THE VFX SCRIPT

In this episode of the VFX Script Podcast, host Kurt Maclachlan sits down with Emmy nominated VFX supervisor Kevin Lingenfelser for a wide-ranging conversation about his remarkable three-decade career in visual effects. From his earliest inspirations watching groundbreaking films like Star Wars and Alien to supervising complex visual effects on major film and television productions, Kevin reflects on the experiences, technologies, and creative partnerships that have shaped his journey in the industry.
How did Kevin’s passion for visual effects evolve into a career spanning some of Hollywood’s most ambitious productions? He shares stories from his early artistic training at the Joe Kubert School before taking listeners behind the scenes of his years at Digital Domain. Kevin discusses his work on films such as I, Robot and Pirates of the Caribbean, exploring the challenges of creating believable digital characters, integrating visual effects seamlessly with live-action footage, and adapting to the rapid technological advancements that transformed the industry during this period.

What drew Kevin from feature films into the fast-paced world of television visual effects? He discusses supervising VFX for the Resident Evil series, where tight schedules and budgets demanded creative problem-solving and efficient collaboration to deliver cinematic-quality results. Kevin also reflects on his recent work as VFX supervisor on Man on Fire, offering insights into managing large-scale productions while maintaining a strong creative vision from concept through final delivery.
The two also examine AI's impact on visual effects, the need for adaptability, and the rising pressures on artists. They conclude by highlighting the vital role of collaboration, mentorship, and curiosity in balancing technological shifts with creative storytelling. So, as visual effects continue to evolve at an unprecedented pace, how can artists balance technological innovation with the creative passion that remains at the heart of great storytelling?

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In this episode of Mota’s Creative Partner Spotlight, hosts Eric Kohler and Shauna Bryan sit down with Dave Zeevalk, founder and CEO of Mosaic Studios, to explore how innovation, flexibility, and cloud-native technology are reshaping the VFX industry. Dave shares the story behind launching Mosaic Studios, a boutique visual effects company designed to meet the evolving demands of modern productions through a highly agile, tech-forward approach that prioritizes both creative quality and operational efficiency.
How did Mosaic Studios leverage a cloud-native workflow to deliver large-scale VFX projects under intense deadlines? Dave discusses the studio’s recent achievement of completing more than 1,700 VFX shots across two major prime-time television series, ‘Ripley’ and ‘The Lincoln Lawyer,’ within just six months. He details the creative and logistical hurdles of ‘Ripley,’ explaining how Mosaic’s scalable, remote setup allowed for rapid resource adjustment and streamlined collaboration to hit strict deadlines. Their work earned an Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Visual Effects, recognising the studio’s technical innovation and artistic excellence.
What makes Mosaic Studios’ client-first philosophy stand out in a competitive VFX landscape? Dave stresses that Mosaic prioritises creative partnerships with filmmakers and post teams. Through transparent communication and a cloud-based pipeline, the boutique studio provides a responsive, personalised experience that scales efficiently to meet client needs.
The three then reflect on the growing demand for adaptable production models, the increasing importance of remote collaboration, and the ways technology is changing how visual effects teams operate. So, as the industry evolves, how can VFX studios truly embrace innovation to better serve the stories of tomorrow?

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Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-vfx-script/id1774289037

In this episode of The VFX Script Podcast, Kurt Maclachlan sits down with Amber Ducker, co-founder and head of production at JFX, to unpack her unconventional journey into the world of visual effects and the experiences that shaped her career. Her story sets the tone for a conversation rooted in resilience, curiosity, and a deep passion for visual storytelling.
How did Amber’s time at Jellyfish Pictures shape her leadership style and approach to production? Amber discusses her years at Jellyfish Pictures, where she developed her skills and progressed through the ranks while contributing to a range of high-profile projects. She reflects on the studio’s collaborative culture and the impact of its eventual closure, describing how that period strengthened her adaptability and informed her perspective on team leadership, communication, and navigating uncertainty in a volatile industry.
What led to the creation of GFX, and how did the founding team bring their vision to life? The conversation explores how Amber and a group of former colleagues came together to launch GFX, driven by a shared desire to build a studio grounded in trust, creativity, and strong working relationships. Amber also explains how their partnership with Troubadour has supported GFX’s growth, enabling them to balance creative independence with strategic backing.
How does GFX balance creative ambition with the financial realities of modern VFX production? Amber offers insight into the constant negotiation between artistic goals and budget constraints, highlighting the importance of transparency and open dialogue with clients. She explains how setting clear expectations from the outset allows for more effective collaboration and problem-solving.
So, as the industry continues to evolve, what kind of support, transparency, and opportunities do you think are needed to build a more sustainable future in VFX—for both established professionals and those just starting out?
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In this episode of The VFX Script Podcast, host Kurt Maclachlan sits down with Nancy Ward (VES Executive Director) and Kim Davidson (VES Global Chair and SideFX CEO) to explore the history, evolution, and global influence of the Visual Effects Society.
The conversation traces the organisation’s journey from its founding in 1997 to its current role as a leading international community with members across more than 40 countries. Nancy and Kim reflect on how the VES has grown alongside the industry, expanding regional sections worldwide while adapting to new ways of collaborating across borders.How has the VES evolved to meet the changing needs of visual effects professionals?
Nancy and Kim discuss the society’s educational resources, including masterclasses, webinars, and the VES Handbook of Visual Effects, and explain how these initiatives support artists and technologists at every stage of their careers. They also highlight outreach programs, mentorship opportunities, and scholarships that help nurture emerging talent and strengthen the pipeline for future generations. What role does community play in advancing the industry? The discussion turns to the VES’s broader mission of connection and recognition, from networking events and screenings to the annual VES Awards, which celebrate excellence across film, television, and new media.
Nancy and Kim share behind-the-scenes insights into the organization’s collaborative culture, the dedication of its volunteers, and the value of building lasting professional relationships within the field.Throughout the episode, the conversation also addresses the VES’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with initiatives aimed at amplifying underrepresented voices and fostering a welcoming, supportive environment for all members. Personal stories from Nancy and Kim underscore the importance of mentorship, teamwork, and recognition in shaping careers and sustaining creativity.
After listening, how do you see global collaboration and community shaping the future of visual effects?
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In this episode of The VFX Script Podcast, host Kurt Maclachlan sits down with Ben Lock, a highly respected producer and executive producer whose impressive career spans some of the most influential studios in the industry, including Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Aardman Animations, Framestore, and most recently, Moon Valley. The conversation explores Ben’s unique journey, from early programming and sound engineering to his current VFX leadership. Ben explains how his technical foundation aided complex VFX challenges and how his passion for storytelling led him to produce major projects.
How did Ben Locke’s diverse experience shape his approach to visual effects? Ben shares fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from his work on acclaimed films such as "Pirate Band of Misfits" and "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." He explains how each project presented its own set of creative and technical hurdles, from pioneering new stop-motion techniques at Aardman to managing massive teams and intricate digital pipelines at ILM.
What role does artificial intelligence play in the future of filmmaking, according to Ben? The discussion turns to the rapidly evolving landscape of AI and its impact on the visual effects industry. Ben offers thoughtful insights into how AI-driven tools are beginning to automate repetitive tasks, enhance creative decision-making, and open up new possibilities for artists. He addresses both the excitement and the concerns surrounding AI, stressing that while technology can streamline workflows and reduce costs, it should ultimately serve to empower human creativity rather than replace it. Ben predicts that as AI continues to mature, it will become an indispensable part of the VFX toolkit, enabling artists to focus more on storytelling and innovation.
How does Ben view the importance of creative collaboration and technology in storytelling? Ben stresses that teamwork and open communication among artists, engineers, and directors are vital for ambitious VFX, leading to inventive solutions and richer narratives. He notes that new technology expands storytelling, making previously impossible visualisations achievable.
Throughout the episode, Ben offers a rare glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of a VFX leader. He encourages aspiring VFX professionals to embrace both the artistic and technical sides of the craft, as the future of the industry will depend on those who can bridge the gap between creativity and innovation. So after listening, how do you think the craft of visual effects will evolve in the next decade? How can we bridge authentic creativity and artificial intelligence without going too far?

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