CG Garage

Episode 531 - Deconstructing Juliano: Michael Moshe Dahan's Yes, Repeat, No Jan 12, 2026

What happens when a filmmaker abandons a studio career on Saving Private Ryan and a PhD in history to create a film so challenging it is rejected by both Israeli and Arab film festivals? Michael Moshe Dahan joins the podcast to discuss Yes, Repeat, No, a meta-fictional deep dive into the life of actor-activist Juliano Mer-Khamis. By casting Palestinian, Israeli, and Lebanese actors to play different facets of the same man within a "rehearsal as performance" framework, Dahan explores the fluidity of identity and the tragedy of hardened political stances. This episode navigates the delicate "middle ground" of the Middle East conflict, focusing on the human friction that exists before ideologies take hold.

Technically, Dahan breaks down the "weird and technical" mechanics of the shoot, including a four-camera multi-cam setup on a rotating stage where the cameras never stopped rolling. The discussion covers the sonic syncopation of sharp heels and metronomes, the influence of Freud's screen memories, and the philosophy of teaching the "history of the future" rather than the past. We also explore the future of independent cinema in an algorithm-driven world and Dahan's "AI curiosity," as he looks toward new tools to recapture the audience's imagination and bypass traditional studio gatekeepers.

Yes Repeat No official website >

Where to watch Yes Repeat No >

Michael Dahan on IMDB >

Synecdoche, New York (2008) Trailer >

The Little Drummer Girl (1984) Trailer >

This episode is sponsored by:

Center Grid Virtual Studio

Kitbash 3D (Use promocode "cggarage" for 10% off)

Episode 530 - The 2026 Forecast: CG Garage Predicts the Future of Tech and Hollywood Jan 05, 2026

Will 2026 be the year of the ultimate industry reckoning or a digital renaissance? Hosts Chris and Daniel are joined by guests James Blevins and Erick Geisler for a deep dive into the "mild, medium, and spicy" predictions that will define the next year. As the dust settles on early AI experiments, the group moves past the "Will Smith eating spaghetti" era of novelty to discuss the professionalization of tools, the massive consolidation of legacy studios, and the survival of the traditional theatrical experience.

The conversation pushes boundaries, exploring everything from the rise of personal AI creative agents to the outlandish possibility of data centers orbiting in space. By examining the potential collapse of current tech giants alongside the emergence of AGI, the panel maps out a world where the lines between science, religion, and storytelling are permanently blurred. This episode isn't just a look at what's coming, it's a high-stakes debate on who will lead the charge in the collision of Hollywood and high-tech.

Netflix's Acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery >

Flawless AI: DeepEditor & Ethical Reshoots >

Starcloud: The First NVIDIA-Powered Space Data Center >

NantWorks: Converging Biotech and AI >

This episode is sponsored by:

Center Grid Virtual Studio

Kitbash 3D (Use promocode "cggarage" for 10% off)

Episode 529 - Efficiency, Artistry, and the LED Wall: Ivan Reel, Executive Leader in Virtual Production, StradaXR Dec 15, 2025

From disrupting the print industry with the original Macintosh to building bespoke tech for Premier League teams, Ivan Reel has always lived at the bleeding edge of media. Now the Head of Studio Technology at StradaXR, Reel traces his evolution from graphic designer to virtual production leader, sharing insights from his time managing Sony's pivot to digital workflows and his inspiring choice to return to film school later in life to master modern VFX. This convergence of deep technical experience and fresh artistic training has placed him at the forefront of optimizing LED stages for the next generation of filmmaking.

The discussion digs into the technical and economic forces reshaping the industry, drawing parallels between the current AI explosion and the democratization of digital video. Ivan details how StradaXR utilizes Chaos Vantage to introduce real-time ray tracing to the volume , offering a superior alternative to standard game engine pipelines. The episode wraps with a compelling argument for the future of indie film, suggesting that the true power of virtual production lies not in big budgets, but in its ability to empower efficient, high-quality genre storytelling.

Ivan Reel on LinkedIn >

StradaXR >

Ivan Reel's website >

Chaos Arena >

Hammer Film Productions >

This episode is sponsored by:

Center Grid Virtual Studio

Kitbash 3D (Use promocode "cggarage" for 10% off)

Episode 528 - Why Gen V VFX Looks So Real: A Deep Dive with Supervisor Karen Heston Dec 08, 2025

Why does the superhero spinoff Gen V often look more visceral and grounded than its blockbuster feature film counterparts? The answer lies in the unique philosophy of Visual Effects Supervisor Karen Heston, who joins Chris and Daniel to reveal the analog soul beating beneath the show's digital surface. Heston traces her journey from the chemical smells of a black-and-white darkroom to the high-pressure world of "Flame" compositing in New York, where she learned to be a "finisher" capable of managing clients and pixels simultaneously, a skill set that eventually propelled her to lead major projects like Arthur Christmas and Beasts of No Nation.

The conversation pulls back the curtain on the gory, creative success of Gen V. Heston explains that the show's secret isn't an over-reliance on CGI, but a fierce commitment to practical filmmaking, using giant props for shrinking characters and silicone "blood darts" to anchor the digital effects in reality. She discusses the intense collaboration required between stunts, prosthetics, and VFX to pull off "blood powers" that feel weighty rather than cartoony, and concludes with a forward-looking discussion on how AI might reshape the industry by bringing back the era of the "generalist" artist.

Karen Heston on IMDB >

Karen Heston on LinkedIn >

Gen V on Prime >

This episode is sponsored by:

Center Grid Virtual Studio

Kitbash 3D (Use promocode "cggarage" for 10% off)

Episode 527 - Ben Mauro: Expanding the World of Huxley Dec 01, 2025

Ben Mauro is one of the industry's most respected concept artists, known for defining the look of blockbusters like Halo Infinite, but his latest venture is a masterclass in how artists can successfully build and own their own intellectual property. Ben returns to the podcast to break down the journey of expanding his independent sci-fi universe, Huxley, from a passion project into a high-end graphic novel series published by Thames & Hudson. He shares the creative and business roadmap for launching his new prequel, The Oracle, and explains why maintaining full creative control is essential for building a lasting legacy in a committee-driven industry.

Beyond the logistics of publishing, the discussion dives deep into the philosophical necessity of physical media in an age of fleeting digital licenses. Ben, Chris, and Daniel explore the "pride of ownership" that comes with tangible art, whether it's a collector's edition Blu-ray or a deluxe graphic novel, and how this tactile connection anchors the audience to the story. They also touch on the "Roman Empire" of machines within Huxley's lore and the vital lesson of creating art for oneself, proving that the most personal work is often what resonates most with the world.

Ben Mauro's "HUXLEY: The Oracle" >

Ben Mauro's "HUXLEY: The Oracle" deluxe edition >

Ben Mauro's "HUXLEY: The Oracle" - on Amazon >

Ben Mauro Design >

Ben Mauro on Instagram >

Ben Mauro on IMDB >

This episode is sponsored by:

Center Grid Virtual Studio

Kitbash 3D (Use promocode "cggarage" for 10% off)

Episode 526 - Hoon Kim of Beeble AI: How Switchlight Creates 'Relightable Footage' for Real-Time Filmmaking Nov 24, 2025

AI is revolutionizing cinematic lighting control with Beeble AI's Switchlight. Founder Hoon Kim explains how his tool, originally a general AI concept, became a powerful VFX asset by tackling the difficult process of relighting. Switchlight "unlights" any video footage to figure out the fundamental physical properties, like the shape (normals) and texture (metalness/roughness) of objects, and then uses this data to apply new, photo-realistic lighting instantly and securely. The desktop application is quickly becoming indispensable for both small production teams and major studios who need precise creative control over their shots.

The conversation reaches a pivotal point when host Chris, an expert in real-time rendering, mentions his work with the real-time ray tracer Vantage, leading to mutual excitement about integrating their technologies. Switchlight provides the control that other generative AI tools lack, and Hoon sees its PBR data as a perfect control signal for future generative video models. They agree the tool's true value is creating "relightable footage" that can be manipulated layer by layer, just like in professional compositing software. This technical precision promises to blend the creative freedom of AI with the consistency and detail demanded by professional filmmaking.

Beeble AI Official Website >

Hoon Kim's LinkedIn Profile >

Google Research Total Relighting paper >

Paul Debevec's Parthenon project (2004) >

Chaos Vantage (real-time ray tracing) >

This episode is sponsored by:

Center Grid Virtual Studio

Kitbash 3D (Use promocode "cggarage" for 10% off)

Episode 525 - Dennis Berardi on Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein & Resurrecting Mr. X Nov 17, 2025

Visual effects veteran Dennis Berardi joins the podcast to discuss the resurrection of his legendary studio, Mr. X, and his latest collaboration with Guillermo del Toro on Frankenstein. Dennis shares the technical and artistic challenges behind the film, detailing how his team blended massive physical builds with digital artistry to create the film's "invisible" effects. From creating expansive Arctic icescapes in a Toronto parking lot to blowing up 20-foot "bigature" miniatures for the climactic tower sequence, Dennis explains how they achieved an operatic scale while maintaining the emotional intimacy of Del Toro's father-son narrative.

The conversation also navigates the complex business of visual effects, as Dennis recounts the dramatic story of selling Mr. X to Technicolor and his subsequent fight to reclaim the brand and IP after the parent company's collapse. He outlines his philosophy for rebuilding Mr. X as a boutique, filmmaker-focused studio that values artistry over volume. Finally, Dennis, Chris, and Daniel speculate on the future of the industry, discussing the impact of AI, the fracturing of the VFX market, and why relationship-driven, smaller shops may be the key to sustainable high-end filmmaking.

Mr. X Website >

Dennis Berardi bio >

Dennis Berardi on IMDB >

Frankenstein on Netflix >

The Empty Man Trailer >

This episode is sponsored by:

Center Grid Virtual Studio

Kitbash 3D (Use promocode "cggarage" for 10% off)

Episode 524 - VFX Soldier & Scott Ross: The Subsidy Wars Nov 10, 2025

The anonymous "VFX soldier in the trenches" who took on the studios is back, and the fight he started is far from over. Two legends of the VFX labor rights movement, Daniel Lay (the formerly VFX Soldier) and veteran exec Scott Ross, join Chris and Daniel Thron to revisit the pivotal moment their fight began. The conversation goes back 10+ years to when the VFX Soldier blog became the rallying cry for an industry in crisis, detailing why Lay started it, his reasons for anonymity, and how he and Ross ultimately "merged forces" to fight for artists.

The group dives deep into the history of their legal battle, revealing how their "Jedi Knight" law firm nearly won a tariff war against the studios, a fact later confirmed by the 2014 Sony hack. They also connect this past fight to the present, discussing the new Trump administration tariff proposal, the disruptive force of AI, and whether the collapse of the studio tentpole model finally creates an opportunity to rebuild the industry.

Original VFX Soldier Blog >

Scott Ross on LinkedIn >

"Leaked Sony E-mails Reveal Execs Feared "VFX Soldier" (Cartoon Brew) >

VFX Grunt on YouTube >

This episode is sponsored by:

Center Grid Virtual Studio

Kitbash 3D (Use promocode "cggarage" for 10% off)

Episode 523 - David Morin, Executive Director of the ASWF, on His Journey from Softimage to Securing Open Source Nov 03, 2025

What was it like to be inside Softimage during the Microsoft acquisition? How did Bill Gates' "big pivot" to the internet change everything overnight? Industry veteran David Morin joins Chris to share his fascinating origin story, from programming with punch cards and an 8-year art detour to working with ILM on Jurassic Park and navigating the seismic shifts at Softimage, Microsoft, Avid, and Autodesk.

Today, David leads the Academy Software Foundation (ASWF), and he details its crucial mission: providing a permanent, secure home for the industry's most vital open-source software. He discusses the importance of the foundation's "stamp of approval," the massive recent addition of ACES, and how open source works with commercial tools to democratize filmmaking, enabling independent, Oscar-winning animated films like Float to be created with tools like Blender.

Academy Software Foundation >

Join the ASWF >

David Morin on LinkedIn >

History of Softimage >

This episode is sponsored by:

Center Grid Virtual Studio

Episode 522 - Gabriel Regentin: How Ingenuity Studios Made Weapons Unbelievably Real Oct 27, 2025

For our special Halloween episode, we sit down with VFX Supervisor Gabriel Regentin to discuss his work with Ingenuity Studios on the smash-hit horror film, Weapons. Gabriel details his close collaboration with director Zach Cregger, whose primary goal was to ensure every visual effect felt 100% "in-camera" and unquestionably real. He shares the challenge of creating the film's signature terrifying effects and how Ingenuity Studios was brought in early to develop the look for such a massive, director-driven vision.

Gabriel also walks us through his fascinating "origin story," from studying Performing Arts Technology in Michigan to navigating the 90s dot-com boom in New York with Macromedia Director and After Effects. He recounts his big break on The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, where he earned the nickname "Gatlin Gabe" for his rapid temp comps and created a shot so good it became the benchmark for the final vendor, landing him a job at Framestore and launching his career in feature films.

Ingenuity Studios >

Weapons on HBO Max >

Gabriel Regentin on IMDB >

Gabriel Regentin on LinkedIn >

Episode 521 - Tim Miller Gets Real About Hits, Misses, and What's Next Oct 20, 2025

Returning to the podcast for his fourth appearance, director Tim Miller, the creative force behind the blockbuster hit Deadpool and the acclaimed anthologies Love, Death & Robots and Secret Level, pulls back the curtain on the unpredictable reality of a Hollywood career. In a candid discussion, Miller unpacks the delicate balance of luck and perseverance that defines success, the misconceptions surrounding his collaborative directing style, and the complex challenges of working within the massive machinery of a studio franchise like Terminator.

The conversation then pivots to the monumental shifts transforming the film industry. The group tackles the rise of Artificial Intelligence and its existential implications for creators, the changing landscape of Hollywood leadership, and the eternal debate between art and craft. Miller also reflects on his own creative drive, discussing the very different satisfactions of climbing the "mountain" of a major feature film versus the artistic freedom found in the short-form storytelling of his passion projects.

Tim Miller on Wikipedia > Tim Miller on IMDb > Love Death & Robots on Netflix > Secret Level on Amazon Prime>

Episode 520 - Dan Fowler on 20 years of Virtual Production on the Avatars Oct 13, 2025

After nearly 20 years dedicated to James Cameron's groundbreaking Avatar saga, virtual production supervising stage operator Dan Fowler joins host Chris Nichols in the garage for a deep dive into his incredible 30-year career. Dan recounts his journey from being the drummer in a 90s hair metal band to becoming a key operator on one of the most technologically advanced film sets in history.

This conversation is a rare, firsthand look into the evolution of modern filmmaking. Dan shares stories from the trenches, starting with his self-taught entry into VFX, his "rock and roll" days at Digital Domain in the late 90s, and the pivotal moment in 2005 when he joined the top-secret Avatar prototype project. He provides an insider's perspective on how the virtual production pipeline was built from the ground up, the immense pressure of working alongside James Cameron, and what it was like to solve unprecedented technical challenges in real-time.

Dan Fowler and IMDB > Dan Fowler on LinkedIn > Avatar: The Way of Water - Capturing Pandora > Episode 518 - Scott Ross: "You Got It Wrong About James Cameron" > Episode 510 - Industry Roundtable — James Cameron, AI, Sinners, and Indie films >

Episode 519 - Sean Faden, VFX Supervisor - Murderbot Oct 06, 2025

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1235529/Ever wonder how the scrappy, sarcastic world of Murderbot was brought to life? Veteran Visual Effects Supervisor Sean Faden pulls back the curtain on the hit Apple TV+ series, revealing the innovative and often hilarious journey of its creation. He shares the origin story of his involvement, detailing a highly collaborative process that began nearly a year before filming. Discover how the team stretched a modest budget to create an epic feel, using real-world locations from the deserts of Moab to the volcanic landscapes of Iceland. Sean gives a masterclass in creative problem-solving, from embracing the glorious cheese of the show-within-a-show "Sanctuary Moon" to designing a spaceship based on Jiffy Pop popcorn and filming creature attacks with a kiddie tunnel.

They also discuss the future of the entire industry. Looking ahead from his current work on the anticipated Highlander reboot, Sean provides a firsthand account of the massive technological shifts underway. He and Chris dive deep into how AI tools are revolutionizing the filmmaking process, accelerating everything from initial concept art to on-set communication. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the creative and technical magic behind modern visual effects and what's coming next.

Sean Faden's Previous CG Garage Episode > Sean Faden's IMDb > Murderbot on Apple TV+ > Highlander (Upcoming Reboot) >

Episode 518 - Scott Ross: "You Got It Wrong About James Cameron" Sep 29, 2025

A few months back, on episode 510, we debated whether James Cameron is an all-powerful maverick who answers to no one. VFX legend and Digital Domain co-founder Scott Ross heard the discussion and had a clear message for us: "You got it wrong."

According to Scott, the idea that Cameron operates completely free from studio influence is a fantasy, especially when a quarter-billion dollars is on the line. He holds nothing back, sharing an explosive insider story from the set of Titanic that shows exactly how fraught that relationship can become. However, Scott is quick to admit that while he critiques the process, he never bets against the results, acknowledging that Cameron's success is both undeniable and admirable.

The conversation then ignites over the future of the industry, as Scott labels Cameron's public stance on AI "totally disingenuous." In his unfiltered opinion, AI isn't a tool for faster creativity; it's a weapon the studios will use to decimate the visual effects workforce.

Strap in as Scott Ross unloads on the "corporate socialism" of tax subsidies and whether the current chaos in Hollywood is the opportunity needed for a true creative revolution. This is an unfiltered, pull-no-punches look at the real state of filmmaking.

Scott Ross's Wikipedia page > UPSTART: THE DIGITAL FILM REVOLUTION MANAGING THE UNMANAGEABLE > James Cameron's thoughts on AI > Savannah and Georgia Reel as Film Production Drops >

Episode 517 - Ken Perlin - Professor of Computer Science, NYU Sep 22, 2025

Computer graphics pioneer Ken Perlin invented Perlin noise, a foundational tool used in nearly every area of computer graphics. In this episode of CG Garage, Ken shares his unique journey, starting with a childhood love for both art and mathematics. He recounts how his early work on the film Tron inspired him to invent Perlin noise and the foundational concepts of shaders, a breakthrough that laid the groundwork for modern GPUs and the photorealistic visuals we see today. His presentation of this work at SIGGRAPH in 1984 directly influenced companies like Pixar and permanently altered the landscape of visual effects.

The conversation extends beyond historical innovation to a compelling discussion about the future. Perlin draws a sharp distinction between VR and XR, predicting that true mass adoption of immersive technology will only happen when devices become socially invisible, much like the iPhone's impact on personal communication. He posits that the future of technology is not about escaping reality but enhancing it, and that the ultimate "killer app" will be the ability to connect with others in a shared virtual space. We also dive into the role of AI as a creative tool, with Perlin arguing that while it's a powerful new medium, it remains a "recombinant" engine that lacks sentience and is ultimately a vehicle for human creativity and expression.

Ken Perlin's Blog > Ken Perlin on Wikipedia > NYU Holodeck: Future Reality Lab > Future Reality Lab - Github >

Episode 516 - Autumn Durald Arkapaw, ASC - Cinematographer, "Sinners" Sep 15, 2025

This week, we sit down with acclaimed cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw, the first woman ever to shoot on IMAX for the film Sinner. She discusses her unique journey into filmmaking, including her work in 16mm on The Last Showgirl and her credits on major studio projects like Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and Marvel's Loki. Autumn highlights the vital importance of finding a creative community and emphasizes how her career has been built on trust and collaboration with fellow artists.

Autumn also dives deep into the dynamic (and sometimes frustrating) relationship between cinematographers and visual effects artists. Using her experience on Sinner as a prime example, she advocates for a more collaborative approach, stressing the need for on-set decisions and in-camera solutions to create more authentic and emotionally resonant images. The conversation is a masterclass in filmmaking, exploring everything from the subtle power of light and shadow to her experience as the first woman to shoot on IMAX for a narrative feature film.

Autumn Durald Arkapaw's website >

Autumn Durald Arkapaw's wikipedia >

Autumn Durald Arkapaw's IMDB >

Autumn Durald Arkapaw's Instagram >

Episode 515 - Daniel Thron, Chris Nichols, and Lily Nichols - CG Garage's new home, Monstrous Moonshine Sep 08, 2025

Episode 515 marks the very first CG Garage Podcast episode under the Monstrous Moonshine banner, and it's a big reset moment. Chris is joined by longtime collaborator Daniel Thron and new producer/coordinator Lily Nichols to introduce this new chapter. Together, they reflect on the origins of the Monstrous Moonshine name, its ties to both 1970s cinema and mathematics, and why it represents the kind of creative synchronicity they want to bring into filmmaking. They also talk openly about the transition from Chaos, where the podcast began 11 years ago, and what this move means for the future of the show.

The discussion quickly moves into the state of the movie industry today, with the group debating whether Hollywood is on the brink of another "New Hollywood" moment like the late 1960s. They examine the rise of bold new films such as Everything Everywhere All at Once, Spider-Verse, K-Pop Demon Hunters, and Godzilla Minus One, contrasting them with the fatigue of endless franchises. The conversation also tackles AI's role in the future of production, the pressures on young filmmakers, and why risk-taking is once again the only way forward. It's both a reflection and a rallying cry: a podcast looking back at its roots while leaning hard into the future of filmmaking.

Monstrous Moonshine >

CG Garage >

Ray Tracing FTW >

Episode 514 - Armen Kevorkian - Ingenuity Studios, President Aug 25, 2025

This episode marks the final CG Garage podcast under the Chaos umbrella. The next chapter of the show will launch under a new banner, continuing the conversations that explore the art, craft, and future of filmmaking.

Armen Kevorkian joins Chris to reflect on his long career in visual effects, from his early start as an intern on Star Trek: Voyager and Deep Space Nine to becoming the president of Ingenuity Studios. He shares how mentorship in those formative years at Paramount shaped his career, his transition into supervising on shows like Invasion and The Flash, and the evolution of VFX in broadcast television, where tight deadlines and experimental techniques pushed his teams to innovate. Armen recalls being part of television milestones like scanning actors for digital doubles for the first time and watching the rise of superhero shows that paved the way for streaming-era ambitions.

The conversation dives into how the industry has shifted in the past 20 years, from the challenges of working through COVID and adapting to remote workflows, to the rise of generalists and the growing role of AI tools in concepting, roto, and plate prep. Armen reflects on invisible effects, the hidden craft of making audiences believe something was always there, and how facilities must adapt as filmmakers experiment with leaner, bespoke VFX pipelines. He also shares his vision for Ingenuity Studios, their recent work on projects like Untamed and Weapons, and his excitement about building tighter partnerships with filmmakers from the earliest stages of production.

Episode 513 - Siggraph 2025 - Simeon Balabanov & Georgi Zhekov on Chaos Vantage & Arena Aug 11, 2025

At SIGGRAPH 2025, Chaos unveils major updates to Vantage and Arena that significantly expand real-time ray tracing workflows. Product managers Simeon Balabanov and Georgi Zhekov join Chris to break down the new capabilities, including native USD and MaterialX support, Gaussian splats with ray-traced lighting, volumetric caches, and a streamlined pipeline that keeps the same asset across previs, virtual production, and post. This episode arrives just in time for SIGGRAPH, where these features are being officially announced, giving listeners an early look at what will be showcased in Vancouver.

The conversation dives into key production tools like mimic lights for realistic set illumination, in-volume color correction, real-time depth of field, and live lighting adjustments. Simeon and Georgi explain how these innovations reduce conversion work, improve on-set flexibility, and allow for advanced asset previews even from a home studio using Vantage with camera tracking. They also highlight new camera tracking protocols, a standalone material editor, and Arena's watermark trial mode, showing how Chaos is making high-end virtual production more accessible and adaptable for filmmakers.

Episode 512 - Susan O'Neal - VFX, Post, and Technology Recruiter, BLT Recruiting Jul 21, 2025

In this episode, Chris chats with Susan O'Neal, a long-time force in the visual effects industry, about her remarkable career journey and insights into the evolving VFX world. Susan recounts starting as employee #24 at Digital Domain in the early '90s, working on landmark projects like Titanic, and moving through various studios such as Lightstorm, A52, CIS, Zoic, and Riot. Along the way, she wore many hats, from operations to production, before pivoting to recruiting, where she found her niche connecting talent with opportunity while balancing her family life.

Susan shares candid stories about the early days of VFX, the quirky culture at DD, and how she transitioned into recruiting and coaching. She and Chris discuss how the industry has changed with remote work, tax incentives, and the rise of AI and virtual production. Susan also offers practical advice for creative professionals on LinkedIn best practices, career resilience, and staying adaptable in uncertain times. This episode is a thoughtful reflection on the past, present, and future of creative careers.

Episode 511 - Chad Wanstreet & Allan McKay - Co-Founders, Version Zero Jul 08, 2025

VFX veterans Chad Wanstreet and Allan McKay join Chris to talk about their new startup, Version Zero, a company aimed at automating the mundane tasks that bog down visual effects work. Born out of years of frustration with tedious jobs like roto, paint, plate cleanup, and matchmove, Version Zero helps artists and studios save time and focus on the creative parts of production. Chad and Allan share the origin story of the company, which started over Thanksgiving wine and coffee, and explain how their tools are already being used on shows like The Sympathizer and SWAT.

The conversation dives into how Version Zero works, how it differs from other AI-driven tools, and why they have resisted VC funding to stay focused and practical. Chris, Chad, and Allan debate the future of entry-level VFX jobs, the rise of the empowered generalist, and how AI can enable artistry rather than replace it. They also reflect on the resistance to new technology in the industry, the "false economy" of outsourcing, and the importance of developing tools that fit real production needs. It's an honest and thoughtful look at the future of VFX in an AI-driven world and how to build a smarter starting point for artists: version zero.

Episode 510 - Industry Roundtable — James Cameron, AI, Sinners, and Indie films Jun 23, 2025

We're trying something new this week and taking a break from the usual interview format. This episode kicks off a roundtable discussion format that we plan to revisit every few months. Chris is joined in person by Daniel Thron and James Blevins, both CG Garage podcast veterans, for a relaxed but sharp conversation about recent events in technology and the movie industry.

The group starts with James Cameron's bold claim that he wants to use AI to cut costs without laying anyone off, and whether that's even realistic in today's production model. They also discuss MUBI, a platform well known for championing indie films, and why its $1 billion valuation signals a shift in what audiences and investors are willing to support. From the box office surprise of Sinners to the decline of risk-taking in studio films, it's a wide-ranging talk about where things are going and how we might all adapt.

Episode 509 - Marti Romances - Co-Founder and Creative Director, Territory Studio San Francisco Jun 09, 2025

Marti Romances, co-founder and creative director of Territory Studio San Fransisco, joins the podcast to share his journey from designing DVD menus in Spain to creating iconic futuristic interfaces for blockbuster films like Prometheus, The Martian, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Captain America: The Winter Soldier. With roots in multimedia and motion graphics, Marti explains how his early passion for architectural drawings and spatial design naturally evolved into a unique approach to interface aesthetics. His breakthrough came when he moved to the UK and joined Activision, eventually landing at the nascent Territory Studio, where he helped define a new visual language for storytelling through motion design in narrative media.

In this episode, we dive into how sci-fi interfaces not only serve narrative functions on screen but often inspire real-world technology—from heads-up displays to augmented reality systems. Marti discusses the balance between realism and imagination in interface design, the transition from on-set graphics to post-production VFX, and how new mediums like AR, AI, and automotive UX are redefining our relationship with digital interaction. As he puts it, the goal is to keep "augmenting the human experience," whether it's in a movie theater, a car, or a future mixed-reality space.

Episode 508 - Michael Ralla - VFX Supervisor, "Sinner" May 26, 2025

Michael Ralla joins the podcast to share his journey through the world of visual effects, with a focus on his latest project as VFX Supervisor on the film Sinners. He discusses how he worked closely with cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw, whose fearless approach to lighting and darkness pushed the creative envelope. The episode features a deep conversation about the differences between film and digital, the evolving language of color, and how these choices impact storytelling—insights that are especially relevant to the visual style of Sinners.

Michael also opens up about his unconventional path into VFX, from his early ambitions as a heavy metal drummer to finding his footing in sound engineering, and ultimately discovering his passion for compositing. He reflects on his formative years at Scanline, learning the ropes through hands-on experience, and how that foundation led him to major studios like Digital Domain and ILM. Throughout the episode, Michael's candid perspective offers a rare look at the challenges and excitement of modern visual effects, as well as the importance of staying adaptable in an ever-changing industry.

Episode 507 - Jess Loren - CEO, Global Objects May 12, 2025

Jess Loren, CEO and co-founder of Global Objects, joins us for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of immersive content and the creative tech reshaping the industry. A force to be reckoned with, Jess has a sharp pulse on where things are headed, and she doesn't hold back when discussing the current state of Hollywood. She talks candidly about the challenges studios and creators face today, and how technology like digital scanning, virtual production, and Gaussian splats can embolden independent filmmakers. Jess also shares insight into how she builds meaningful partnerships across art, tech, and media.

Her business and life partner, Erick Geisler, appeared back in episode 483, and together they've helped position Global Objects at the intersection of innovation and storytelling. In this episode, Jess dives into her own journey as an entrepreneur and explains how she identifies trends before they break, working with brands, creators, and studios to help them stay ahead. Whether you're building pipelines, pitching ideas, or just trying to understand where things are going, this episode offers a grounded, unfiltered look at the creative future.

Episode 506 - Johnson Yan — Real-time CGI Pioneer Apr 28, 2025

Johnson Yan, a trailblazer in real-time 3D graphics, joins the podcast to recount his remarkable journey from the earliest days of computer graphics and flight simulation. Starting in the late 1970s, Johnson tackled fundamental challenges like texture mapping, anti-aliasing, translucency, and scalability, long before today's GPU technology emerged. He shares insights into his pioneering work at Singer-Link, where he developed flight simulators utilizing vector graphics and early raster technology, laying the groundwork for both military training and future advancements in real-time visualization.

In this episode, Johnson also discusses his transition into the commercial sector, detailing his impactful roles at companies like Sun Microsystems and Oak Technology. He explores his efforts to develop affordable 3D graphics chips, significantly enhancing consumer PCs' capabilities. Reflecting on industry milestones such as the rise of NVIDIA, the evolution from rasterization to ray tracing, and the integration of AI into modern graphics, Johnson provides unique historical context and personal anecdotes. His firsthand perspective offers a rare glimpse into the technological evolution of real-time graphics spanning nearly half a century.

Episode 505 - Sebastian Sylwan - VFX and Technology Executive Apr 14, 2025

Sebastian Sylwan has a wealth of experience, having been CTO at Weta Digital, Scanline, and Felix & Paul Studios, as well as Director of Technology at Digital Domain. He's spent his career at the intersection of art and technology, helping world-class teams push the boundaries of visual effects, immersive media, and real-time workflows. In this episode, he reflects on the challenges of innovating in production environments—where the pressure to deliver can often stifle meaningful experimentation—and offers a thoughtful look at how our industry might evolve if we rethink our relationship with technology.

We talk about what it means to be truly innovative, how to design systems that scale while still empowering artists, and why creative industries so often fall into patterns of short-term thinking. Sebastian also shares some candid thoughts on how leadership, culture, and communication play a critical role in making or breaking new ideas. If you've ever struggled to bring a great tool or pipeline into a legacy studio, or wondered why some groundbreaking tech never catches on, this episode is for you.

Episode 504 - Scott Ross - UPSTART: The Digital Film Revolution – Managing the Unmanageable Mar 31, 2025

Scott Ross, legendary VFX executive and co-founder of Digital Domain, joins the podcast for an unfiltered conversation about the state of the film industry and the visual effects business. With decades of experience and a reputation for telling it like it is, Scott digs into the systemic challenges facing Hollywood—from broken economic models in studio filmmaking to the relentless pressure on VFX vendors. He reflects on his time building Digital Domain alongside James Cameron and shares insights from his new book, UPSTART: The Digital Film Revolution – Managing the Unmanageable, which chronicles his journey through the chaos and creativity that have defined modern filmmaking.

While Scott doesn't sugarcoat the industry's issues, he also sees glimmers of hope. He highlights the rise of global talent and a shift toward more authentic, filmmaker-driven storytelling. The conversation touches on the role of AI, the decline of theatrical experiences, and the urgent need for systemic change—while still holding onto the belief that the future of cinema is worth fighting for. With honesty, insight, and passion, Scott offers a rare perspective from someone who's been at the center of the digital revolution and still has something to say.

Episode 503 - Joshua Lastine - Lastine Entertainment Law Mar 24, 2025

Joshua Lastine, an entertainment lawyer, returns to the podcast to break down the rapidly changing legal and business landscape of the film industry. As AI tools reshape content creation, streaming platforms redefine distribution, and independent filmmakers leverage new technology, Joshua explains how contracts, intellectual property, and revenue models are evolving. He dives into the legal implications of AI in filmmaking, from WGA and SAG-AFTRA's new protections to the ethical and financial risks of content licensing for AI training. He also discusses how major studios are adapting to these shifts and what it means for the future of traditional and independent production.

The conversation highlights how cutting-edge technology is empowering low-budget filmmakers to create studio-quality content without massive resources. Joshua explores the impact of real-time rendering, virtual production, and AI-driven tools on independent filmmaking, making it easier than ever to produce high-end visuals on a fraction of the budget. He also breaks down the shifting economics of streaming vs. theatrical releases, how tax incentives influence production locations, and why smart distribution strategies are more critical than ever. Packed with expert legal insights and industry analysis, this episode offers a roadmap for navigating the intersection of law, technology, and the evolving film industry.

Episode 502 - Oliver Markowski - Head of 3D, RISE Mar 03, 2025

Oliver Markowski, Head of 3D at RISE, returns to the podcast to dive deep into the latest advancements in VFX technology. Since his last appearance, the industry has seen major shifts, and Oliver shares insights on how USD and MaterialX have evolved, shaping how studios exchange data and build pipelines. He discusses the adoption of USD across the industry, from major VFX houses to tech giants like NVIDIA and Apple, and the challenges of standardizing MaterialX for real-world production. Oliver also provides an update on RISE's latest projects, including their work on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Megalopolis, and the highly anticipated Fallout series.

A major focus of the conversation is the use of Gaussian Splats and how they are revolutionizing virtual production and 3D asset capture. Oliver explains how this technique has surpassed neural radiance fields (NeRFs) in efficiency, enabling real-time 3D reconstruction with remarkable accuracy. He explores its potential to replace traditional polygon-based workflows and the challenges of integrating Gaussian Splats into existing VFX pipelines. With fascinating insights into real-time rendering, AI-driven workflows, and the future of digital filmmaking, this episode is a must-listen for anyone following the cutting edge of VFX innovation.

Episode 501 - Eric Barba - Oscar nominated VFX Supervisor, Alien: Romulus Feb 17, 2025

Eric Barba, Academy Award-winning VFX supervisor, returns to the podcast to discuss his latest work on Alien: Romulus, directed by Fede Álvarez, for which he is nominated for an Oscar in 2025. He shares the challenges of bringing the world of Alien to life, from balancing practical effects with cutting-edge VFX to ensuring the film stays true to Ridley Scott's iconic franchise. Eric dives into the evolution of creature effects, how real-time technology is being used in production, and the meticulous process of creating photorealistic environments that blend seamlessly with on-set footage.

Beyond Alien: Romulus, the conversation explores how VFX workflows are evolving, the increasing role of AI in production, and Eric's thoughts on the future of the industry. He also reflects on his time at Digital Domain, leading teams on groundbreaking projects like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (David Fincher), Tron: Legacy (Joseph Kosinski), and Oblivion (Joseph Kosinski). With behind-the-scenes insights and expert knowledge, Eric offers a fascinating look into the state of visual effects today and where it's heading next.

Episode 500 - Steve Preeg - Academy Award winning VFX Supervisor Feb 03, 2025

In the special 500th episode of the CG Garage podcast, Steve Preeg, one of the first-ever guests of the show, returns to reflect on a decade of change in the visual effects industry. An Academy Award-winning VFX supervisor known for his groundbreaking work on The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and TRON: Legacy, Steve shares how both the industry and his own career have evolved since his last appearance. He delves into advancements in digital humans, motion capture, and AI tools, providing insights into the shifting landscape of technology-driven storytelling and where it's headed next.

The conversation highlights Steve's contributions to iconic films and the new challenges he faces as he explores innovations in real-time rendering and virtual production. As he reflects on the growth of the podcast and his long-standing friendship with Chris, Steve offers unique advice for aspiring artists navigating the rapidly changing VFX world. This milestone episode celebrates the evolution of both CG Garage and the art of visual effects, showcasing how collaboration and innovation have shaped the industry over the last 10 years.

Episode 499 - Jake Maymudes - Founder & CEO of Wylie Co. VFX Jan 21, 2025

Jake Maymudes, visual effects supervisor and CEO of Wylie Co., shares his experiences working on major projects like Dune: Part One, Dune: Part Two, and Alien: Romulus. Jake discusses the creative and technical challenges involved in creating the stunning visuals for these films, from complex simulations to photoreal environments. He also reflects on his journey through the visual effects industry, including early work at ILM and his collaborations with industry titans like Paul Lambert and Eric Barba, who he credits as key influences in his career.

The conversation dives into the shifting landscape of visual effects, with Jake exploring the growing role of AI in workflows and its implications for artistry and production. He highlights Wylie Co.'s ability to adapt and thrive by handling diverse projects, from high-profile films to episodic content like The Last of Us. Packed with behind-the-scenes insights, Jake's reflections provide a fascinating glimpse into the evolving art and business of visual effects, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and creative problem-solving.

Episode 498 - Todd Perry - Visual Effects Supervisor, "For All Mankind" & "Star City" Jan 13, 2025

Todd Perry, a veteran visual effects supervisor with decades of experience in the industry, shares his journey from his early fascination with Star Wars to becoming a key figure in VFX. Todd discusses how he transitioned from experimenting with stop-motion and early computer graphics to landing his first major jobs at Imageworks and Weta, working on projects like The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. He reflects on pivotal moments in his career, including his work as a CG supervisor on blockbuster films like Age of Ultron, Doctor Strange, and Black Panther. Todd also reveals how he embraced the challenges of remote work early, setting the stage for a future in distributed filmmaking.

The conversation dives into the evolution of VFX workflows, the integration of AI, and the balance between practical effects and digital artistry. Todd highlights his role in innovative projects like I'm a Virgo and his involvement in the Oscar-shortlisted live-action short film he recently produced and supervised. Packed with industry insights and advice for aspiring artists, this episode showcases Todd's adaptability, passion for storytelling, and deep understanding of the tools shaping the future of filmmaking.

Episode 497 - Andy Boyd - VFX Supervisor Jamm Visual, Brothers Jan 06, 2025

Andy Boyd, co-founder of Jam, shares insights into his studio's journey over the past decade and their ability to adapt to changing industry dynamics. Andy reflects on his studio's blend of commercial and long-form projects, including Brothers, a feature film featuring a photoreal CG orangutan, now available on Amazon Prime. He discusses the challenges of creating realistic fur and how transitioning to V-Ray as a rendering solution revolutionized their approach to creature work. Andy also explores how smaller VFX studios like Jam have carved out niches by focusing on high-quality work for projects with limited but impactful shot counts.

The conversation covers the evolution of the VFX industry, the influence of AI as a tool, and the importance of diversifying offerings in a competitive landscape. Andy highlights the growing opportunities for smaller studios to excel in both commercials and specialized film work, sharing how Jam's ability to collaborate and adapt has allowed them to thrive. From comedic PSA campaigns to innovative miniature-based projects like Stanley Spillzilla, Andy's stories showcase the creativity and resourcefulness of a studio determined to push boundaries while staying true to its roots.

Episode 496 - Jason Smith - Senior VFX Supervisor, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Dec 03, 2024

Jason Smith, the senior visual effects supervisor on The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, joins the podcast to discuss his award-winning career in visual effects. With nearly 25 years at Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Jason's achievements include an Oscar nomination and a Sci-Tech Award from the Academy for his groundbreaking work on Blockparty, a rigging tool used to bring countless creatures to life. He shares how his fascination with creatures and his dedication to mastering both the technical and artistic aspects of VFX have driven his remarkable career.

The conversation highlights Jason's contributions to The Rings of Power, where he led the creation of photoreal creatures and solved unique challenges like scale and world-building. He also reflects on his work on iconic projects such as Transformers, Avengers, and Bumblebee, emphasizing the importance of blending practical and digital effects. Jason offers valuable insights into the evolving VFX industry, discussing collaboration, innovation, and the future of visual effects. This episode is a deep dive into the art and science of VFX from one of the industry's most accomplished artists.

Episode 495 - Jo Plaete - Chief Innovation Officer & VFX Supervisor at Metaphysic.ai Nov 12, 2024

Jo Plaete, a pioneer in digital humans and chief innovation officer at Metaphysic, joins the podcast to discuss his company's groundbreaking work on the newly released film Here, now in theaters. Jo traces his journey from his early career in computer graphics and visual effects, working on films like Where the Wild Things Are and Aladdin, to creating cutting-edge AI-driven tools that enable photorealistic de-aging of actors like Tom Hanks and Robin Wright. His experience includes collaborating with Disney Research on facial reconstruction technologies and pushing the boundaries of neural network-based visual effects.

Jo also explains how Metaphysic's tools provided real-time feedback on set, allowing filmmakers to see younger versions of the actors instantly. This innovation enabled directors and actors to evaluate performances live, making adjustments on the spot to achieve the most authentic and emotionally resonant portrayal. Jo reflects on the future of digital humans in cinema, emphasizing how AI and real-time feedback are reshaping storytelling while maintaining a high level of artistic control.

Episode 494 - Daniel Thron, Erick Schiele, and James Blevins — BTS Ray Tracing FTW Oct 28, 2024

Daniel Thron, Erick Schiele, and James Blevins join Chris to discuss their work on the short film Ray Tracing FTW. Directed by Daniel, the film pushed the boundaries of virtual production, and Erick's production design had to work both digitally and practically, ensuring consistency across virtual environments and physical sets. James, with his expertise in virtual production, shares how they overcame technical challenges using real-time ray tracing to handle complex scenes. Each of them wore many hats on the project—including cowboy hats—since they were all actors in the short as well.

The conversation explores how new tools like Project Arena allowed the team to streamline production, balancing innovation with practicality. They talk about how careful pre-production, from storyboarding to previewing assets, helped maintain visual fidelity while keeping the project within budget. By merging creativity with cutting-edge technology, Daniel, Erick, and James highlight how virtual production is reshaping filmmaking, particularly for projects requiring a blend of digital and physical workflows.

Episode 493 - Jared Sandrew - Creative Executive & Visual Effects Supervisor Oct 14, 2024

Jared Sandrew, a 3D supervisor at Disney and visual effects veteran, joins the podcast to discuss his career journey, from growing up around the pioneering technology of digital colorization to becoming a key figure in stereoscopic 3D conversion for blockbuster films. Jared shares fascinating stories about his time at Legend 3D, where he worked on major projects like Alice in Wonderland and Shrek, and how he helped build the stereo pipeline that revolutionized the industry. His passion for storytelling, visual effects, and the future of technology shines through as he reflects on how the field has evolved.

The conversation also touches on cutting-edge developments in AI and machine learning, which Jared has been exploring as a way to enhance visual effects and stereoscopic workflows. He explains how new tools are making the process more efficient and consistent, while still allowing for creative input from filmmakers. Jared and Chris also discuss the future of virtual production and real-time rendering, including the impact of LED walls and new ways to streamline content creation for films and beyond.

Episode 492 - Debbie Kennard & Ron Eli Cohen - Line Producers for Ray Tracing FTW Oct 08, 2024

Line producers Debbie Kennard and Ron Eli Cohen discuss their work on the short film Ray Tracing FTW and offer an insider's perspective on the art of film production. Debbie shares her story, from her beginnings as John Carpenter's PA on The Thing to becoming a trusted line producer in Hollywood, while Ron talks about transitioning from acting to producing, with credits like The Dark Knight Rises. Together, they break down the vital role of a line producer and provide insight into the world of budgeting, crew management, and creative problem-solving in the film industry.

The episode also dives into the technology behind Ray Tracing FTW, exploring how the team utilized virtual production techniques, including LED walls and complex set construction, to craft a visually striking film on a tight budget. Debbie and Ron emphasize the significance of meticulous prep work, strong crew collaboration, and maintaining a balance between creativity and practicality. Through their experiences, listeners gain a better understanding of how a line producer navigates the challenges of modern filmmaking while keeping the vision of the story front and center.

Episode 491 - Richard Crudo & Esther Woodworth - Director of Photography & 1st Assistant Camera Sep 30, 2024

In this episode, Richard Crudo, the cinematographer, and Esther Woodworth, the 1st Assistant Camera for the Ray Tracing FTW short film, share their journey working on the groundbreaking project. We take a deep dive into the dynamics of the camera crew, exploring how different departments like lighting and grip collaborate to bring a director's vision to life. Esther provides insight into her passion for cameras, and the duo sheds light on their roles and teamwork on set.

Richard and Esther discuss their approach to shooting Ray Tracing FTW, detailing their experience working with LED volumes to seamlessly blend live-action with digital environments. They also talk about using the ARRI Alexa 35 paired with vintage Panavision lenses to create a classic 1970s film look while leveraging the flexibility and precision of modern technology. Throughout the conversation, they reflect on the balance of creativity and technical expertise and share their favorite moments from filming the short. This is a must-listen episode for anyone wanting to get a better idea of the right way to shoot ICVFX.

Episode 490 - Matthias Christen - Head of CG Design, The Scope Sep 23, 2024

Matthias Christen, the main 3D artist from The Scope on Ray Tracing FTW, shares his fascinating journey from traditional analog painting to becoming an expert in 3D and virtual production. Starting with a passion for drawing, Matthias entered the advertising industry, where he honed his skills in Photoshop and Illustrator before transitioning into 3D work. He talks about his growth at The Scope, where he's been involved in creating cutting-edge car commercials and collaborating with top-tier photographers and filmmakers. Matthias also highlights the challenges and creative satisfaction of working on photorealistic environments that elevate product imagery.

In this episode, Matthias dives into his role in creating the massive virtual set for Ray Tracing FTW, a short film produced by Chaos and Martini Giant. He worked closely with production designer Erick Schiele to build one expansive set, containing nearly 2 trillion triangles, that was used seamlessly from pre-production to post-production. Running in real-time with Project Arena, this incredible asset allowed for consistent lighting and textures throughout the entire project, pushing the boundaries of real-time rendering. Matthias reflects on the technical achievements and creative process behind creating lifelike visuals that brought the world of Ray Tracing FTW to life.

Episode 489 - A.J. Wedding - Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer, Orbital Virtual Studios Sep 16, 2024

In this episode, Chris sits down with AJ Wedding, founder of Orbital Studios, to discuss how the Chaos Innovation Lab used his studio to film Ray Tracing FTW using Project Arena. AJ shares how his early fascination with virtual production, inspired by his work on The Mandalorian, led him to launch Orbital Studios during the pandemic. He explains the challenges of building a virtual production studio from scratch, perfecting LED panel technology, and saving productions like Snowfall significant time and money.

AJ also explores the advancements in virtual production, discussing AI tools and their impact on giving filmmakers real-time creative control. He highlights the importance of educating producers and DPs on how to maximize this technology's potential. AJ's insights show how virtual production is transforming the film industry, making it more accessible to filmmakers of all levels.

Episode 488 - Ed Ulbrich - Chief Content Officer & President of Production, Metaphysic.ai Sep 09, 2024

It's been seven years since Ed Ulbrich last appeared on the CG Garage podcast — and a lot has changed. The man who digitally aged Brad Pitt for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and resurrected late rapper 2Pac as an on-stage hologram is now chief content officer and president of production at metaphysic.ai, which is using AI tools to create photorealistic digital humans in real time for movies such as Robert Zemeckis' Here.

Ed breaks down what Metaphysic.ai does, and how it can be used by directors to see live digital doubles while slashing production times and costs. In turn, Ed envisions AI tools turning Hollywood on its head and enabling filmmakers to be more creative on lower budgets. He also highlights some of the challenges of enticing new audiences into theaters and shares what he's working on next.

Episode 487 - Kevin Tod Haug - VFX Supervisor Sep 03, 2024

Kevin Tod Haug has always been destined for a career in VFX. From a young age, he analyzed movies and TV series to work out how they were made. He joined the industry and saw it transform from electro-mechanical to digital via movies and TV series, including Tron and Star Trek: The Next Generation. He then became a full VFX supervisor on movies including Fight Club, The Cell, Panic Room, and Quantum of Solace, and pioneered creative VFX shots that allowed cameras to move through tiny spaces or make the unbelievable look real.

As the industry shifts once more with AI and virtual production, Kevin talks about his career and how he's managed to catch successive waves of VFX technology from the 1970s to today, sharing how he used new technology to create convincing effects for low-budget Italian war movie Comandante. He shares amusing anecdotes from his career in VFX, from a literal fly in the ointment to an encounter with Prince, and he gives advice on how to stay ahead of the curve.

Episode 486 - Ian Dawson - Founder & Executive Producer, IDGRAFX Aug 26, 2024

Ian Dawson's dream of a Jarvis-style computing interface seems to be coming true. This multi-talented CG veteran began his career in graphic design, before moving into producing and creating flying logos throughout the 90s. He then moved into advertising, and title sequences and VFX sequences for movies including the Iron Man trilogy, Star Wars: Rogue One, and Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, picking up work in AR and VR along the way.

Ian talks through his career and the technology that has helped define it, from the obscenely expensive days of Quantel's PaintBox and Harry systems, to today's cheap and accessible VFX software and systems. He gives an interesting update on the state of AR and VR systems, which are undergoing a mini-resurgence thanks to Apple's Vision Pro and Microsoft's AI integration in its AR systems. Ian also shares advice about the industry, including the pros and cons of profit sharing.

Episode 485 - Gary Marshall - Vice President of Virtual Production, NantStudios Aug 19, 2024

Get ready to dive into the magical world of virtual production with the one and only Gary Marshall, Vice President of Virtual Production at Nant Studios. In this episode, Chris chats with Gary, a true wizard in the visual effects industry, who's been behind some of the most jaw-dropping movie moments you've ever seen.

From running film reels around London as a newbie at the iconic Moving Picture Company to working on the epic Avatar and Gravity, Gary's journey is nothing short of legendary. He spills the beans on how he helped bring Hollywood's wildest dreams to life using mind-blowing tech like in-camera visual effects and LED walls that turn movie sets into living, breathing worlds.

But the magic doesn't stop there. As the VP of Virtual Production at Nant Studios, Gary shares insider secrets on the next big thing in virtual production — modular, moveable LED volumes that can transform on the fly. And if you've ever wondered how these cinematic spells can save big bucks, Gary's got some surprising answers that might just change how you think about movie magic.

Whether you're a film buff, a tech geek, or just someone who loves a good story, this episode is packed with excitement, innovation, and a glimpse into the future of filmmaking that you won't want to miss.

Episode 484 - Alex & Tim Porter - CEO & CTO, Mod Tech Labs Aug 12, 2024

Alex and Tim Porter have the perfect skillset of a VFX power couple. Alex has a background in interior design, which she leveraged into user experience and virtual spaces. Tim, meanwhile, has worked in games and VFX, beginning as an artist but gravitating towards developing tools and scripts that make it easy to create complicated environments and characters.

Together, Alex and Tim have established Mod Tech Labs, bringing together their expertise for a new generation of visual content creation. Their tools make it easy to work across platforms — from games to movies, and from LED walls to smartwatches — while maintaining high visual fidelity. Alex and Tim talk about what Mod Tech Labs is doing differently, how they're making use of cutting-edge tech such as USD and AI, and how their approach could reduce the huge costs of virtual production.

Episode 483 - Erick Geisler — CTO, Global Objects Aug 05, 2024

Erick Giesler has seen the filmmaking industry change right from the very start. As a child, he acted in TV shows, but found that he was more fascinated with what was happening behind the camera. He learned how to create VFX, beginning on SGIs, then moving to software such as Electric Image, 3ds Max, and V-Ray, and helping to create VFX for movies including Independence Day, Titanic, and The Day After Tomorrow, and picking up two Emmy awards.

Today, Erick is leveraging his experience behind the scenes with Global Objects, a company set up to create astonishingly accurate digital twins of real-world things for use in everything from real-time to machine learning. Erick discusses his career and how the VFX industry is still facing familiar challenges, and he gives his thoughts on promising new technology in VFX, including USD, MaterialX, NeRFs, Gaussian Splats, real-time rendering, and artificial intelligence.

Episode 482 - Todd Terrazas - Founder, AI LA & Co-Founder, FBRC.ai Jul 29, 2024

Todd Terrazas has been part of the AI revolution since the beginning. He started out developing a system to automatically triage 911 calls and then was part of the development team behind the first wave of AI-powered chatbots. Today, Todd has founded FRBC.ai, which empowers storytellers with AI tools. He's also the mastermind of the AI LA Community, which in turn hosts the AI on the Lot summit.

Todd voices his expert opinion on AI and creativity, covering everything from what AI means for musicians, concept artists, and directors to how it can remove barriers from the filmmaking process and give new voices a space. He also reveals why we need to treat AI with caution and how to think about it. If you're interested in AI, this is a captivating listen.

Episode 481 - Jeff Kleiser - VFX Supervisor Jul 22, 2024

A love of computing, music, and cinema has propelled Jeff Kleiser's career from the earliest days of VFX on movies including Tron, Flight of the Navigator, Stargate, Judge Dredd, Surrogates, and many more. Along the way, he's helped the late, great Doug Trumbull create eye-popping film-based projects for Luxor hotels and Radio City's 3D Christmas movie.

Jeff talks through his career, and how he's seen the industry evolve from optical printers and really slow computers to today's AI and CG tech, which are making it easier to create low-budget movies that look like blockbusters. He also talks about his fascinating upcoming movie with his brother, Grease director Randal Kleiser, which tells a remarkable true tale of heroic teenage girls in wartorn Amsterdam.

Episode 480 - Chad Wanstreet - VFX Supervisor Jul 08, 2024

Chad Wanstreet and Chris Nichols have experienced similar career trajectories — but this is the first time they've sat down together. Like Chris, Chad transitioned from architecture to VFX, and his experience spans working at notable firms including Blur Studio and FuseFX. Along the way, Chad has contributed to projects that pushed the boundaries of visual effects, such as The Sympathizer, SWAT, The Tick, and the short-lived but brilliant Kill the Orange-Faced Bear.

Chad discusses the challenges and innovations brought by technological advancements, such as virtual production and real-time ray tracing, and highlights the importance of understanding these tools. Additionally, Chad shares personal anecdotes about the highs and lows of his career, including the struggles during the economic downturn of 2008 and the unexpected opportunities that led him to his current role.

Episode 479 - Nikola Todorovic - Co-Founder & CEO, Wonder Dynamics Jul 01, 2024

Nikola Todorovic always wanted to make films, but encountered a familiar problem: the sci-fi screenplays he wrote would require $200 million budgets. Aiming to reduce this cost, Nikola co-founded Wonder Dynamics with Ready Player One actor Tye Sheridan to develop Wonder Studio, a platform that simplifies the time-consuming tasks involved in adding CG characters to live-action plates.

Nikola breaks down the creation of Wonder Studio, how it ingests and analyses scenes to allow for easy export to software, including Unreal and Maya, and how it generates 3D characters. He also talks through the process of setting up Wonder Dynamics, from its beginnings as a startup company to its acquisition by Autodesk — and what this means for its user base.

Episode 478 - Andy Fowler - Creative Producer & Production Innovation Consultant Jun 24, 2024

Andy Fowler's career has combined his creative eye with his incredible production skills. Beginning in London's burgeoning VFX scene with titles such as Lost in Space, 300, and The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, Andy picked up an Emmy for his work on The Life and Death of Peter Sellers. Then he moved to LA to work on Tron: Legacy, Noah, and The Revenant, before moving to Netflix and becoming Vice President of Production Innovation, overseeing an astounding 10,000 shots per year.

In this podcast, Andy reflects on his career and how it's evolved alongside the technology that makes VFX shots happen. He talks about live-action at Disney, making convincing digital humans for Scorsese's The Irishman, and how virtual production emerged from the pandemic. Andy also gives his thoughts on AI and how it's going to affect production.

Episode 477 - Joel Hynek - VFX Supervisor Jun 17, 2024

Over a 40-year career, Joel Hynek has helped bring some incredible VFX to life, beginning with optical effects for Xanadu, then making the Predator a terrifying opponent for Arnie, and moving onto a range of movies, including xXx, Judge Dredd, Stealth, plus blockbusters from India and China. He picked up a sci-tech Oscar for the design and development of an optical printer, and a VFX Oscar for his quietly revolutionary work on What Dreams May Come.

Joel shares incredible stories from the world of VFX, including how he developed the Predator's invisibility cloak and night vision, the scrapes and near-misses he got into while filming Stealth, and reveals some interesting trivia about The Matrix and The Bourne Identity. He also talks about working with industry luminaries including Doug Trumbull, Rob Cohen, Doug Liman, and reveals his impressive lineage.

Episode 476 - Kathryn Brillhart - Virtual Production Supervisor & Cinematographer Jun 10, 2024

Kathryn Brillhart has always been ahead of her time. As a teen, she assisted her father in shooting documentaries; then she combined her sharp eye as a cinematographer with her passion for VFX to become a virtual production and volume capture expert. Projects she's worked on include Las Vegas' ginormous MSG Sphere, pioneering virtual production short "Ripple Effect," and the movie Black Adam. Most recently, Kathryn has helped create the stunning, desolate world of the Fallout TV series.

Kathryn shares her unique perspective on the way digital technology has transformed the industry, from her early days shooting on celluloid to DV tapes, as well as the rapid evolution of virtual production technology and how it was fuelled by restrictions created by the pandemic. She also gives her thoughts on artificial intelligence and its potential to democratize the industry by making advanced tools accessible to indie filmmakers.

Episode 475 - Liz Hitt - VFX Producer, CBS VFX May 28, 2024

Liz Hitt has worked across VFX departments on some very cool movies — and she's not stopping there. Beginning at the legendary Dream Quest Images on Deep Rising and Mighty Joe Young, Liz built a name for herself as a talented production coordinator and producer via movies including Hollow Man, Spider-Man, Stealth (with Chris), The Golden Compass, Wonder Woman, and Spider-Man: Homecoming.

In this podcast, Liz reflects on her career, the roles she's taken and the crews she's worked with, sharing how she manages people. She shares a rough guide to the "small-but-global" VFX industry, revealing how new technologies often present more challenges, and giving her thoughts on the effects of the pandemic on both the way we work and the films and series we make.

Episode 474 - Junaid Baig - Head of Applied Technology, DNEG May 20, 2024

While most five-year-olds were playing with Legos and Barbies, Junaid Baig was taking his first steps with 3D Max. From this early start, Junaid developed an incredibly in-depth understanding of 3D, lighting, and rendering from working on VFX for movies, including Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, Avengers: Endgame, and Venom.

Today, Junaid is head of applied technology at DNEG, where he's helping pioneer virtual production on films and series including Masters of the Air. Junaid combines his knowledge and passion for technology with deep respect for artists, and he reveals how virtual production — and Chaos' Project Arena — are changing the way crew and cast can work together to create new worlds for audiences to enjoy.

Episode 473 - Dan Ring - Senior Machine Learning Team Lead, Chaos May 13, 2024

Dan Ring is an expert in empowering VFX artists with cutting-edge research. He began his 20-year career by creating tech to analyze surgery videos (so that no one else would have to), then moved to Foundry to develop CopyCat, the Nuke machine-learning tool that applies corrections to sequences based on a small number of frames.

Now, Dan has joined Chaos to help implement machine learning in its visualization products. In this conversation with Chris, Dan covers just about every aspect of modern CG, including generative AI, Gaussian Splats and NeRFs, the surprising VFX roles that AI might not replace, and the steps Chaos is taking to ensure users have access to helpful but unintrusive tools that are ethically sound.

Episode 472 - Phil Galler - Principal & Founder, Lux Machina Consulting May 07, 2024

Phil Galler is a true virtual production guru. From the nuts and bolts of LED screens to the 3D software that provides the imagery to the business decisions and financial trends that help fund this new wave of VFX filmmaking, Phil understands it all.

In this podcast, Phil talks about his history in virtual production, beginning with the innovative projections used to make Oblivion's sets come to life and continually evolving the tech via Tomorrowland, House of Cards, Solo: A Star Wars Story, The Mandalorian, and Bullet Train. Never one to sit still, Phil is leveraging his knowledge of real-time solutions and content to help define the next generation of storytellers. Phil's holistic understanding of digital entertainment makes this podcast a must-listen.

Episode 471 - Chris MacLean - Overall VFX Supervisor, "Foundation" Apr 29, 2024

Chris MacLean's incredible career in VFX has transported him from documentaries on Cretaceous dinosaurs to the far-flung future for Foundation, Apple TV+'s bold adaptation of Isaac Asimov's genre-defining sci-fi novels. Along the way, Chris has created and supervised VFX for movies and TV series, including Crimson Peak, Godless, American Gods, Resident Evil, and many more.

Having worked his way up from artist to second-unit director, Chris has a unique perspective on filmmaking and how the crew comes together. Chris also talks about making Foundation, including how they found the series' extraterrestrial locations here on Earth, avoided blue screens, and even digitally simulated the vintage lenses used on the physical shoot. Chris also shares his informed perspectives on new technology, including Gaussian Splatting, in-camera VFX, and AI.

Episode 470 - Hugo Guerra - Director, VFX Supervisor, YouTuber, & Podcaster Apr 22, 2024

Hugo Guerra is the dictionary definition of multitasking. Having taken his eye for compositing into directing short films and commercials, and supervising VFX, Hugo fills his spare time with producing content for his successful YouTube channel and recording the VFX Notes podcast with Ian Failes. If that's not enough, he's also produced a cookbook with his wife.

Hugo talks about his early career in Portugal and how he took his love for movies into short films, and then compositing and directing. He also tells you why you need to go on-set, talks about the benefits of teaching, gives his thoughts on AI and "invisible" CGI, and reveals the inner workings of YouTube.

Episode 469 - Doug Trumbull, Joe Kosinski & Tim Miller Revisited Apr 08, 2024

As Chris is tied up with a really cool Chaos project, we're revisiting some of the older episodes of the CG Garage podcast. And we're starting big with true luminaries of Hollywood revealing how they got their projects off the ground.

First up is Doug Trumbull, the 2001: A Space Odyssey VFX genius who went on to direct Silent Running and continually innovated Hollywood motion picture technology. Recorded shortly before his death in 2022, Doug talks about getting Brainstorm made and gives a prescient perspective on home theater.

We follow with a seminal live show that celebrated the podcast's 100th episode with a pair of VFX experts turned blockbuster directors: Joe Kosinski and Tim Miller. Recorded at Gnomon School, Joe talks about how he leveled up Tron: Legacy and brought Oblivion's stunning visuals to life, while Tim talks Deadpool and reveals some of the interesting choices that led to the beloved but very R-rated superhero movie.

Episode 468 - Alex Yolov & Gosho Genchev — Product Managers, V-Ray for Maya & Houdini Apr 02, 2024

With V-Ray 6 for Maya and Houdini, update 2, Chaos adds an important feature to its powerful renderer: MaterialX support. With this addition, artists and studios can seamlessly use materials across different DCCs and get identical results, removing many of the pain points of increasingly complicated modern 3D pipelines.

In this podcast, V-Ray for Maya Product Manager Alex Yolov and V-Ray for Houdini Product Manager Gosho Genchev reveal how they've worked with studios to implement MaterialX in the latest software updates. They also tackle some frequently asked questions about MaterialX, such as how it works and whether it can be used with existing projects, and they reveal some of the additional features that have recently been added to V-Ray.

Episode 467 - Julian Levi - VFX Producer, "The Creator" Mar 25, 2024

Over his 30-year career, Julian Levi has produced VFX for Hollywood movies, beginning with Braveheart, moving into O Brother, Where Art Thou?, The Day After Tomorrow (with Chris), Speed Racer, X-Men: First Class, Prometheus, and many more. Most recently, he helped director Gareth Edwards bring the world of The Creator to life, earning four VES awards and a VFX Oscar nomination in the process.

Julian talks about how The Creator marks a return to the guerilla-style sci-fi Gareth pioneered with his debut, Monsters, utilizing cheaper cameras and preferring real-world locales over sets. Julian reveals how Gareth's background as a VFX artist also means that he understands where corners can be cut while delivering awe-inspiring shots, and he shares his thoughts on how the industry is changing.

Episode 466 - Tom Grimes - Product Manager, Chaos Corona Mar 20, 2024

Archviz artists love Chaos Corona. This renderer has become a go-to for visualizing everything from compact kitchens to sky-scraping towers, giving users stunning results straight out of the box. But what's on the horizon for this popular renderer?

In this podcast, Product Manager Tom Grimes discusses what makes Chaos Corona a popular choice for the architecture industry and how its philosophy differs from other renderers such as V-Ray. He also talks about the software's future and plans to make it an integral part of the Chaos ecosphere, as well as how it's getting real-time functionality via Chaos Vantage.

Episode 465 - Tram Le-Jones - Vice President Solutions - Creative, Backlight Mar 11, 2024

Tram Le-Jones has an eye for detail, a people-centric personality, and a passion for computer science — making her perfect for VFX production roles. After getting a job on The Matrix Revolutions via craigslist (no, really), she became a sought-after coordinator and then moved into producing VFX for movies including Spider-Man 3, Tower Heist, and Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, as well as commercials, moving from west to east coast and back again along the way.

Having served on the front line of VFX, Tram has taken her expertise into project management software for media and entertainment, starting with Autodesk's Shotgrid and moving to Backlight's ftrack. Tram talks through her fascinating career, from lugging huge CRTs around Digital Domain's office, to working with Spike Jonze on his short film "I'm Here," to the challenges of integrating cutting-edge virtual production technology into traditional VFX pipelines.

Episode 464 - Casey Pyke - Visualization Supervisor, Halon Entertainment Mar 04, 2024

VFX visualization might just be the closest you can get to being a film director without stepping behind the camera. This technology has become a key part of the VFX process, with previz storyboarding growing into pitchviz (to get movies greenlit), techviz (to figure out logistics), and postviz (to create temporary VFX). It's an area Casey Pyke has become an expert in via his role at Halon Entertainment, which has helped visualize movies including The Batman, Pinnochio, Argylle, and John Wick: Chapter 4.

Casey breaks down how the technology required for visualization differs from that for VFX — speed is of the essence, but looking good is increasingly important. He also talks about how his background as an amateur filmmaker helped him understand what directors want and the satisfaction of recognising his work on the big screen. Casey concludes with his experiences using LED walls and AI tools in visualization pipelines.

Episode 463 - Richard Crudo, ASC - Cinematographer & Director Feb 26, 2024

Richard Crudo began his career in New York City, learning from some of the best in the business, including László Kovács and Gordon Willis, and helping shoot movies such as Ghostbusters 2, Raising Arizona, and Broadway Danny Rose. He then served as cinematographer on movies including American Pie, Out Cold, and Brooklyn Rules, as well as television series such as FX Network's Justified, The CW's Jane the Virgin, and CBS's SWAT.

In this podcast, Richard discusses the transition of motion pictures from film to digital, and the concurrent rise of new visual effects techniques. He also talks about being president of the American Society of Cinematographers, the popularity of dark shots in Netflix TV series, and the rise of artificial intelligence and the democratization of movie making.

It's an enlightening and entertaining discussion, and it's great to get another perspective on the filmmaking process.

Episode 462 - Paolo Berto Durante - CEO, J CUBE Feb 20, 2024

Could Paolo Berto Durante really be Chris, but from another dimension? These outspoken CG enthusiasts have a lot in common: an extensive knowledge of 3D software and render engines stretching back decades, a history in VFX and teaching CG, and strong opinions on the current state of the industry.

Paolo talks about his roles in the research and development of 3D software, starting from Alias|wavefront, to mental images. to Jupiter Jazz, up to his current role at J Cube, their team has developed CG tools for artists such as Multiverse USD, Maneki, and the futuristic WeRender generative service. Paolo also reveals some interesting thoughts on AI and creativity, and discusses how he comes up with new creative and business ideas.

Episode 461 - Robert Moggach - Creative Activist, Dashing Feb 13, 2024

Robert Moggach has experienced the full arc of the VFX artist career, from being treated like a rockstar in the early days of CG to working on personal, small-scale indie projects today. Along the way, he's racked up credits on movies including Harry Potter, I, Robot, and Stealth, created ads for the world's biggest brands, bagged a VES award for the Halo ODST trailer, and helped make music videos for the likes of Moby, Muse, Garbage, and Tori Amos.

Rob and Chris discuss the dynamics of cloud versus local workflows, the nuances of small-scale creative projects such as the short film Go For Grandma, and the logistical challenges of collaboration across time zones. The conversation culminates in speculation about AI's potential to catalyze new creative forms in Hollywood and beyond.

Episode 460 - Vikkal Parikh - Creative Director & Founder, Ataboy Studio Feb 05, 2024

In this podcast, Vikkal breaks down his career so far, from his beginnings in architecture and on MTV series Room Raiders, to founding Ataboy Studios and making use of the latest VFX and motion graphics technology to create eye-catching ads in a variety of formats. Vikkal and Chris also discuss their common ground in architecture and talk about how Apple could potentially revive VR and the metaverse with its Vision Pro VR headset.

Episode 459 - Ben Hansford - Director & USC Professor Jan 22, 2024

Ben Hansford has his finger on the pulse of filmmaking — the prognosis is excellent. Beginning his career in VFX, Ben moved into directing short films and commercials for the likes of Old Spice, Starfield0, Call of Duty, Nike, and many more. He also teaches AI at the University of Southern California (USC), giving him unfettered access to the minds of a new generation of filmmakers.

Ben shares his thoughts on how converging pipelines and creative innovations like AI will create a new kind of filmmaking, in the same way that lightweight cameras enabled the French New Wave and, in turn, New Hollywood. He also talks about the legal and quality issues that surround AI technology, and he finishes with an upbeat vision for the future of filmmaking and telling stories.

Episode 458 - Kat Dawes - NOWism Jan 16, 2024

Here's the perfect start to 2024: Kat Dawes and NOWism's particular blend of positivity for creative people. From busking in her native Brisbane to traveling through Africa, Kat has combined her love of performance art and spirituality to create NOWism, a playful philosophy that embraces the present moment and focuses on becoming the hero of your own story.

In this podcast, Kat tells Chris how artists struggling in a modern, ever-changing world can overcome anxieties related to AI and financial woes. She also talks about how to find joy in a world that seems to be fuelled by negativity and conflict, and reveals how storytelling can help us understand our predicaments. If you feel that you're stuck in a creative rut, then Kat's infectious enthusiasm might just help you turn 2024 into your year.

Episode 457 - Jonas Ussing - No CGI is really just invisible CGI Jan 08, 2024

2024 gets off to an explosive start with this week's guest: CG supervisor Jonas Ussing, who is on a quest to give visibility to the VFX artists and studios who create invisible effects. He's doing this via his YouTube channel, The Movie Rabbit Hole, where his impeccably researched and presented arguments have racked up over a million views.

Jonas and Chris talk about how studios are making it seem like films such as Oppenheimer, Top Gun: Maverick, and Mission: Impossible 7 favored practical effects, undermining VFX studios' hard work and even making it hard for artists to get hired. They also talk about the politics of VFX, from Jurassic Park's celebrated dinosaurs to Andy Serkis' controversial take on his performance as Gollum. Jonas also reveals how to get the public on board with CG again.

Episode 456 - Faruk Heplevent - Founder and CEO, The Scope Dec 18, 2023

Faruk Heplevent has spent his career perfecting the art of car photography. His experience in traditional photography transferred smoothly into CGI, and he set up his company, The Scope, to create breathtaking renders for the world's biggest car companies. Now, he's released Scope City, a groundbreaking tool that empowers car manufacturers and CG artists to create and customize the perfect urban backdrops for digital vehicles.

Faruk discusses his career and how the industry has changed from the days of shooting on film. He also talks about how gaming technology has influenced Scope City and its potential to go beyond the world of automobiles. This podcast is the perfect listen for when you're trying to get that hubcap reflection just right.

Episode 455 - Kim Davidson - President and CEO, SideFX Dec 11, 2023

SideFX President and CEO Kim Davidson has been a luminary of the computer graphics industry since the 1980s. In this podcast, Kim delves into his history, recounting his early days with the PRISMS procedural graphics application and the subsequent development of Houdini, SideFX's popular and Oscar-winning 3D animation software, which has delivered astounding visuals for everything from Jingle All the Way to Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.

Kim also shares his own journey in the industry, highlighting how his passions for art and science converged in the burgeoning world of CG. He reflects on the evolution of software and the industry over the past three decades, revealing how SideFX's agile development and open approach to software standards, such as USD, have benefitted VFX artists and studios.

Episode 454 - Joe Letteri - Senior Visual Effects Supervisor, Wētā FX Dec 04, 2023

Meet the legend behind some of the movie industry's most iconic creatures: Joe Letteri. From Jurassic Park's dinosaurs to Gollum in The Lord of the Rings, Avatar's Na'vi, and the Planet of the Apes' simian stars, Joe has constantly pushed VFX boundaries and technology to deliver utterly believable CG characters.

In this info-packed Q&A, Joe talks about everything from how he created his very first VFX shot for Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country to the cutting-edge technology that helped him bag an Oscar for Avatar: The Way of Water, and the new AI, rendering, and depth-compositing tools that could get him another statuette. Joe also discusses where he finds inspiration and reveals his passion for fractal computer graphics and astrophotography.

Episode 453 - Peter Sohn - Director, "Elemental" Nov 27, 2023

The universal language of cinema has proved a constant in Pixar director Peter Sohn's life, and with Elemental, he used it to tell a story close to his heart. Born in New York City to Korean parents, Peter's mother fell in love with the visual storytelling of Disney movies. He then carved out a career in animation, starting with The Iron Giant and moving to Pixar for moves including Finding Nemo and Up, and making his directorial debut with The Good Dinosaur.

In this podcast, recorded at the View Conference, Peter discusses how his life experiences contributed to Elemental and helped inform creative decisions. He delves into the technical aspects of the movie, revealing how machine learning helped solve some of the surprising complexities of fire and water characters. It's a moving episode, and one that affirms cinema as a powerful tool to express and share human emotions.

Episode 452 - Joaquim Dos Santos - Director, "Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse" Nov 20, 2023

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse left some big spider-boots to fill — but director Joaquim Dos Santos was clearly the man to fill them. With Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, the director expanded the Spider-Verse in new and unexpected directions while, crucially, staying true to the first film's tender and nuanced approach to character and story.

Joaquim reveals how his early obsessions with VHS and comic books led to his first break in storyboarding with Starship Troopers: Roughnecks, through to helming a golden era of US animation, including Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Legend of Korra, and Voltron: Legendary Defender. He discusses where he finds inspiration as a filmmaker, talks about the differences between working in TV and film animation, and gives his thoughts on entertaining a new generation.

Episode 451 - Benjamin Renner - Director, "Migration" Nov 13, 2023

As Illumination Studios' duck tale Migration prepares to take flight on the big screen, Chris had a conversation with its director, Benjamin Renner, at the VIEW Conference in Italy. Benjamin turned his passion for drawing into a career in animation via Macromedia Director and rose to prominence as co-director of the Academy Award-nominated animated movie Ernest & Celestine.

In this podcast, Benjamin offers a candid and insightful look into the process of crafting a 3D animated film in Hollywood, contrasting it with his experiences in 2D animation in France. He opens up about times when he's felt nervous, and he reveals some surprising misconceptions about Hollywood movies. Benjamin is warm and honest, and his experiences will ring true with any creative spirit.

Episode 450 - Michał Misiński - Film Director, Juice Nov 06, 2023

Michał Misiński's name may be familiar to regular listeners — this CG artist turned director helped previous podcast guest Ash Thorp create his Ghost in the Shell homage "Project 2501." Michał is also a partner at Polish visual effects VFX studio Juice, directing videos for Porsche, Honda, Skoda, Dolby, and more.

Recently, Michał brought his talent and passion together for a music video that ties in with sci-fi RPG Cyberpunk 2077's Phantom Liberty expansion. Michał tells Chris about the process of shooting the music video, revealing how the team seamlessly blended CG and live-action, and made a physical actress look just like an in-game character. Michał also discusses the effects of big changes in the VFX and gaming industries.

Episode 449 - Kyle Balda - Co-Director, "Minions: The Rise of Gru" & "Despicable Me 3" Oct 30, 2023

Over the past 30 years, Kyle Balda has risen from humble animator to co-director of beloved kids' movies Minions: The Rise of Gru and Despicable Me 3. Beginning in animation for films including Mars Attacks, The Mask, and Toy Story 2, Kyle met director Pierre Coffin in Europe and helped create the animated series Pat & Stan, which would build the foundations for the Minions' lovable antics.

In this illuminating podcast, Kyle shares the essential lessons he learned as an animator and his path to the director's chair. He reveals the organic process of creating a Minions movie, from the initial concept with the writer to the collaborative addition of ideas as more people get involved. Kyle also gives a positive perspective on AI and its role in CG movies, and he shares his thoughts on how animation has evolved from a genre to a medium.

Episode 448 - Ryan Woodward - Storyboard Artist & Animator Oct 23, 2023

Ryan Woodward began his career in traditional animation for movies, including cult classics The Iron Giant and Space Jam, before becoming a storyboard artist on Spider-Man 2, Iron Man 2, and Avengers Assemble, and creating the stirring short, "Thought of You." Today, he's pursuing many avenues for his creative powers.

In this podcast, recorded at THU in Japan, he talks about how he's found happiness after some perilous life moments. He also dives deep into story, and how his understanding of metaphysics and neuroscience led to a breakthrough that can avoid formulaic Hollywood tales. Anyone with a creative streak will recognize Ryan's career path, and his advice on how to navigate it is invaluable.

Episode 447 - Murai Sadayuki - Screenwriter, "Perfect Blue," "Steamboy," and "Millennium Actress" Oct 16, 2023

Murai Sadayuki is the writer behind some of the most astonishing and groundbreaking anime films of all time, including the Hitchcockian Perfect Blue, Otomo's Akira follow-up Steamboy, and the reality-blurring Millennium Actress. But he's not done yet: he continues to write for TV series, including Knights of Sidonia, Godzilla, and Sabikui Bisco.

Conducted at THU via a translator, this podcast sees Chris discover the world of Japanese animated movie-making and storytelling. Murai explains the importance of Godzilla, Ultraman, Akira, and WWII in Japanese culture. He also discusses the back-and-forth between Western and Japanese movie-making, and gives us his thoughts on what it means to be a creative person today.

Episode 446 - Cláudia Cristovão - Head of Google Brand Studio & Social Lab APAC Oct 10, 2023

What can today's artists and storytellers learn from an ancient Japanese method? In this podcast, Chris is joined by Google brand expert Cláudia Cristovão, who practices Kintsugi, the art of taking old ceramics and repairing them with gold-infused sap that grows stronger with time.

Building on her presentation at the THU festival in Kaga, Japan, Cláudia explains how Kintsugi's restorative, meditative process can apply to art and even people themselves. Claudia brings a refreshing perspective on creativity to the podcast, and she also reveals how upcoming artists can build their own brands.

Episode 445 - Amy Aniobi - Writer, Director & Producer Oct 02, 2023

Amy Aniobi is a whirlwind of inspiration, smart advice, and creative energy. As a young girl, she was inspired by Frasier and Boy Meets World to become a writer. After graduating from Stanford University, she entered the industry and worked her way up to becoming head writer, executive producer, and director of HBO's Insecure. In addition, she co-hosts The Antidote podcast and has movie projects coming up with Fox and Universal.

Recorded at THU in Japan, Amy talks about getting ahead in the industry and how she honed her creative skills and found her voice. She also shares how she's helping fellow Black writers make a name for themselves, gives her thoughts on AI as a writing tool, and reveals why Barbie and Oppenheimer are bringing authorship back to the big screen.

Episode 444 - Kevin Reste - Creative Operations Specialist, Artist, & Producer Sep 25, 2023

Kevin Reste is a font of knowledge for companies looking to improve their creative initiatives and campaigns. Beginning his career with mocap for the Rock Band video games, Kevin's natural people skills and technical confidence have helped him secure work for companies including NBC Sports, Sony Music Entertainment, and WWE, as well as giant financial and pharmaceutical corporations.

Chris catches up with fellow THU attendee Kevin, talks about his career so far, and offers some tips on getting ahead in the creative industry and staying on top of technological trends. Kevin also gives some invaluable insights into how AI is affecting the industry for newcomers, established artists, and big tech companies.

Episode 443 - Jonathan Rothbart - VFX Supervisor, John Wick: Chapter 4 Sep 11, 2023

Jonathan Rothbart's illustrious career in VFX includes credits on everything from Men In Black to Superman Returns and The Predator. He was a founding member of John Knoll's Rebel Mac Unit at ILM, he established The Orphanage, where he delivered the HUD shots for Iron Man, and then became a sought-after VFX supervisor for movies including Deadpool and John Wick: Chapter 4.

In this in-depth podcast, Jonathan tells Chris some of the amazing stories from his big-screen adventures, including how adding a small addition to a Star Wars Episode I starfighter got him in big trouble, how he got through one of Hellboy's trickiest shots, and how After Earth's production took him on helicopter rides and mountainous hikes.

Episode 442 - James MacLachlan - VFX Supervisor, "Ted Lasso" Sep 05, 2023

Ted Lasso became a surprise hit for Apple TV+, blending comedy and drama in just the right way — and it contained a surprising amount of invisible VFX, from set extensions to turning local soccer pitches into international stadiums, complete with cheering crowds.

In this podcast, Chris meets James MacLachlan, the VFX supervisor behind the show. James talks about how his love for bringing stories to life has powered his career and whisked him from New Zealand to London. He gives some inspirational career advice and goes into enthusiastic detail on how the team crafted the detailed world of Ted Lasso.

Episode 441 - Andrew MacDonald - VFX Creative Director/Supervisor/Flame Artist Aug 28, 2023

Andrew MacDonald's adventurous career packs as many twists and turns as a Hollywood movie. Coming from humble origins in the north of England, Andrew moved to London's Soho district to begin his career in optical effects, before getting into VFX and being lured to Hollywood to work for big VFX companies, including Digital Domain and Method.

In this rollercoaster of a podcast, Andrew talks about the ups and downs of his life and the ebbs and flows of the VFX industry. He shares stories of working with directors including Tony Kaye, Terry Gilliam, and David Lynch, speaks about how taking risks — including sneaking into a Welsh party — led to career success, and ultimately reveals how he's found contentment and happiness.

Episode 440 - Eric Durst & Matt Whelan - VFX Supervisors, "Five Days at Memorial" Aug 21, 2023

Apple TV+ miniseries Five Days at Memorial shines a light on a disturbing true story of a New Orleans hospital flooded during Hurricane Katrina. In this podcast, the show's VFX supervisors — returning guest Eric Durst and newbie Matt Whelan — reveal how they recreated New Orleans circa 2005 and added invisible effects that would earn the show an Emmy nomination.

Eric and Matt talk about how they worked with the show's practical team to build versatile sets that would seamlessly integrate with CG, and discuss how Google Earth helped them rebuild and reflood New Orleans. They also give an on-set perspective on how AI is changing the industry.

Episode 439 - Halsey Burgund - Artist & Technologist Aug 14, 2023

What if the 1969 moon landing catastrophically failed? That's the question artist Halsey Burgund poses with his "Moon Disaster" project, which makes use of AI technology to envision then-president Richard Nixon delivering an alternative speech to be used in the case of emergency.

In doing so, Halsey draws attention to the fact that such a speech existed and was never broadcast, as well as the ways in which modern technology can fool viewers. Halsey sheds light on the video and audio technology used for this alternative take on history, talks about how he combines tech and art for his audio installations and reveals what he's got coming up.

Episode 438 - Vladimir Koylazov - Co-Founder & Head of Innovation, Chaos Aug 07, 2023

Recorded at a high-tech facility in Chaos' plush new offices in Sofia, Bulgaria, this week's episode checks in with Vladimir "Vlado" Koylazov, Chaos' co-founder. Chris discovers more about Vlado's new role as head of innovation, and how the company is embracing recent technological developments to make it easy and efficient for customers to stage and render scenes.

Vlado also shares his thoughts on how artificial intelligence is changing the way software works, as well as how it's helping his team code. You'll learn about interesting uses for NeRFs and camera tracking, the benefits of having a personal assistant, and some of the exciting new things coming up from Chaos.

Episode 437 - Simeon Balabanov - Product Manager, Chaos Vantage Jul 31, 2023

Much has changed since Chaos launched Project Lavina in 2020. Remote working has become the norm, real-time workflows have become increasingly prevalent, and GPU power has accelerated. In response, Lavina has evolved into Chaos Vantage, a real-time ray-traced rendering engine tailored to the needs of today's VFX and arch viz artists.

Simeon Balabanov, Chaos Vantage's product manager, talks through what makes the engine different from other real-time rendering solutions and dives into current rendering techniques at the same time. Simeon also reveals what's new in Chaos Vantage 2, including the surprising use cases that have shaped its features, and he offers a sneak peek into what's coming up for this groundbreaking software.

Episode 436 - Hanno Basse - CTO, Digital Domain Jul 24, 2023

Hanno Basse has been a guiding hand behind the scenes of the modern entertainment experience. At 20th Century Fox, he pushed HDR into the movie experience at home and in theaters, and he helped the entertainment industry adopt cloud computing via his role at Microsoft Azure. Today, Hanno is bringing his expertise to Digital Domain, where he serves as CTO.

In this podcast, Hanno reveals how advances in machine learning have taken DD's famous digital humans from the Avengers' Thanos to She-Hulk: Attorney at Law's protagonist and added realism to the video game The Quarry. Hanno also discusses how real-time technology is improving the entire production process and gives his thoughts on the future of VFX.

Episode 435 - Terrence Masson - Chair, SVA MFA Computer Arts Jul 17, 2023

Terrence Masson's students are probably the luckiest on the planet. The computer arts lecturer draws on 30 years of experience in the industry, from working on innovative movies including True Lies and Interview with the Vampire, helping create South Park's progenitor in CG, and retooling the original Star Wars trilogy for its 1997 reissue.

In this podcast, Terrence talks through some highlights of his career, including how he flew the Millennium Falcon and killed Boba Fett for Star Wars, and how he was called on to review UFO footage for Ancient Aliens. He also talks about his gaming and archviz experiences, and shares some interesting perspectives on AI in education.

Episode 434 - Michelle Munson - CEO & Co-Founder, Eluvio Jul 10, 2023

Michelle Munson's passion for internet technology took her from streaming video over LAN to founding data transfer company Aspera. Now, she's launched Eluvio, a Web3-based content distribution system that makes it easier and cheaper for producers to share media while giving consumers fair access to a high-quality product with added extras.

Michelle discusses Eluvio's partnership with Warner Bros, and its first content: Superman and Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of The Ring. Michelle also busts some of the myths around NFTs and blockchain technology, and talks about how the Eluvio Content Fabric Protocol could be adopted by streaming platforms, indie producers, and live events in the future.

Episode 433 - Joshua Lastine Esq. - Founder, Lastine Entertainment Law Jul 03, 2023

After being inspired by Star Wars to pursue a career in entertainment law, Joshua Lastine helped with clearances on everything from American Idol to The Man in the High Castle to Midway to the Hulkbuster armor in Avengers: Age of Ultron and weapons for TV series Echo 3. Today, Joshua runs Lastine Entertainment Law, which drafts bespoke agreements for everything from YouTube videos to big-budget movies, and he teaches law at Los Angeles Film School.

In this podcast, Joshua covers all the hot topics in the film and TV industry, including AI, the causes of the writers' strike, digital celebrities, and the effects of streaming media. Joshua offers an informed perspective on where the industry is going, details the strengths and weaknesses of artificial intelligence, and explains how copyright law applies to everything from code to works of art.

Episode 432 - Marc Simonetti - Art Director, DNEG Jun 26, 2023

Marc Simonetti's dreamy visual style has made him a big name in sci-fi and fantasy art — but what does this mean in the age of AI? In this podcast, Marc tells Chris how it feels to have your name used as an AI art prompt some 400,000 times, and what it's like to see your name attached to artwork that isn't yours.

But it's not all bad — Marc delves into the advantages of AI art and how it might put the concept back into concept art, and offers positive advice for budding artists who are about to embark on art courses. He also talks about his fascinating career, which has seen him rub shoulders with George RR Martin, and he discusses his work on movies including Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets and the upcoming Ghostbusters: Afterlife sequel.

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