Artist Spotlight
Javier Cuellar
Compositor | Lost Boys Alumni 2020
Demo Reel
What inspired you to pursue VFX/Compositing?
I think for many of us in this field (well I think so), inspiration came from films, especially science fiction and adventure films such as Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Blade Runner, and The Fifth Element. Those films moved my world and awakened in me, not only an interest in watching movies, but also of getting wanting to be part of making them. That is why I studied art direction for film and advertising, and later I felt that I wanted to become more involved with technology, which led me to VFX and Compositing.
What was the scariest or most challenging part of learning Compositing?
The scariest thing I think was the language. lol. Actually, for me the most scariest thing was leaving my comfort zone and learning a new program (Nuke) that at first did not make much sense to me. Once the weeks passed, the logic of the program had more relevance and I realized that it is an infinite program and with thousands of possibilities that really fascinated me.
What was unique about your experience with Lost Boys in comparison to your previous education?
By far it was feeling at home away from home, the trust and kindness of both the staff and my colleagues is something unforgettable and priceless. On countless occasions working late at night in the studio and having the freedom to take a break, play something, or watch a movie were by far things that I will never forget. Another great experience was meeting people from all over the world with the same dreams and desires. And the most important was the quality and rigor with which they prepare you at school to go out to work in this highly competitive market, to teach you that the true value of your work is in the details.
What is visual effects to you?
I like to think of visual effects as a juice machine, considering what fruits or vegetables you want to combine, you can make super delicious juice. I could say a visual delight for the eyes, that harmoniously combines an infinity of materials and files of different formats, both practical effects filmed on set or generated by computer, where the result is so real and attractive that when you see it you wonder if it is real or was created by someone on a computer.
What do you enjoy most about working in visual effects?
Definitely learning from my co-workers; that fascinates me. Seeing and understanding how everyone has a different ways of approaching a problem and solving it is incredible. I love to have a new shot and think of it as a new challenge and see what is the best way to do it and arrive on time with deliveries.
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?
I don’t know where I read it but it is the note that is always in my head and accompanies me on a sheet of paper in my workspace is:
“By putting a date on a dream it becomes a goal. A goal divided into step becomes a plan and a plan supported by actions becomes a reality.”
And thinking that nothing is impossible is just a matter of perseverance and more perseverance.
