461 - Jason Smith - Rings of Power - VFX Supervisor

In this episode, Allan McKay sits down with Jason Smith, Senior Visual Effects Supervisor for Rings of Power and longtime ILM veteran, to delve into his fascinating career journey and creative process in the world of visual effects.

Jason shares his story, from early passions for creature design and practical effects to an unplanned but impactful transition to CG and computer graphics. They explore the unique blend of technical and artistic skills required in VFX, including Jason’s early work developing rigging software at ILM, and how these technical foundations have shaped his approach to supervising complex, high-stakes projects like The Revenant and Rings of Power.

The conversation dives into the importance of storytelling, communication, and collaboration, as well as the evolving challenges in VFX, such as adapting to new technology and achieving the director’s vision on both large and small budgets. Jason offers valuable insights for aspiring VFX artists and supervisors, sharing how flexibility, perseverance, and creative problem-solving have been critical throughout his career.

This is an essential listen for anyone passionate about VFX, storytelling, and the intersection of art and technology in blockbuster productions.

Topics Covered

• Jason Smith's background and career path in visual effects
• The importance of storytelling in visual effects
• Developing rigging software and technical skills in VFX
• The role of communication and collaboration with directors and teams
• Managing creative and budgetary constraints on large and small projects
• Techniques for achieving forced perspective and scale effects in Rings of Power
• Challenges and rewards of working on high-budget productions and indie projects
• Advice for young artists entering the VFX industry
• Reflections on the VFX community’s adaptability during COVID

Highlights

• “You’re telling stories, not just producing pixels. That’s where the magic happens.”
• “The path isn’t linear; the universe has a way of using every skill you pick up.”
• “Working within limitations is where some of the most innovative ideas come from.”
• “When I came to ILM, I wanted to work on creatures, and here I am still working with creatures decades later on Rings of Power.”
• “The relationships you build with directors and teams – that’s what makes you a trusted collaborator in this industry.”

Resources

• The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
• Industrial Light & Magic (ILM)
• Weta Digital
• The Revenant
• The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
• Legacy Effects