expectations - How to respond
00:41:39 : Budget vs experience
00:44:39 : Artists demand by studios
00:47:26 : Should I go to university before working in VFX?
00:52:48 Discrimination in recruiting
00:59:33 Leave a question in the comment section
00:59:55 How to get in touch with Pixel Talent
01:01:28 What not to do, as an applicant
01:03:19 Conclusion

This week we catch up with a rising star in the industry, Rishabh Laheja, a Junior Digital Compositor at MPC. 

Realizing that a career in IT was not for him. Rishabh began studying nights and eventually putting together a compositing showreel with the help of working industry teachers and mentors he reached out to via Linkedin.

Launching his new career exactly in the middle of the Covid lockdowns. Rishabh won a remote role at MPC Bangalore and has already worked as a compositor on huge shows such as Prehistoric Planet and HBO's House of Dragons.

As he says in the opening, "It's a rollercoaster ride, you may want to buckle up!"

As always, if you liked this episode, please 👍 like, 📝 comment, 📢 subscribe, and 📣 share!

You can click on up below links to get the courses of some brilliant instructors.

📣 Keagan Harris Patreon: patreon.com/keaganharris
📣 Josh Parks Masterclasses: https://www.compositingpro.com/nuke-masterclass-courses/
📣 FXPhd: https://www.fxphd.com

Our own interview with @joshvfxify : https://youtu.be/tgqlS2BswZ0

Listen to all episodes on our website
https://www.thevfxartistspodcast.com/

Watch our other videos
📣What does it take to be a lighting artist? with Jasmine Katatikarn | TVAP EP49
https://youtu.be/ikFiHXeDP1M
📣Behind The Desk with Hugo Guerra | TVAP EP47
https://youtu.be/jGJruJHOx2g

Follow Us 👍👍📌📌
◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevfxartistspodcast/
◉ Twitter: https://twitter.com/vfxartistspod
◉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-vfx-artists-podcast/

Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheVFXArtistsPodcast

Listen on 🔊🔊🎧🎧
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◉ Amazon Misuc: https://amzn.to/3UrOrSn
◉ Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3fWyuog
◉ Stitcher: https://bit.ly/3EjHUmY




00:00:00 : Intro - What to Expect
00:01:24 : There's a Tipping POint for Every Artist
00:02:19 : I Didn't Know How to Get into VFX
00:02:45 : Why Compositing?
00:03:20 : Getting in Touch via Linkein, Josh Parks
00:03:47 : Online Courses
00:05:18 : Keagan Haris Patreon and Marseile
00:07:42 : Studying While Working in Another Industry
00:09:51 : London Siggraph , Bring Your Own Comp
00:12:10 : First Freelance Job
00:13:31 : Finally Getting Into The Industry
00:15:03 : The Rookies: Dragon Personal Project
00:17:51 : Bangalore and Mumbai
00:22:58 : Work Life in India
00:26:43 : Being Creative in School
00:34:38 : Indian Work Culture
00:42:00 : Advice for Other New Entrants

Launching a Comp Career in India | Rishabh Laheja | TVAP EP50

What does it take to be a lighting artist? with Jasmine Katatikarn | TVAP EP49

This week we catch up with Jasmine Katatikarn, lighting artist and co-founder of the Academy of Animated Art.

We discuss finding your career path at any stage in life, what it takes to be a lighting artist, what makes a successful lighting application to top VFX, and animation studios, working in the VFX and animation as a woman and POC, diversity in the industry and more.

Without a doubt, we also go on to find out about Jasmine's career path in the industry, as well as how she co-founded the Academy of Animated Art, and what her academy teaches lighting artists.

Jasmine has over two decades of industry experience as both, being a lighting artist in the VFX industry, and the feature animation industry. Jasmine has gone to work for studios such as Blue Sky Studios (Disney), The Mill, Framestore, and many more incredible studios, stamping her signature on shows such as Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, Rio, Rio 2, Spies in Disguise and more.

Enjoy!

◉ 



As always, if you liked this episode, please 👍 like, 📝 comment, 📢 subscribe, and 📣 share!

Listen to all episodes on our website 🔊🔊🎧🎧


The Effective Freelance Compositor, with Shonda Hunt | TVAP EP31

Becoming a mother made me an efficient VFX Animator - Part 1 | TVAP EP35

This week we caught up with Courtney Pryce. Industry veterans will know him from his years as Creative Specialist at Foundry.

Courtney worked with UK Film and TV industry Union, BECTU, to put together a suggested rate card for freelance and contract staff in VFX. We get to engage with the methodology and consequences of open disclosure of the often taboo subject of the pay scale.

Courtney also engaged strongly with the industry-wide discussion of racism sparked by the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020. We don't shy away from tackling the issue of racism and nepotism in the workplace and there is a forthright but ultimately optimistic discussion.

Nevertheless, we never lost sight of Courtney's key skills as a solid professional compositor and reactive as he shares a wealth of knowledge that will benefit artists of all levels and from all backgrounds.

You won't want to miss out on this discussion!

00:00:00 : Intro - what to expect
00:18:17 : The Role of a Creative Specialist at Foundry
00:20:06 : When you're too comfortable
00:24:00 : Freelancing "Year Zero"
00:27:01 : Having kids as a freelancer
00:31:01 : Burnout
00:34:52 : VFX 

: methodology and controversy
00:43:41 : Black Lives Matter and Racism in the Industry 
00:54:25 : Projects most proud of. 

Creativity, Money and the Freelance Career, with Courtney Pryce | TVAP EP 48

Behind The Desk with Hugo Guerra | TVAP EP47

Hugo Guerra, Director, VFX supervisor, and creator of Hugo's Desk.

In this episode, Kofi chats to Hugo about his career in the VFX industry. Uncovering decisions and steps that have made Hugo the Director and Supervisor he is today.

With an incredible industry footprint, Hugo has a huge voice across the VFX industry, and I felt it quite relevant to learn more about the man behind the glasses, or as our title says, 'Behind The Desk'.

In this episode, we discuss the creative and VFX industry in Portugal, and Sweden, remote working, industry overtime, Hugo's VFX journey in London during his time at The Mill, mistakes VFX artists to make when looking for work, steps they could take to protect themselves from being taken advantage of, best video games, movies, series of 2022, industry-wide issues, how we could tackle them, and many more.

It was a packed and insightful discussion worth listening to the end, as well as one to be shared!

A massive thank you to Hugo for his time and for being such a gem to the industry.

As always, if you liked this episode, please 👍 like, 📝 comment, 📢 subscribe, and 📣 share!

Listen to all episodes on our 

Building the Biggest VFX Asset Library in The World! ActionVFX CEO Rodolphe Pierre-Louis | TVAP EP46

Share Knowledge - Keep Learning with María Carriedo | TVAP EP43




You can find Hugo on the following platforms:




#thevfxartistspodcast #vfxpodcast #hugoguerra #hugosdesk




00:00:00 Coming up...
00:01:32 Introductions
00:03:11 Who is Hugo?
00:10:24 The Portuguese creative industry could be better
00:16:30 Reminiscing the London, Soho VFX industry in the 2000's
00:19:27 The unhealthy traits of the VFX industry - Overtime work
00:32:16 Chasing The Goal
00:37:05 How I ended up in the VFX & creative industry
00:39:37 Love-Hate relationship with the VFX industry
00:46:37 What I teach Nuke Compositors
00:49:49 What Junior compositors need to know when job seeking
01:02:41 Achieving targets on a creative journey
01:05:25 Films on Hugo's list for 2022
01:09:29 Where to find Hugo!
01:10:46 Thank you for watching! Subscribe!

Season 2. Episode 1, Out Now!

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