Podcast
The Allan McKay Podcast
Hosted by Emmy Award Winner | Speaker | Mentor | Visual Effects Expert · EN
Allan McKay is an award winning Visual Effects Supervisor and Technical Director in Hollywood - join Allan as he interviews many of the leading experts in Hollywood about their careers, pitfalls and what they took to succeed, while also gaining a lot of core knowledge to help build your career, money and success and skills to make the biggest impact in your career AND in your life!
11episodes
Episodes
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466 - Alex Wang, VFX Supervisor - The Last of Us - Season 2
Jul 2101:04:46Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Allan McKay sits down with Alex Wang, the Visual Effects Supervisor for the acclaimed HBO series The Last of Us, to break down the monumental VFX work behind the show's highly anticipated second season. Alex pulls back the curtain on the incredible challenges and creative triumphs of bringing the post-apocalyptic world to life, from the massive scale of the infected horde to the intricate details of hero creatures like the Bloater. He discusses the crucial balance between practical and digital effects, the importance of building trust with showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, and the seamless collaboration with world-class VFX houses like Weta, DNEG, and ILP. This conversation delves deep into the specific hurdles of Season 2, including a massive battle sequence Alex likens to "Helm's Deep," the complexities of a dramatic stormy water episode, and the creative pipeline from concept art to final shot. Alex shares how the team learned from Season 1 to push the boundaries of world-building and create environments that are both epic in scope and grounded in reality. This is a must-listen for any fan of The Last of Us and for visual effects artists and supervisors interested in the high-level strategy and creative problem-solving required to execute VFX on one of television's biggest shows. Topics Covered: The VFX of The Last of Us Season 2 Alex Wang's Role as VFX Supervisor Creating the Infected Horde and the Challenges of Crowd Simulation A Deep Dive into Season 2's Massive Battle Sequence Asset Creation for the Bloater and Other Infected Balancing Practical Effects with Digital Enhancements (Pyro, Weather, etc.) World-Building and Large-Scale Environment Extensions The Complexities of Creating the Stormy Water Sequence Collaboration with Showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann Managing Multiple VFX Vendors (Weta, DNEG, ILP, Rise) The Creative Process from Concept Art to Final Shot Quotes: On the massive battle sequence: "I thought to myself, 'Craig, this is your Helm's Deep.'" On designing the infected horde: "These are civilians that became infected... their own story. So repetition is not something that we want." Resources: The Last of Us on HBO Weta FX DNEG Rise VFX Important Looking Pirates (ILP) Naughty Dog
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465 – Jason Smith – Forging Middle-earth
Apr 23, 202500:42:23Tap to summarizeIn this follow-up conversation, Allan reconnects with Senior VFX Supervisor Jason Smith for a wide-ranging discussion that revisits his recent work on a flagship fantasy series and pulls back the curtain on life at the top of the industry. The two cover current challenges in large-scale visual effects, evolving studio pipelines, and the mindsets that keep artists relevant over decades.
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464 - Andy Boyd - JAMM VFX
Jan 9, 202501:02:36Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Allan McKay sits down with Andy Boyd, a seasoned VFX Supervisor, and co-owner of Jamm VFX. Andy shares his extensive journey in the visual effects industry, from his early days breaking into major studios like Framestore and Method Studios to founding his own successful VFX company. The conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of managing a VFX team, navigating cultural differences between the UK and US VFX industries, and overcoming technical hurdles in high-profile projects like "Brothers" and "Werewolf by Night." Andy also discusses the future of VFX, including the impact of AI and remote work, and offers invaluable insights for aspiring VFX artists and entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in the industry. Topics Covered Andy Boyd's early career in South Africa and transition into VFX Working at Framestore and Method Studios Founding Jamm Visual Effects and managing a boutique studio Behind the scenes of Werewolf by Night and creating Man-Thing Crafting photoreal creatures, including Samuel the orangutan in Brothers Transitioning to tools like V-Ray for superior fur rendering The evolving role of AI in VFX and storytelling Striking a balance between creative freedom and technical challenges Key Quotes "VFX is the perfect blend of creativity and problem-solving—each challenge pushes you to innovate in unexpected ways." The most exciting projects are the ones where you begin with no clear solution—those moments ignite innovation." You can feel the energy of a passionate team in the final product—great work reflects great collaboration." Resources Jamm Visual Effects Website Werewolf by Night on Disney+ 5 Key Takeaways 1. Evolving Through Challenges Andy's career exemplifies the importance of adapting to new roles and technologies, whether transitioning from retouching to 3D or embracing V-Ray to achieve lifelike fur. 2. The Power of Boutique Studios Jamm thrives on the advantages of a smaller team, delivering high-quality work with a collaborative and personalized approach that stands out in a crowded industry. 3. Crafting Creatures with Heart From Werewolf by Night to Brothers, Andy highlights the joy and challenge of bringing creatures to life, focusing on subtlety and realism to tell compelling stories. 4. The Importance of Studio Culture Jamm's success stems from its commitment to people-first management, ensuring employees are supported and projects are properly resourced. 5. AI and the Future of VFX Andy reflects on how AI tools are opening new creative possibilities, streamlining workflows while keeping artistry at the forefront.
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463 - Lux Aeterna - Rob Hifle + Paul Silcox
Dec 22, 202401:10:04Tap to summarizeOverview In this episode, Allan McKay engages in an in-depth conversation with Rob Hifle, CEO & Creative Director, and Paul Silcox, VFX Director at Lux Aeterna. They delve into the evolution of visual effects in the digital media landscape, discussing their journey from early tools like Flash and Macromedia Director to the sophisticated capabilities of modern software like Houdini. The discussion highlights the rapid growth of Lux Aeterna, the challenges of maintaining creative integrity while scaling, and their notable projects including *Eight Days to the Moon and Back*, *Our Universe*, and *Secrets of the Neanderthals*. Additionally, they explore the ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks surrounding the use of AI in visual effects, emphasizing their commitment to authenticity and creative excellence. Topics Covered - Evolution of digital media creation tools from Flash to Houdini - Founding and growth of Lux Aeterna - Key projects: *Eight Days to the Moon and Back*, *Our Universe*, *Secrets of the Neanderthals* - Balancing creativity and technical expertise in a growing VFX studio - Specialization in cosmological and scientific visual effects - Collaboration with scientists and integration of real-world data in VFX - Ethical considerations and policies on AI and generative technologies in VFX - Future projects and the importance of storytelling in visual effects Quotes 1. "We offer a huge sort of creative solution as well as a really efficient and ergonomic pipeline." - **Reworded Version:** "Our strength lies in delivering creative solutions coupled with an efficient and user-friendly pipeline, allowing us to produce high-end visual effects with a lean team." 2. "The toothpaste is out of the tube, right? You know, it's there." - **Reworded Version:** "AI advancements are inevitable and already here, shaping the future of our industry in ways we're just beginning to understand." 3. "Creativity leads technology. We start with creative ideas and then figure out the technology to bring them to life." - **Reworded Version:** "Our creative vision drives the technological innovations we develop, ensuring that our tools serve the art we aim to create." 4. "It's a really, really exciting journey to push the boundaries with our creative technology department and come up with different solutions." - **Reworded Version:** "Exploring new frontiers with our creative technology team is exhilarating, as we continuously develop innovative solutions that redefine what's possible in visual effects." 5. "Maintaining this level of fun and creativity is essential, even as we grow." - **Reworded Version:** "As we expand, preserving our vibrant and creative culture remains a top priority, ensuring that our passion for VFX continues to thrive." Resources - Lux Aeterna Website: [https://luxaeterna.com/](https://luxaeterna.com/) - Rob Hifle on LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robhifle/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/robhifle/) - Paul Silcox on LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulsilcox/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulsilcox/) - *Eight Days to the Moon and Back* - *Our Universe* - *Secrets of the Neanderthals* 5 Key Takeaways from the Episode with Rob Hifle and Paul Silcox **1. Evolution of VFX Tools and Techniques** Rob and Paul discuss the transition from early digital media tools like Flash and Macromedia Director to advanced software like Houdini, highlighting how these advancements have revolutionized their workflow and creative capabilities in the VFX industry. **2. Building a Boutique VFX Studio** The guests share insights into the founding and rapid growth of Lux Aeterna, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a small, passionate team to deliver high-end visual effects while competing with larger studios. **3. Specialization in Scientific and Cosmological Effects** Rob and Paul explain how their niche focus on cosmological phenomena and collaboration with scientists has set Lux Aeterna apart, allowing them to create factually accurate and visually stunning effects for projects like *Our Universe* and *Secrets of the Neanderthals*. **4. Ethical Use of AI in Visual Effects** The conversation delves into the ethical considerations and regulatory challenges of using AI and generative technologies in VFX. Rob and Paul outline their company's policies to ensure authenticity and respect for artists' work, rejecting tools that compromise ethical standards. **5. The Future of Storytelling in VFX** Rob and Paul highlight the significance of storytelling in their projects, discussing upcoming ventures like the sci-fi short *Reno*. They emphasize the blend of creative vision and technical prowess required to produce compelling narratives through visual effects.
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462 - Faruk Heplevent - The Scope
Nov 26, 202400:58:20Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Allan McKay sits down with Faruk Heplevent, founder and CEO of Scope Studio, to delve into the intricate world of automotive visual effects and the evolution of CG in the automotive industry. They explore Faruk's journey from his early days as a car photographer in Hamburg to transitioning into computer graphics, ultimately leading to the creation of Scope Studio. The discussion covers the challenges and triumphs of building a specialized studio in a field dominated by established CGI companies, the development of Scope City—a procedural photorealistic city environment—and the strategic decisions behind choosing rendering technologies like V-Ray and Arnold. Faruk shares his insights on maintaining photorealism in car CG, the importance of client collaboration and feedback, and the delicate balance between creative vision and technical execution. The conversation also touches on the impact of emerging technologies such as NVIDIA's denoising tools, Chaos's Vantage Arena, and the potential integration with platforms like Omniverse. Additionally, Faruk discusses the future of virtual production stages and the sustainable practices Scope Studio is adopting in their rendering processes. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in automotive photography, CG artistry, real-time rendering technologies, and the entrepreneurial spirit behind building a niche visual effects studio. Topics Covered: Faruk Heplevent's background and the founding of Scope Studio Transitioning from car photography to computer graphics The development and features of Scope City, a procedural photorealistic city Choosing and evolving rendering technologies: Maxwell, V-Ray, Arnold Maintaining photorealism in automotive CG and handling client feedback The impact of emerging technologies: NVIDIA Denoiser, Chaos Vantage Arena, Omniverse Challenges and strategies in building a specialized VFX studio The future of virtual production stages and sustainable rendering practices Balancing creative vision with technical execution in CG projects Quotes: "If we can get it in camera, it's always a better picture. What you see is what you get." "Scope City is essentially a giant procedural photoreal city that we've built for every situation." "Creativity leads technology. We start with creative ideas and then figure out the technology to bring them to life." Resources: Scope Studio Website Scope Studio on LinkedIn Chaos Vantage Arena NVIDIA Denoiser Omniverse
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461 - Jason Smith - Rings of Power - VFX Supervisor
Nov 12, 202400:44:27Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Allan McKay sits down with Jason Smith, Senior Visual Effects Supervisor for Rings of Power and longtime ILM veteran, to delve into his fascinating career journey and creative process in the world of visual effects. Jason shares his story, from early passions for creature design and practical effects to an unplanned but impactful transition to CG and computer graphics. They explore the unique blend of technical and artistic skills required in VFX, including Jason's early work developing rigging software at ILM, and how these technical foundations have shaped his approach to supervising complex, high-stakes projects like The Revenant and Rings of Power. The conversation dives into the importance of storytelling, communication, and collaboration, as well as the evolving challenges in VFX, such as adapting to new technology and achieving the director's vision on both large and small budgets. Jason offers valuable insights for aspiring VFX artists and supervisors, sharing how flexibility, perseverance, and creative problem-solving have been critical throughout his career. This is an essential listen for anyone passionate about VFX, storytelling, and the intersection of art and technology in blockbuster productions. Topics Covered Jason Smith's background and career path in visual effects The importance of storytelling in visual effects Developing rigging software and technical skills in VFX The role of communication and collaboration with directors and teams Managing creative and budgetary constraints on large and small projects Techniques for achieving forced perspective and scale effects in Rings of Power Challenges and rewards of working on high-budget productions and indie projects Advice for young artists entering the VFX industry Reflections on the VFX community's adaptability during COVID Highlights "You're telling stories, not just producing pixels. That's where the magic happens." "The path isn't linear; the universe has a way of using every skill you pick up." "Working within limitations is where some of the most innovative ideas come from." "When I came to ILM, I wanted to work on creatures, and here I am still working with creatures decades later on Rings of Power." "The relationships you build with directors and teams – that's what makes you a trusted collaborator in this industry." Resources The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) Weta Digital The Revenant The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Legacy Effects
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460 - RADiCAL - Democratizing Motion Capture
Oct 4, 202400:41:40Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Allan McKay sits down with Gavan Gravesen and Matteo Giuberti, the co-founders of RADiCAL, to explore the groundbreaking advancements in AI-powered motion capture and the future of accessible 3D animation technology. They discuss Gavan and Matteo's journey from their diverse backgrounds—Gavan from law and AI, and Matteo from biomechanics and motion capture—into building RADiCAL, an innovative platform that uses a single camera and AI to capture human body motion. They dive into the development of RADiCAL's tools, including RADiCAL Canvas, a browser-based, real-time 3D environment for collaboration and creation, and how their platform democratizes motion capture for filmmakers, game developers, and 3D enthusiasts alike. The conversation touches on the challenges of developing AI that can work with any consumer-grade camera, the importance of scalability and accessibility, and how RADiCAL is poised to transform the way digital creators work. Gavan and Matteo offer key insights into the future of motion capture, real-time collaboration in 3D spaces, and how RADiCAL's platform can inspire the next generation of creators. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of motion capture, 3D collaboration, and how AI is revolutionizing the digital content landscape. Topics Covered: Gavan Gravesen's transition from law and AI to co-founding RADiCAL Matteo Giuberti's background in biomechanics and motion capture The development and impact of RADiCAL's AI-powered, single-camera motion capture technology The creation and evolution of RADiCAL Canvas as a collaborative 3D platform The challenges of developing scalable motion capture for all devices Insights into the future of AI in digital content creation Quotes: "Motion capture doesn't need to be confined to expensive hardware anymore—it can be democratized." "Our AI learns human motion to fill in the gaps, allowing anyone to animate their ideas." "Creating a scalable, easy-to-use platform was key for us—it's about giving everyone access to this magic." Resources: RADiCAL website RADiCAL Canvas
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459 - Phil Cramer - Digital Domain VFX Supervisor
Sep 20, 202400:49:54Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Allan McKay sits down with Philip Cramer, VFX Supervisor at Digital Domain, to explore the groundbreaking world of character-based visual effects and the innovative tools shaping the future of the industry. They discuss Philip's journey from animation to supervising some of the most iconic visual effects projects, including Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame. Philip dives into the creation of Thanos and the challenges of delivering photorealistic CG characters with extensive screen time. He also covers the evolution of Digital Domain's facial capture technology, Masquerade, and its role in major projects like She-Hulk and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. The conversation touches on the importance of flexibility in a technical pipeline, the advantages of working with both technical and artistic teams, and how to lead by example as a supervisor. Philip offers key insights on problem-solving in high-pressure environments and shares valuable advice for artists on how to stand out in the competitive world of visual effects. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in character animation, performance capture, and the future of VFX technology, especially as studios transition to more real-time solutions and advanced facial capture techniques. Topics Covered: Philip Cramer's background and transition from animation to VFX supervision The creation and performance capture of Thanos for Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame The development and impact of Digital Domain's markerless facial capture system, Masquerade The challenges of delivering a fully CG character for She-Hulk Leadership and team collaboration in high-pressure environments Advice for artists on standing out in a competitive industry Quotes: "Never say no. Say yes, but explain the trade-offs." "Leading a team is about working longer, working harder, and being there to support your crew." "We needed to mass-produce She-Hulk's performance in a way we had never done before, which pushed us to innovate Masquerade." Resources: Digital Domain website Masquerade facial capture technology
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458 - Nick Seavert - CEO & Founder JangaFX (Embergen, LiquiGen, GeoGen)
Aug 27, 202401:32:14Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Allan McKay sits down with Nick Seavert, CEO and founder of JangaFX, to explore the cutting-edge world of real-time visual effects software. They discuss Nick's entrepreneurial journey, the development of JangaFX's suite of tools including Embergen, LiquiGen, and GeoGen, and the challenges of creating innovative VFX software. Nick shares insights into the current state of the VFX industry, its evolving needs, and the potential impact of real-time solutions on both film and game production pipelines. The conversation also covers the importance of integrity in business, the value of perseverance in the face of adversity, and the process of creating their short film "Golem" to showcase their tools. Nick offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and discusses the evolution of VFX software over his career. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in visual effects, real-time rendering, the creative process behind cutting-edge software development, and the future of the VFX industry in an increasingly real-time world. Topics Covered: Nick Seavert's background and the founding of JangaFX The development and features of Embergen, LiquiGen, and GeoGen The importance of integrity and perseverance in business The creation of the "Golem" short film and its impact on product development The challenges of developing real-time liquid simulations The potential future of VFX in video games The balance between technical accuracy and artistic usability in VFX software The value of internal projects in driving software development Quotes: "If you want to play with the big dogs, you have to stop whining like a pup." Resources: JangaFX website "Golem" short film Riot Games Blizzard Entertainment Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) Unreal Engine
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457 - Feng Zhu - Concept Designer & Art Director
Aug 6, 202401:34:41Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Allan McKay sits down with Feng Zhu, renowned concept designer and educator, to explore the world of concept design in the film and video game industries. They discuss Feng's impressive career journey, his work on numerous high-profile projects, and the unique challenges of creating compelling concept designs. Feng shares insights into the current state of the design industry, its challenges and opportunities, and the potential impact of emerging technologies like AI. The conversation also covers the importance of problem-solving skills in design, effective portfolio development strategies, and the business aspects of running a successful design studio. Feng offers valuable advice for aspiring designers and discusses the evolution of the industry over his 27-year career. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in concept design, the creative process behind blockbuster films and games, and the future of the design industry in an increasingly digital world. Topics Covered Feng Zhu's background and career in the design industry The importance of problem-solving and thinking skills over technical skills Portfolio development and job application strategies The business side of the design industry Studio management and working with clients The impact of AI on the design industry The evolution of technology and its impact on design The difference between illustration and design The challenges of game development and studio closures Social media and its role in the industry Highlights "We're actually business people. We're selling products. Some people forget that even though we're drawing, we're not artists, we're product sellers." "I'd rather have someone that has really good thought process than someone who renders really well, but has no ideas in their head." "If you're doing social media stuff, but your content is just for social media, but not for actual industry, then yeah, that's not that relevant in my opinion." "To get to that level [of AI replacing human designers], you have to cover new technology, something completely alien to us right now, to reach human level stuff." "What we need really is in here, the brain, the human brain, and that's something AI cannot replace." Resources FCD School of Design (Feng Zhu's school) Design Cinema (YouTube channel - search for "FCD") CalArts ArtCenter College of Design Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) Lucasfilm Duke Nukem Forever (game) Luc Besson (film director) Hugo Martin (Doom game director)
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