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 cinematics

Whether 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 #71

Getting Intimate With Your Industry!

For the video podcast: click here

Watch 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 #70

Getting Intimate With Your Industry!

For the video podcast: click here

Watch 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 Tango

How cinematography skills translate into 3D filmmaking

The essential tools behind his award-winning film

Tips for tackling real-time production and creative challenges like Kitbash3D’s

The VFX Process Podcast #69

Getting Intimate With Your Industry!

For the video podcast: click here

Connect 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 experience

Tools and workflow in Blender

The realities of solo animated filmmaking

Growing an audience on social media

Tips for beginners making their first film in Blender

Whether 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 #68

Getting Intimate With Your Industry!

For the video podcast: click here

Kosmic Kidnap Trailer: click here

Connect 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 #67

Getting Intimate With Your Industry!

For the video podcast: click here

Watch 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 #66

Getting Intimate With Your Industry!

For the video podcast: click here

Connect 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 here

The VFX Process Podcast #65

Getting Intimate With Your Industry!

For the video podcast: click here

Connect 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 #64

Getting Intimate With Your Industry!

For the video podcast: click here

Connect 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 #63

Getting Intimate With Your Industry!

For the video podcast: click here

Connect with Lucas: click here