In this episode, I chat to VFX Comp Supervisor Ruth Meridjen about the state of the VFX industry in 2024 and the impact of the pandemic on production.

The slow ramp-up of production and the greenlighting of projects are discussed. The future of the industry and the role of AI in filmmaking are examined, with a focus on the limitations and regulations surrounding AI. The importance of storytelling and the need for more unique and diverse stories are emphasized, as well as the need for VFX to support the story rather than overshadow it. The conversation covers topics such as representation in movies and TV shows, attitudes towards AI in the VFX industry, the impact of AI on job security, adapting to changes in Nuke, balancing work and learning, Ruth's journey in the VFX industry, and addressing burnout in the VFX industry.

Takeaways

• The VFX industry has faced challenges due to the pandemic, with a slow ramp-up of production and the greenlighting of projects that may not have been approved in normal circumstances.
• AI has the potential to impact the industry, but regulations and laws are still being developed, and the role of AI in reproducing human artistry is limited.
• The industry should prioritize storytelling and the creation of unique and diverse stories to engage audiences and avoid repetitive content.
• VFX should be a supporting cast member to the story, enhancing it without overshadowing it. There is a need for more diverse and inclusive representation in movies and TV shows.
• Attitudes towards AI in the VFX industry range from excitement to fear of job loss.
• While AI may pose risks to certain jobs in the industry, it is unlikely to completely replace artists.
• Staying updated with software upgrades and new workflows is important in the VFX industry.
• Finding a work-life balance and setting boundaries is crucial to avoid burnout in the industry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage
01:18 The State of the Industry in 2024
04:44 Slow Ramp-up of Production
05:29 The Future of the Industry and AI
07:29 The Role of AI in Filmmaking
09:32 Regulations and Laws around AI
11:15 The Limitations of AI in Reproducing Human Artistry
13:09 The Future of AI and the Flattening Curve of Progress
14:08 The Impact of AI on VFX Processes
15:11 The Quantity vs Quality Dilemma
18:30 Audience Fatigue with Repetitive Content
19:25 VFX as a Supporting Cast Member
20:24 Playing It Safe and Lack of Unique Stories
21:29 The Need for More Diverse Stories
21:33 Representation in Movies and TV Shows
23:08 Attitudes Towards AI in the VFX Industry
25:18 The Impact of AI on Job Security
26:23 Adapting to Changes in Nuke
29:32 Balancing Work and Learning
32:39 Ruth's Journey in the VFX Industry
37:21 Addressing Burnout in the VFX Industry

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Exploitation of VFX Artists - With Senior CG Generalist Mark Woodcock | TVAP EP58

In this episode, I chat to senior CG Generalist Mark Woodcock about the exploitation of Artists in the VFX industry, following his recent and ongoing dispute with IXOR Visual FX.

Mark joins the podcast to enlighten us, for the purpose of informing and educating other artists in order to be aware and avoid similar situations.

We hope you find this episode useful, and would encourage artists to fight and speak out about injustices, to protect other artists from falling into similar issues.

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Disclaimer: The information shared by Mark comes from his recent experience with a Visual Effects studio and includes knowledge gained from former employees of that studio. Whilst he endeavours to provide factual information, he has asked me to specify that some incites such as ex-employees thoughts and a few instances of speculation cannot be 100% verified. His contract payment dispute is still on-going and verifiable which is the focus of the discussion.

00:00 Introduction & Disclaimer
01:17 Mark's story
04:39 The Recruitment Process
07:38 Lack of Communication and Organization
15:37 Payment Issues and Lack of Accountability
17:07 Introduction and Background
17:52 Unresolved Payment Issue
18:36 Impact on Freelancers
19:36 Financial Consequences
21:02 Limited Company and Financial Buffer
22:32 Fear of Speaking Up
23:58 Concerns from Other VFX Companies
24:58 Ownership and Legal Issues
28:43 Cracked Software and Legal Troubles
30:10 False Image and Misrepresentation
31:01 Manipulation of Services Offered
32:23 Poor Quality of Work
33:16 Resolution and Awareness
35:29 Manipulation of Reviews
36:43 Investigation and Glassdoor Reviews
38:29 Prioritizing Job Security
39:21 False Offices and Deterrence
39:50 Lack of Resolution and Communication
40:24 Exploitation in the UK
41:30 Importance of Contracts
43:38 Exploitation in Other Studios
47:25 Working Without Contracts
48:43 Other Sketchy Experiences
51:44 Protecting Artists and Changing the Industry
52:43 Diversifying and Finding Other Opportunities


Watch the full videos
📣Inside VFX Recruitment with Melissa Blakey, Global Head of Talent at Crafty Apes | TVAP EP53 (Part-1)
https://youtu.be/C6n0zndRPDI
📣Inside VFX Recruitment with Melissa Blakey, Global Head of Talent at Crafty Apes | TVAP EP53 (Part-2)
https://youtu.be/BNXNMo32oes

As always, if you liked this episode, please 👍 like, 📝 comment, 📢 subscribe, and 📣 share!

Listen to all episodes on our website
https://www.thevfxartistspodcast.com/

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Subscribe: @TheVFXArtistsPodcast

Listen on 🔊🔊🎧🎧
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The health of the VFX industry in 2024, with foudner of MOTUS Kurt Maclachlan | TVAP EP57

In this episode, I chat to Kurt Maclachlan about the status of the VFX in 2024.

We discuss where things are at currently, what needs to be done for a better future of the VFX industry and more!

00:00 Introduction and Background
02:48 Causes of the Strikes
04:29 Key Concerns for Actors and Writers
04:59 Impact on VFX Artists
06:06 Duration of the Strikes
07:48 Current State of the Industry
08:09 Hiring and Recovery
09:07 Rate Negotiations and Holding the Line
10:06 Outsourcing and Global Rates
12:11 Impact of Strikes on Crew
15:04 Embracing AI and Automation
39:34 Positioning for Graduates
41:29 Improving Courses and Industry Collaboration
42:54 Networking and Job Search Strategies
47:02 Preventing Future Industry Disruptions
52:03 Introduction to Motus and its Mission
55:03 Staying Connected and Informed
57:04 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook


Watch the full videos
📣Inside VFX Recruitment with Melissa Blakey, Global Head of Talent at Crafty Apes | TVAP EP53 (Part-1)
https://youtu.be/C6n0zndRPDI
📣Inside VFX Recruitment with Melissa Blakey, Global Head of Talent at Crafty Apes | TVAP EP53 (Part-2)
https://youtu.be/BNXNMo32oes

As always, if you liked this episode, please 👍 like, 📝 comment, 📢 subscribe, and 📣 share!

Listen to all episodes on our website
https://www.thevfxartistspodcast.com/

Follow Us 👍👍📌📌
◉ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thevfxartistspodcast
◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevfxartistspodcast/
◉ Twitter: https://twitter.com/vfxartistspod
◉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-vfx-artists-podcast/

Subscribe: @TheVFXArtistsPodcast

Listen on 🔊🔊🎧🎧
◉ Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3NSllZG
◉ Amazon Misuc: https://amzn.to/3UrOrSn
◉ Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3fWyuog
◉ Stitcher: https://bit.ly/3EjHUmY

#thevfxartistspodcast #vfxpodcast #vfxindustry #writersstrike

Thumbnails copyright to GQ Magazine - https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/hollywood-vfx-industry-breaking-point

You can watch all our episodes on our YouTube channel.

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• Visit our website

Thank you for your support! We appreciate you!