B-corp and sustainability in VFX, with Robin Chowdhury, COO of Dupe VFX | TVAP S2, EP1

12/17/24 • 26 min

B-corp and sustainability in VFX, with Robin Chowdhury, COO of Dupe VFX | TVAP S2, EP1
Join us for an insightful discussion on what it means to be sustainable in post production. B Corp Certification is a designation that a business is meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials.
It was great speaking with Robin, COO of Dupe VFX about how he worked towards making their studio the first B Corp certified VFX company, the considerations for any studio wanting to pursue this and the ongoing commitment.
📌Takeaways

Sustainability in VFX is often overlooked but essential.
Becoming a B-Corp involves a rigorous assessment process.
New companies may find it easier to implement sustainable practices from the start.
Established companies face challenges in changing existing processes.
Data tracking is crucial for measuring sustainability efforts.
Community engagement can enhance a company's sustainability profile.
B-Corp certification is a benchmark, not a guarantee of perfection.
Internal communication is key to understanding sustainability goals.
Volunteering initiatives can foster community ties.
The industry is gradually moving towards more sustainable practices.
You can get in touch with Robin via LinkedIn or via [email protected]
📌Below are some useful links to find out more.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22155.Let_My_People_Go_Surfing
https://www.bemorepirate.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BY_AEvvFQ9U (What is a B Corp)
https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/programs-and-tools/b-impact-assessment/https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/
https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/certification/
📌Chapters
00:00 Introduction to VFX and Sustainability
01:40 Journey to B-Corp Certification
04:21 Challenges for Established Studios
07:19 Sustainability in Practice
10:28 Balancing Business and Sustainability
12:10 Embedding Sustainability in Operations
14:46 Encouraging Industry-Wide Change
16:03 Understanding B-Corp Challenges
18:41 Community Engagement and Volunteering
23:18 Recommendations for VFX Artists
Watch all episodes on our YouTube Channel
Visit our website

Thank you for your support!

Sustainability in VFX is often overlooked but essential.
Becoming a B-Corp involves a rigorous assessment process.
New companies may find it easier to implement sustainable practices from the start.
Established companies face challenges in changing existing processes.
Data tracking is crucial for measuring sustainability efforts.
Community engagement can enhance a company's sustainability profile.
B-Corp certification is a benchmark, not a guarantee of perfection.
Internal communication is key to understanding sustainability goals.
Volunteering initiatives can foster community ties.
The industry is gradually moving towards more sustainable practices.
You can get in touch with Robin via LinkedIn or via [email protected]
📌Below are some useful links to find out more.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22155.Let_My_People_Go_Surfing
https://www.bemorepirate.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BY_AEvvFQ9U (What is a B Corp)
https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/programs-and-tools/b-impact-assessment/https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/
https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/certification/
📌Chapters
00:00 Introduction to VFX and Sustainability
01:40 Journey to B-Corp Certification
04:21 Challenges for Established Studios
07:19 Sustainability in Practice
10:28 Balancing Business and Sustainability
12:10 Embedding Sustainability in Operations
14:46 Encouraging Industry-Wide Change
16:03 Understanding B-Corp Challenges
18:41 Community Engagement and Volunteering
23:18 Recommendations for VFX Artists
Watch all episodes on our YouTube Channel
Visit our website

Thank you for your support!

Previous Episode

The Power of Real-Time Tools in Visualisation, with Richard Clarke, Head of Visualisation at Cinesite | TVAP EP60

In this conversation, Kofi interviews Richard Clark, the head of visualisation and VFX supervisor at Cinesite, to discuss the role of visualisation in the industry. We explore the origins and evolution of visualisation, the use of real-time tools like Unreal Engine, and the impact of virtual production.
Richard emphasizes the importance of quick workflows and the ability to think visually in the visualisation process. He also highlights the trend of studios taking back pre-production work and the potential for students to enter the industry through visualisation.
Richard suggests exploring other areas of VFX, such as medical visualisation and motion graphics, to start earning and learning. He advises patience and mentions that the industry is slowly recovering from the effects of the strike.
Richard shares his journey into the VFX industry, starting with his early interest in computer art and his experience working on various films. He discusses the potential impact of AI on the industry, noting that while AI has the potential to automate certain tasks, it may not replace the creativity and expertise of artists.
Takeaways
- Visualisation is a quick way of seeing and planning what a sequence or shot will look like before it is filmed or created.
- Real-time tools like Unreal Engine have revolutionized visualisation by allowing for faster and more efficient workflows.
- Visualisation departments in studios offer an end-to-end solution and allow for more flexibility and collaboration in the production process.
- Students interested in entering the industry can explore visualisation in areas like architectural visualisation or working with companies that contract with the Ministry of Defense.
- The industry is currently experiencing a slowdown, but there is potential for a surge in demand once production ramps up again. Explore other areas of VFX, such as medical visualisation and motion graphics, to start earning and learning.
- Be patient as the industry recovers from the effects of the strike.
Motion graphics is still in demand and can be a good career path for 2D artists.
- Richard shares his journey into the VFX industry, starting with his early interest in computer art and his experience working on various films.
- While AI has the potential to automate certain tasks, it may not replace the creativity and expertise of artists.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:49 The Use Cases and Need for Visualisation
07:07 The Evolution of Visualisation Tools
10:58 Post-Vis and Tech-Vis
28:30 The Future of Visualisation and the Role of Generalists
34:22 Challenges in the VFX Industry
38:56 Richard's Journey into the VFX Industry
46:18 Exploring Opportunities in Other Areas
51:50 The Potential Impact of AI in VFX