Matt Spence

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Artist Spotlight

Matt Spence

Compositor | Lost Boys Alumni 2019

Demo Reel

What is visual effects to you?

Visual effects is a craft. I consider myself an artist, but more specifically, a craftsman. I’ve always respected how craftspeople dedicate themselves to making and perfecting specialized items like leather shoes or pottery. They put a lot of love into what they do and they get joy from creating high-quality products for their customers. This is how I like to think about my role, but instead of crafting physical objects, I make shots. It gives me a sense of satisfaction to know that I am contributing to a piece of art that will be enjoyed by thousands of people. Each morning I’m excited to sit at my desk and sometimes it’s difficult to tear myself away in the evening.

What was the scariest or most challenging part of learning Compositing?

I came to VFX in a roundabout way, through music. I’ve always loved writing songs and doing home recordings. I could sit and tweak knobs in a program like Ableton Live for hours and just get lost in it. A few years ago I started experimenting with Adobe Suite (making music videos and short films) and it scratched the same itch for me as recording music did. I spent hours adjusting all the different parameters, having a blast. The more I got into making videos, the more I became interested in visual effects. I learned that there was this job called Compositing. As I came to understand what compositors did, the job seemed like a great fit for me.

What inspired you to pursue VFX/Compositing?

I came to VFX in a roundabout way, through music. I’ve always loved writing songs and doing home recordings. I could sit and tweak knobs in a program like Ableton Live for hours and just get lost in it. A few years ago I started experimenting with Adobe Suite (making music videos and short films) and it scratched the same itch for me as recording music did. I spent hours adjusting all the different parameters, having a blast. The more I got into making videos, the more I became interested in visual effects. I learned that there was this job called Compositing. As I came to understand what compositors did, the job seemed like a great fit for me.

What is something you wish people knew more about VFX/VFX Artists or Compositors/Compositing?

A lot of people think that VFX artists work with supercomputers that miraculously create the lovely images they see displayed on their televisions. They don’t understand how lo-tech a lot of the work is. It doesn’t take a great computer to run a program like Nuke, and there isn’t some AI program doing the heavy lifting. Most of the work happens in a very human way… just artists working with basic digital tools, finessing images for hours until it’s finished.

Thank you, Matt! Connect with him now!

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Stephanie_2

Stephanie Gadsden

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Artist Spotlight

Stephanie Gadsden

Compositor | Lost Boys Alumni 2018

Demo Reel

Credited on:

and many more...

Visual Effects for me is illusion. From George Méliès to James Cameron and so on. Visual Effects makes every story come to life, every single thing you can imagine can be accomplished and that is magical.

- Stephanie Gadsden

What inspired you to pursue VFX/Compositing?

At the beginning I wasn’t sure if I wanted to pursue Compositing, but I clearly had a passion for photorealism and visual effects in general. I wanted to make the impossible happen on a screen and make it believable. When I discovered there was a specific department that was in charge of blending two different worlds together, I knew I wanted to be part of it! I wanted to be the one creating the illusion of a dragon flying in our sky or a spaceship landing on our planet.

What was the scariest or most challenging part of learning Compositing?

I was never scared, but the most challenging part was learning how tools work in mathematical terms. No matter how hard you try to get away from math, it will always be there, and it will make your life easier as an artist! Understanding how a camera works, and how math affects the pixels on your image is definitely confusing in the beginning, especially if you have never worked with cameras or VFX software before, but once you get through it, it becomes second nature! I am glad I had Ganz Ramalingam as a teacher, he was always there to help and explain all these aspects in detail.

What I enjoy the most about Compositing is the process of it. I love every single step. I love the process of receiving my first elements to start comping a shot to when I see it on the big screen, and everything in between. Seeing the final result is very satisfying.

What was unique about your experience with Lost Boys in comparison to your previous education?

The most unique experience I had with Lost Boys was the fact that it felt like a studio! I wasn’t sure if a studio was really like that, but once I got my first job after school I could definitely tell that the transition was smooth. Reviews (dailies) were almost the same, project deadlines were the same, everything was very studio-like. That is very helpful and appreciated as a junior artist who is nervous on his/her first industry job. It leaves you energy to focus on your performance and be less stressed in general.

What is something you wish people knew more about VFX/VFX Artists or Compositors/Compositing?

VFX is a passion-driven profession, of course there’s people with more passion than others but I doubt there’s people in there working on this because they had no other choice. The good thing is you will find people with the same passions and interests as you; this will help you to create deep friendships and build projects outside of work if you want. On the other hand, you will also spend a lot of time with your colleagues at work, you will get along well with some of them and some others you won’t. It is human nature and there’s nothing wrong with it. VFX is a very small industry so it is important that you maintain a good and respectful attitude, be cordial, and keep a smile!

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 would say go for it, it is nuts that you can have a job on something like this and actually make a living! If you are passionate, you’re going to enjoy every single step! Just keep in mind that it is an endless journey of learning, you will never stop learning, don’t assume you know everything because you don’t! Ask, be curious, and explore. Also be on the look for new technologies and try to learn things that will make you a better future artist!

Thank you, Stephanie! Connect with her now!

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Kosuke

Kosuke Iwasaki

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Artist Spotlight

Kosuke Iwasaki

Compositor | Lost Boys Alumni 2019

Demo Reel

Credited on:

and many more...

To me, VFX is my work and my hobby. I am truly grateful that I am living off what I love.

- Kosuke Iwasaki

What inspired you to pursue VFX/Compositing?

I actually don’t have specific films that motivated me. I was inspired by some indie fan films of blockbuster movies on YouTube when I was just entering high school. For me, Hollywood blockbusters were so overwhelming that I never imagined myself working for that industry. However, when I watched those random people making cool videos, I was shocked that you can in fact make awesome shots with consumer software. It made me believe that I can do it too. Then, as all those kids out there did, I started copying all of the VFX tutorials on YouTube, which is too horrible to look back on, but after all, I enjoyed doing it. When I reached a point where I could start making a little cash with it, then I started dreaming about learning and working at the best place in the world. Vancouver is one of the best places to pursue a VFX career, with a lot of talented people from across the globe. So I would say my motivation has been gradually elevated over the years.

What is something you wish people knew more about VFX/VFX Artists or Compositors/Compositing?

It’s already been said many times but I would like to emphasize that there is an insane amount of work put into every VFX shot before it is delivered and you cannot even see it. But that’s normal. I believe really well-done VFX should not be distracting, but support the storytelling. You would be surprised how many shots are actually not filmed on the location but shot on green screen or in completely different locations, or it was not even filmed at all. Also, it’s absolutely just a common scene to, in post, zoom in as much as you can to fix any mistakes pixel by pixel and frame by frame. Those are usually the last 20% of the entire work process but that in fact takes the longest amount of time. People find it cumbersome and tend to neglect it. But that’s what differentiates the great from the rest, and that’s why we are here to support the filmmakers.

What do you enjoy most about working in visual effects?

VFX is so deep when it comes to trying to master every aspect of it, in other words, there is so
much to learn! The more I know the more I realize how illiterate I am, but that is what drives me to go forward. I am so grateful that I am surrounded by a lot of inspiring artists and friends that I can learn from. At the end of the day, I am still a guy who dreamed about making an awesome shot. It is such a joy to discover more knowledge and apply that to your own work.

What was unique about your experience with Lost Boys in comparison to your previous education?

The program that I participated in at Lost Boys was the most practical and production-ready education for such a short amount of time. Learning at Lost Boys does not make you feel that you are at a school, but rather at an actual studio. Nowadays, you can access VFX educational resources anywhere online. However, they don’t teach you the same things as Lost Boys or have the pressure of presenting your work in front of supervisors or everybody on a huge screen every week. I had the opportunity to collaborate with other departments and senior artists to deliver a shot on time and even learned how to communicate with Leads and Supervisors. By attending Lost Boys, you will dip your toe in the industry and by the time you graduate, you are more than ready to start working without even worrying about anything. And remember, when in doubt, _________! (You have to find out about the next part by yourself!)

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?

These days, technological advancement has become exponentially crazier with A.I., Machine Learning, Deep Fakes, Real-time Rendering, LED Screens, just to name a few. I used to fear being replaced by new technology. You should not be afraid and fight with new technology. Because they are just the tools to help you with your job.

For example, let’s say I just want to make a cool shot. So cutting down the time for rendering and rotoscoping or painting out allows me to focus more on art directing. Even if your job is submitting the roto, then A.I. rotobot or advanced tracking technology is awesome in that it gives you 80% of roto completed. So you, as a roto artist with eyes for fine details, can focus on finessing the consistency of edges or hair details, and submit work faster and take on more work. Tesla’s AI driving technology will eventually replace the need of driving on a daily basis because you don’t always want to drive: you simply want to go from place A to B. But I don’t think we are going to watch AI-driven Autopilot Formula 1 racing unless we prefer it. Keep in mind, in order to take advantage of the technology, it is always important to not neglect the foundations. I believe studying those “cumbersome” processes will train your eyes to notice details, which is essential to be professional. I still have a lot to learn as well.

Thank you, Kosuke! Check out his demo reel.

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Alex_3

Alex Greenberg

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Artist Spotlight

Alex Greenberg

Compositor | Lost Boys Alumni 2015

Demo Reel

Credited on:

and many more...

In one word? Magic. Seriously, when I tell my friends that are not in the industry what was done in a specific scene on a show they have watched, they can’t believe it, and if they believed it, mission accomplished.

- Alex Greenberg

What inspired you to pursue VFX/Compositing?

In the early days, movies like Starship Troopers, Armageddon, and Independence Day got me interested in the VFX idea. Who doesn’t like a super real looking explosions and space battles? I was always interested and started slowly exploring the variety of software out there to create them, like Maya 3.0 (even though I didn’t know what the hell I was doing), Bryce, and Poser. With VFX evolving every year and getting better and better, it got me more and more interested to understand the behind the scenes and VFX creation process. That’s what led me to enroll into 3D animation school first.

What is something you wish people knew more about VFX/VFX Artists or Compositors/Compositing?

I think most people think that VFX is only CG, robots, explosions, and destruction, but a compositor has an important role in that as well, layering all the elements in a shot, live action, CG renders, FX, and blending them all seamlessly to create a photorealistic final shot. Other than that, a lot of VFX is done only by compositors in 2D, for example, replacing an image on a monitor, changing a billboard, removing objects and even people from footage, making actors look younger or even things that might seem like 3D but are actually done in comp.

Getting a final approval on a shot after working on it for awhile is definitely something I enjoy from working in visual effects.

What was unique about your experience with Lost Boys in comparison to your previous education?

I came to Lost Boys with almost zero knowledge in Compositing and had some doubts that changed fast after diving into the program. Right at the beginning I saw the dedication of all of the staff to help, teach, and guide me through the program. Lost Boys is not your usual school. They have small class sizes with more focus on students. From day one, the environment is like you are an artist in a studio and not a student in school, with a strict studio workflow, dailies, and shot assignments. The great staff is there to teach, help you troubleshoot, and guide you towards success with an excellent curriculum and smooth transition from practicum to your job. 

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?

Your demo reel is the most important thing you need to think about when trying to break into the industry. When somebody tells you that your portfolio needs to stand out, it’s not only with crazy shots but even the smallest task, like sign replacement, make sure the work you did is seamless and perfect. Bad things pop out immediately to the eye of the person that is reviewing your reel and will ruin your chance to get the desired job, so take some time to polish your reel and after you are done and have rendered it out, don’t upload it to YouTube. Use Vimeo.

Thank you, Alex! Check out his demo reel.

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Kate_2

Kate T. Lin

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Artist Spotlight

Kate T. Lin

Compositor | Lost Boys Alumni 2019

Demo Reel

Credited on:

and many more...

What inspired you to pursue VFX/Compositing?

My path to becoming a VFX artist was a long and gradual process. When I was growing up, I didn’t have a lot of opportunities to watch movies and learn how they were made. So I was never inspired by any movies; I actually didn’t know what VFX was until I graduated from college. My journey started when life took a turn, and I stumbled across the film industry and got my first job as a Production Assistant. It wasn’t an exciting start, but I am thankful for my career journey, because I discovered my passion and talents through it.

What is visual effects to you?

To me, VFX is multiple things. VFX is like a school that pushes me to constantly learn new things, a job that pays my bills, a social connection that has introduced me to many like-minded artists whom I’m close friends with, and a passion that I absolutely love. The key thing is that it never feels like work when I’m working!

What do you enjoy most about working in visual effects?

I love that VFX changes constantly. This constant flow forces me to learn and challenge myself everyday. I am never bored with it because there is always something new to learn, and there is always room to grow and improve. Every time you think you have mastered a skill, two weeks later you will realize you have only learned the tip of the iceberg. And that thought is invigorating.

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?

Be humble to everyone and do not be a jerk. This is a very very small industry, and the junior artists sitting behind you might be the ones interviewing you in 5 years. The PA taking your lunch orders now might be your supervisor one day. So be respectful and keep an open-mind. You will never know what cool tricks you can learn from people around you, and what bridges you have burned from being too cocky.

Thank you, Kate! Check out her demo reel.

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Michael Armacost

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Artist Spotlight

Michael Armacost

Compositor | Lost Boys Alumni 2019

Demo Reel

Credited on:

and many more...

The idea of feeling like a magician, to create images that millions of people will believe for a moment are real.

- Michael Armacost

What inspired you to pursue VFX/Compositing?

My Dad raised me on Star Wars, Jurassic Park, and Lord of the Rings. This started my early love of film and VFX. I went to college thinking I wanted to be a filmmaker, but then I began studying compositing in After Effects and I realized that this was what I wanted to do. That this path could help me work on the kind of amazing films I loved as a kid. I then applied to Lost Boys and made my way up to Vancouver to study Nuke.

What was unique about your experience with Lost Boys in comparison to your previous education?

I loved how focused it was compared to my Bachelor’s Degree in Film. During my time in college I had to take a lot classes that made me adequate in many areas of film, but a master of none. At Lost Boys all of my time was spent making me a master compositor and ready for work right out of school.

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?

Learn and Work. The study of visual effects is a lifelong pursuit where you’ll always find new things to learn. Continually strive for more knowledge to you make yourself valuable to others and able to create amazing images that will captivate audiences.

What is visual effects to you?

To me Visual Effects is a new set of tools that can help filmmakers better tell the story of a film. I feel many auteur filmmakers see visual effects as a taboo except perhaps the greatest director of the past 50 years: Martin Scorsese. He’s fully embraced Visual Effects and sees it as the best way to create the moving images he sees in his head before making them, whether that’s creating a life story about a hitman using de-aging so the same actors can be used in The Irishman, or making a magical-looking 1930’s Paris in Hugo.

Thank you, Michael! Check out his demo reel.

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Le_2

Le Yang

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Artist Spotlight

Le Yang

Compositor | Lost Boys Alumni 2017

Demo Reel

Credited on:

and many more...

I like to think of visual effects as a tool to enhance storytelling and immerse audiences more completely. From the building of an alien world, to something simple like scars on a wounded warriors face, visual effects is the embodiment of fulfilling a creative vision.

- Le Yang

What inspired you to pursue VFX/Compositing?

To be honest, I wasn’t really into VFX-heavy movies until I went to film school. As much as I enjoyed the visuals, it always felt like it was a joust between either a great story or great visuals, but rarely both. But then, Ex Machina came out. And it was incredible. The visual effects were sleek, and somehow subtle yet obvious at the same time. It never distracted from the cinematography, but rather it was vital to how the movie looked and felt. I loved it. At this point, I was studying film production at school and ended up dabbling here and there for a couple of years on set. I never quite found a role I truly enjoyed, and then a friend of mine (who had just started his VFX career) recommended looking into Compositing. I did some research, and was hooked. There’s a sense of instant gratification working in VFX — especially Compositing — that I think I was missing from being on set. Being able to physically see the end result render right in front of your eyes is so satisfying. I felt like I was finally contributing to the final result of the movie. I decided to go with compositing as it felt the most familiar to me coming from a camera-centred background, and it’s been a wild ride ever since.

What was the scariest or most challenging part of learning Compositing?

Imagine this scenario: you’re working on a shot of a girl looking at herself in the mirror and you’ve just painted the most exquisite, realistic looking teardrop on her face to make it look like she’s crying. It’s taken you almost half a day to paint that teardrop and make her eyes look like they’re watering. But then you realize… that thing’s got to be animated over the next 50 frames because movies. That for me, was the biggest challenge while learning compositing. Coming from prior background in Photoshop, it was too easy to fall into the trap of making a single frame look amazing, and forgetting about the rest of the shot.

Visual effects is about telling stories we wouldn’t otherwise have any way to tell. It’s our way of building worlds and characters that can’t be created properly physically; a way for everybody to envision a movie (or show) the way the director sees it in their mind.

What was unique about your experience with Lost Boys in comparison to your previous education?

My experience at Lost Boys felt much less like school and more like an intensive 1 year internship at a VFX studio. The transition from learning at Lost Boys to working in a studio was absolutely seamless and that made it such a unique experience. Starting my first job outside of school didn’t feel nearly as intimidating as I would’ve expected because it felt eerily similar to being in school. Lost Boys prepared us incredibly well for working in the VFX industry.

What is something you wish people knew more about VFX/VFX Artists or Compositors/Compositing?

I wish more people knew how long it takes to get shots done! Sometimes artists are working on the same shot for months at a time for something that’s only a couple seconds in the final movie/show. Some shots that look like there’s nothing done to it at all can actually be a super complex invisible effects shot. VFX isn’t always about the crazy spaceship fights or the giant monsters smashing up the cities. I think 80% of the time it’s stuff you wouldn’t think twice about, like creating natural landscapes such as forests or mountains, or extending the interiors of buildings to complete a movie set. Sometimes you spend days fine tuning a smoke wisp that probably goes undetected to most audiences. There’s so much work that goes into every facet of VFX, and I wish that the artists and everyone involved in the process would get more recognition.

What do you enjoy most about working in visual effects?

Working in visual effects is basically just visual problem solving. Every shot has a solution — be it creative or technical — and the satisfaction you get upon completion (or approval from the supervisor) of a shot is quite a great feeling. Especially if it’s something you’ve been working on for days, or even weeks! I also love working with like-minded people and collaborating on big projects together. It’s a great feeling to be working in a team that you get along with. Some of my teammates I’ve worked with in various studios around the world are now my closest friends. This industry is wonderfully international: both in the sense that you can work in many places around the world, and meet lots of people from around the world in pretty much any studio.

Thank you, Le! Check out her demo reel.

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