The Allan McKay Podcast

In this episode, Allan McKay sits down with Nick Seavert, CEO and founder of JangaFX, to explore the cutting-edge world of real-time visual effects software.

They discuss Nick's entrepreneurial journey, the development of JangaFX's suite of tools including Embergen, LiquiGen, and GeoGen, and the challenges of creating innovative VFX software. Nick shares insights into the current state of the VFX industry, its evolving needs, and the potential impact of real-time solutions on both film and game production pipelines.

The conversation also covers the importance of integrity in business, the value of perseverance in the face of adversity, and the process of creating their short film "Golem" to showcase their tools. Nick offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and discusses the evolution of VFX software over his career.

This is a must-listen for anyone interested in visual effects, real-time rendering, the creative process behind cutting-edge software development, and the future of the VFX industry in an increasingly real-time world.

Topics Covered:

• Nick Seavert's background and the founding of JangaFX
• The development and features of Embergen, LiquiGen, and GeoGen
• The importance of integrity and perseverance in business
• The creation of the "Golem" short film and its impact on product development
• The challenges of developing real-time liquid simulations
• The potential future of VFX in video games
• The balance between technical accuracy and artistic usability in VFX software
• The value of internal projects in driving software development

Quotes:

• "If you want to play with the big dogs, you have to stop whining like a pup."

Resources:

• JangaFX website
• "Golem" short film
• Riot Games
• Blizzard Entertainment
• Industrial Light & Magic (ILM)
• Unreal Engine

In this episode, Allan McKay sits down with Feng Zhu, renowned concept designer and educator, to explore the world of concept design in the film and video game industries.

They discuss Feng's impressive career journey, his work on numerous high-profile projects, and the unique challenges of creating compelling concept designs. Feng shares insights into the current state of the design industry, its challenges and opportunities, and the potential impact of emerging technologies like AI.

The conversation also covers the importance of problem-solving skills in design, effective portfolio development strategies, and the business aspects of running a successful design studio. Feng offers valuable advice for aspiring designers and discusses the evolution of the industry over his 27-year career.

This is a must-listen for anyone interested in concept design, the creative process behind blockbuster films and games, and the future of the design industry in an increasingly digital world.

Topics Covered

• Feng Zhu's background and career in the design industry
• The importance of problem-solving and thinking skills over technical skills
• Portfolio development and job application strategies
• The business side of the design industry
• Studio management and working with clients
• The impact of AI on the design industry
• The evolution of technology and its impact on design
• The difference between illustration and design
• The challenges of game development and studio closures
• Social media and its role in the industry

Highlights

• "We're actually business people. We're selling products. Some people forget that even though we're drawing, we're not artists, we're product sellers."
• "I'd rather have someone that has really good thought process than someone who renders really well, but has no ideas in their head."
• "If you're doing social media stuff, but your content is just for social media, but not for actual industry, then yeah, that's not that relevant in my opinion."
• "To get to that level [of AI replacing human designers], you have to cover new technology, something completely alien to us right now, to reach human level stuff."
• "What we need really is in here, the brain, the human brain, and that's something AI cannot replace."

Resources

• FCD School of Design (Feng Zhu's school)
• Design Cinema (YouTube channel - search for "FCD")
• CalArts
• ArtCenter College of Design
• Industrial Light & Magic (ILM)
• Lucasfilm
• Duke Nukem Forever (game)
• Luc Besson (film director)
• Hugo Martin (Doom game director)

Stephan Fleet is the VFX Supervisor for the hit Amazon series The Boys and serves as Associate Producer and Co-Producer on its spinoff Gen V. With a diverse background in visual effects and production, Stephan has become a leading innovator in television VFX.

Stephan has developed a reputation for creative problem-solving and empathetic leadership in high-pressure production environments. His work on The Boys has set new standards for tv series visaul effects, balancing realism with the show's signature style while pushing the boundaries of what's possible in episodic content.

In this Podcast, Stephan Fleet talks to Allan McKay about the unique challenges of creating grounded superhero powers for The Boys, his innovative approaches to monitor comps, and the intricacies of on-set VFX supervision. He shares insights on workflow optimization using custom database solutions, and the importance of empathy in VFX leadership. Stephan also discusses his transition into producing roles with Gen V and how his VFX background influences his approach to overall production.

This episode offers valuable advice for both aspiring and established VFX artists, as well as producers and directors interested in the evolving landscape of visual effects in high-end television production. Stephan's unique perspective, spanning both the creative and managerial aspects of VFX production, provides a comprehensive look at the current state and future potential of visual effects in prestige TV series.

Key Highlights:

1. Superhero Power Development

Stephan reveals the intricate process behind crafting iconic effects like Homelander's laser eyes and Butcher's grotesque tentacles. Learn how the team balances realism with the show's signature style.

2. Innovative VFX Techniques

Discover the groundbreaking "monitor leader" approach that revolutionized on-screen graphics in "The Boys". Stephan explains how this technique has set a new standard for monitor comps in the industry.

3. Cutting-Edge On-Set Technology

Get an inside look at how the VFX team utilizes state-of-the-art tools like Polycam for 3D scanning and Tentacle Sync devices for seamless timecode synchronization across multiple cameras.

4. Workflow Optimization

Explore the custom solutions developed by Stephan's team, integrating Airtable and FileMaker for efficient VFX tracking and financial management within the production pipeline.

5. Leadership in VFX

Stephan shares his philosophy on empathetic leadership in the high-pressure world of VFX production, offering valuable insights for industry professionals at all levels.

6. Cinematic Techniques in TV

Learn how "The Boys" adapts high-end cinema techniques for television, including the use of Sony Venice cameras to achieve feature-film quality in a TV production schedule.

Resources Mentioned:

1. The Boys (TV series)

2. Gen V (TV series spinoff)

3. Polycam (3D scanning app)

4. Tentacle Sync (timecode devices)

5. PTGui (panorama stitching software)

6. Nuke (compositing software)

7. Airtable (database software)

8. ShotGrid (production management software)

9. Stephan Fleet's Instagram

10. Tamron 35-150mm F2-2.8 lens

11. XY Short Film

Don't miss this insightful conversation with one of the industry's most innovative VFX supervisors. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring VFX artist, this episode is packed with valuable knowledge and inspiration for pushing the boundaries of visual effects in television.

VFX Supervisor Tim Carras joins Allan McKay to discuss his work on high-profile projects like "Clipped" and "Shogun". Tim shares insights into the challenges of creating realistic crowds for basketball arenas, crafting flaming arrow effects for period dramas, and the intricacies of on-set VFX supervision. The conversation covers a range of topics, from simulating realistic insect movement to adapting to remote work in the VFX industry. Tim offers valuable perspectives on the evolution of visual effects technology, the importance of networking, and the skills required to navigate complex productions in today's fast-paced entertainment landscape.

Links Mentioned:

Barnstorm VFX: https://www.barnstormvfx.com/

ShotBot App: https://www.shotbot.com/

Tim Carras on Instagram: @wip_for_approval

Memorable Quotes and Interesting Topics:

1. "The only thing more important than your reel is your network."
2. "Sometimes a decisive wrong answer is better than an indecisive right answer."
3. "The McDonald's Principle" - Using a concrete suggestion to spark creative discussion.
4. The counterintuitive difficulty of creating sparse crowds versus packed stadiums.
5. The importance of admitting when you don't know something as a supervisor.
6. The evolution from running a VFX studio to focusing on the creative aspects of supervision.
7. The impact of remote work on the VFX industry and global talent accessibility.
8. The balance between technical accuracy and aesthetic appeal in VFX.
9. The importance of detailed on-set data collection and how it impacts post-production.
10. The transition from student films to professional union sets and respecting specialized roles.
11. The value of understanding multiple disciplines within VFX to communicate effectively with different departments.

In this episode, Allan McKay sits down with Xavier Bernasconi, VFX Supervisor at DNEG, to dive deep into the world of virtual production.

They discuss Xavier's fascinating career journey, his recent work on the highly anticipated Masters of the Air, and the decision to utilize virtual production for the project. Xavier shares insights into the current state of virtual production technology, its challenges and limitations, and the exciting future potential as the tech continues to evolve.

The conversation also covers the impacts of virtual production on actor performances and the shifts in collaboration it brings to VFX workflows. This is a must-listen for anyone curious about the cutting-edge of filmmaking innovation.

Table of Contents

Introduction (00:00:00)

• Introducing Xavier Bernasconi (00:00:03)

Xavier's Background and Journey (00:00:46)

• From Proskier to Visual Effects (00:00:46)
• Developing Compositing Software (00:02:05)
• Becoming a VFX Supervisor (00:03:40)

Masters of the Air Project (00:04:17)

• Overview and Initial Thoughts (00:04:25)
• Complexity and Challenges (00:05:27)

Virtual Production Decision (00:05:46)

• Logistical and Creative Reasons (00:06:11)
• Comparison to Traditional Green Screen (00:06:57)

Challenges and Limitations of Virtual Production (00:09:18)

• Technological Advancements and Limitations (00:09:55)
• Limitations with Unreal Engine (00:12:03)

Preparation and Pressure on Set (00:13:35)

• Workflow and Collaboration (00:14:09)
• Pressure on VFX Team (00:16:48)

Current State and Future of Virtual Production (00:22:02)

• Infancy and Potential for Growth (00:22:09)
• Advantages and Limitations (00:22:36)

Virtual Production and Final Pixel (00:26:59)

• Misconceptions and Post-Production Work (00:27:33)
• Developing an End-to-End Pipeline (00:28:29)

Virtual Production in Episodic vs. Feature Films (00:31:48)

• Prevalence in Episodic Content (00:31:53)
• Blurring Lines Between Episodic and Feature Budgets (00:33:30)

Proprietary vs. Out-of-the-Box Tools (00:34:53)

• Use of Unreal Engine and Cost of Setup (00:35:43)

Virtual Production for Previs and Pitching (00:36:27)

• Quick and Cheap Iteration (00:37:10)
• Benefits for Certain Types of Directors (00:38:14)

Collaboration in Virtual Production vs. Traditional Post (00:38:36)

• Real-Time Collaboration and Creativity (00:39:15)
• Challenges of Remote Work (00:39:21)

Actor Reactions to Virtual Production (00:42:48)

• Immersion and Performance Benefits (00:43:31)

Conclusion (00:44:41)

• Appreciation and Wrap-Up (00:44:41)

Memorable Quotes

"I love telling stories. I felt that I was drawn more to the end of the pipeline, more to the beginning of the pipeline, so I was more drawn into lighting and compositing."

Virtual production was the most logical choice for Masters of the Air due to logistical, budgetary and creative reasons.

Virtual production is still in its infancy with lots of room for technological development. Extraction of foreground elements from LED screens is an important area of research.

Virtual production fosters real-time collaboration and creativity compared to traditional segmented workflows. However, on-set experience and mentorship is still crucial.

Actors appreciate virtual production as it helps their performances by providing interactive environments rather than pure green screen.

Xavier Bernasconi Bio

Xavier Bernasconi is a VFX Supervisor at DNEG. Originally from Italy, he now lives in Canada. His recent projects include Masters of the Air, Mad Max Furiosa and Godzilla x Kong.

In this insightful episode, Allan McKay sits down with Colin Giles, head of the School for Animation and Visual Effects at Vancouver Film School, for a deep dive into the world of modern VFX education.

They discuss Colin's fascinating journey from small town artist to leading a world-class animation school, the intense pressures faced by today's students, and how virtual learning during COVID has transformed educational models. Colin shares wisdom on the irreplaceable value of in-person collaboration, how AI is impacting the curriculum, and the vital role of social media and online presence for aspiring artists.

This is a must-listen for anyone curious about the future of visual effects and what it takes to succeed as a student in 2023.

Quotes:

"There is a difference between just crafting images and telling a story. I think that it's part of that learning process as well that is very exciting."

Students should focus on their own artistic growth rather than unrealistic pressure to be the best or work at certain studios. Everyone has a unique voice to contribute.

Virtual learning revealed the need for adaptable, hybrid education models that combine the benefits of online and in-person instruction. However, nothing replaces the creative energy of people connecting and collaborating face-to-face.

AI is a useful iteration tool to quickly generate ideas, but won't replace the human touch. It's important for students to learn with the technology and discover its applications together.

Aspiring artists must cultivate an authentic online presence that shows their personality and connects them to a community, not just a portfolio checklist. Social media engagement is vital for networking and getting hired.

In this epic episode of the Podcast, Allan sits down with Michael Cliett, the overall VFX Supervisor for the hit TV series Shogun.

Michael shares his journey into the world of visual effects, from his early fascination with behind-the-scenes movie magic to working his way up in the industry. He dives deep into the making of Shogun, discussing the collaboration between various VFX studios, the show's commitment to historical accuracy, and the challenges of creating believable CG water and gore and other visual effects topics.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the art and craft of visual effects in television.

Table of Contents:

[00:02:54] - Michael's journey into a creative career in VFX

[00:13:04] - The importance of diverse VFX skills as a supervisor [00:18:02] - Michael's initial reaction to the Shogun scripts

[00:23:05] - Collaborating with the production designer and other departments

[00:31:39] - Continuing the show's style in post-production

[00:36:28] - Michael's on-set kit and experience shooting Shogun

[00:41:17] - Memorable shooting days, including the shocking scene in Episode 4

[00:49:49] - Diving into the gory details of the Episode 4 sequence

[00:57:15] - The challenges of creating believable CG water

[01:02:27] - Crafting seamless environment extensions

[01:06:23] - The surprising number of decapitations in Shogun

[01:11:48] - The role of AI in the VFX industry and the importance of the human touch

[01:22:53] - The incredible reception to Shogun

Check out the show notes : https://www.allanmckay.com/452

In this episode of the Allan McKay Podcast, Allan sits down with VFX Supervisor Chad Wanstreet for an engaging discussion about Chad's experiences in the visual effects industry. They dive into Chad's transition from vendor-side to client-side VFX supervision, his work on the TV shows SWAT and Kill the Orange-Faced Bear (KTOFB), and the tools and techniques he employs on set.

Chad shares insights into the challenges of creating photorealistic talking bears for KTOFB and the emotional journey following the show's cancellation. The conversation also touches on the future of KTOFB as a potential video game and the collaborative nature of working with directors and writers to bring their vision to life while managing budgets and technical limitations.

Key Takeaways:

• Transitioning from vendor-side to client-side VFX supervision requires adapting to new responsibilities, such as working closely with directors, DPs, and editors to guide the storytelling process.
• Creating photorealistic talking bears for KTOFB presented unique challenges, including managing the creative appetite of the showrunner while staying within budget and tackling unconventional shots.
• Effective collaboration between VFX supervisors and producers is crucial, with the best producers being both organizationally skilled and creatively involved.
• Practical effects and stunts can be invaluable references for VFX work, even if the final shot requires extensive CG enhancements.
• VFX supervisors must be adaptable and context-specific when capturing data on set, using a combination of cameras, LiDAR scans, and photogrammetry to obtain the necessary information for their work.
• Despite the cancellation of KTOFB, the IP remains important to Chad and the showrunner, leading them to explore new avenues such as developing a video game based on the concept.
• Building strong relationships with directors and writers is essential for VFX supervisors to successfully manage the creative vision of a project while navigating technical limitations and budgetary constraints.

EPISODE 450 - THE SYMPATHIZER - CHAD WANSTREET - VFX SUPERVISOR

In this episode, Allan McKay interviews VFX Supervisor Chad Wanstreet about:

• His role as VFX Supervisor on the highly anticipated series The Sympathizer, an adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel;
• Collaborating closely with visionary director Park Chan-wook to bring his unique vision to life;
• The extensive previs and planning process that went into executing the show's complex VFX sequences;
• Overcoming the challenges of creating digital doubles and face replacements for Robert Downey Jr.'s multiple characters;
• Ensuring geographical and historical accuracy while shooting on location in Thailand and Vietnam;
• Making confident, split-second VFX decisions on set to keep production moving forward;
• Lessons learned from his experience on other shows like S.W.A.T., Dollface, and Sweet Tooth;
• Practical advice for up-and-coming VFX artists looking to break into the industry;
• And so much more!

If you enjoyed this episode, Allan would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to share it with others who might find it valuable. Your support means the world to him!

Listeners are invited to dive into this fascinating conversation with Chad Wanstreet and discover the behind-the-scenes secrets of creating high-end VFX for a prestige series like The Sympathizer.

In this episode of the podcast, Allan McKay sits down with Olivio Sarikas, a renowned AI expert and YouTuber, to dive deep into the world of AI image generation. Olivio shares his extensive knowledge and experience working with various AI tools, providing valuable insights for both beginners and advanced users. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, from getting started with AI image generation to exploring the latest advancements in the field. Olivio offers practical advice on navigating the learning curve, finding the right tools, and unleashing your creativity with AI. He also discusses the potential career opportunities in the AI industry and shares his thoughts on the future of AI in art and media production. Whether you're an artist, a content creator, or simply curious about AI, this episode is packed with actionable tips and inspiring ideas to help you stay ahead of the curve.

Key Takeaways:

1. AI image generation tools offer a wide range of possibilities for artists, content creators, and businesses.
2. Experimenting with different AI tools and techniques can help you find your unique style and unleash your creativity.
3. Joining AI communities on Discord and Reddit is a great way to learn, get support, and stay up-to-date with the latest advancements.
4. Custom training models and datasets can open up new opportunities for creating specific styles and assets.
5. Embracing the fluidity and randomness of AI can lead to unexpected and inspiring results.
6. AI is becoming an essential tool in various industries, and developing AI skills can enhance your employability and career prospects.

Follow Olivio

• Olivio's Twitter
• Olivio's YouTube
• Olivio's Instagram

Mentioned Tools, Websites, and Resources:

• Midjourney
• Stable Diffusion
• DALL-E
• Krita
• ControlNet
• Automatic1111
• ComfyUI
• InvokeAI
• OpenArt
• Civitai
• Hugging Face
• GitHub
• DreamShaper
• Juggernaut
• Chilloutmix
• RealViz
• RevAnimated
• Patreon