Artist Spotlight
Larry Ngo
Compositor | Lost Boys Alumni 2017
Demo Reel
Credited on:
and many more...
Visual effects is the process of artists turning wishes into reality. We can make something out of nothing and we can transform something into another thing.
- Larry Ngo
What inspired you to pursue VFX/Compositing?
From a young age, I’ve always had a passion for artistic pursuits and computers. This drive lead me to learn Photoshop and After Effects as a hobby. It became very clear that I had a strong affinity for VFX. Eventually, I decided to take a leap of faith and quit my previous career to see how far I could transform my hobby into my dream job. That journey began when I stepped through the front door of Lost Boys.
What was unique about your experience with Lost Boys in comparison to your previous education?
Lost Boys takes a very practical approach unlike traditional forms of education; it’s actually quite similar to how I work at my studio. I personally felt that this prepared me in a way that gave me an advantage compared to other graduates from other institutions. I really appreciate the relevancy of the material taught compared to my time at University where a wider breadth of education was required.
If there is one piece of advice you can give to people who want to pursue a career in visual effects, what would it be?
It can be an incredibly rewarding career. But it is a creative gauntlet that places you and other artists at different starting points. Everyone is dealt a different hand. Make the best of what you have, and embrace every opportunity. There is always something new to learn from both the
glamorous and unglamorous work. Aside from the work itself, be mindful and respectful of those you study and work with. It is a growing but still incredibly small and tight-knit community.
What is something you wish people knew more about VFX/VFX Artists or Compositors/Compositing?
VFX is governed by the Money, Time, and Quality triangle. Good quality VFX requires a lot of time and money. Unfortunately most clients want VFX to be done quickly and cheaply, which often results in bad quality VFX. I find that more often than not, bad VFX is a result of misusing the Triangle. It breaks my heart knowing the amount of effort, work, and stress a team of artists spend in creating VFX. So the next time you see some bad VFX, remember that there’s a good chance it wasn’t the artist, but a bad set of circumstances lead to that result.
What do you enjoy most about working in visual effects?
I love the creative struggle, the opportunities to solve unique visual problems with your own creative solutions, especially when you’re given the time to truly develop a shot. I also enjoy working together with other artists to assemble something even greater than one person could produce on their own. My favorite feeling is when you decide to go the extra mile and your efforts surprise you with a result that’s better than you imagined.
