VFX for Indies

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Get ready for an intriguing conversation with the celebrated writer and director, Paul Osborne. As we traverse his professional journey, we find ourselves in the heart of indie filmmaking, where passion meets creativity on a budget. Learn how Paul transitioned from the production department and carved his own path in the world of independent crime thrillers. Listen as we explore the making of his films like the dark comedy Fluorescent Beast and the recent Cruel Hearts. You'll also get an insider's view on the critical role of visual effects and digital technology in amplifying the storytelling of indie films.
We further delve into the practicalities of realizing stunning special effects within financial constraints and how the magic of visual effects enriches rather than replaces the work of special effects artists. The conversation gets even more riveting as we dissect Paul's latest film, Fluorescent Beast, delving into its unique plot and the intricacies involved in creating special effects with burning elements on set. Discover how every effect is painstakingly planned and executed to maintain the visual consistency and authenticity of every scene.
Finally, Paul spills the beans on the intricate task of crafting a realistic, yet not-quite-human character for Florescent Beast. He opens up about the complexities of digitally replacing an original painting, emphasizing the importance of meticulous pre-planning with the visual effects artist. We also touch upon the challenges of disseminating independent films in the era of streaming services. So, buckle up for a fascinating exploration into the world of indie filmmaking and the art of visual effects, where every frame is a canvas and every effect, a brushstroke. Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker or a cinema enthusiast, this conversation with Paul Osborne promises to be an enlightening and engaging experience. Don't miss out!

Hosted by Foxtrot X-Ray’s founder and “chief pixel pusher” Paul DeNigris, who brings to the conversation 25 years of experience in both independent filmmaking and visual effects, as well as 20 years of experience in teaching all aspects of digital filmmaking at the university level.
For episodes, transcripts, and more, visit http://vfxforindies.com
For more information about what Foxtrot X-Ray can do for your film, visit https://foxtrotxray.com

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Guess who's hopping on the mic this time? It's JR Strickland, a visual effects supervisor and director who has made a name for himself in the hip-hop music video scene. Not your run-of-the-mill journey to success, JR Strickland hustled his way into the VFX world, rubbing elbows with big names like Ariana Grande. Join us as he takes us down memory lane, from being a starry-eyed kid in Chicago suburbs to a key player in the music video business and his initial fixation with visual effects.
We're not just talking past and present here. JR Strickland also shares some invaluable lessons in visual effects and the art of client collaboration. We peel back the layers of his experiences, from being a PA to a VFX supervisor, underscoring the essence of passion, commitment, and understanding in this field. We also dive into the delicate balance between preparing for opportunities and grabbing them, as well as the significance of receiving and comprehending feedback.
But it doesn't end there! Get ready to explore the world of visual effects in hip-hop music videos, the role of real-world references in VFX, and how to get the most bang for your buck in VFX. We do a deep dive into the creation of the 'Kobe With the Fro' music video, revealing the techniques employed and the critical role of collaboration in the process. Ready to inspire your inner visual effects artist? This episode is your launching pad. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, this episode is a goldmine of insights that you don't want to miss.
Nocturnal Effects website https://nocturnaloperations.com/vfx
'A-Minor' http://aminormovie.com/
Buddy 'Find Me' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWTNbDkalAQ
Cal Scruby 'Kobe with the Fro' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qv5kEDlZM-g
Big Sean 'ZTFO' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4Dy-czTjAc

Hosted by Foxtrot X-Ray’s founder and “chief pixel pusher” Paul DeNigris, who brings to the conversation 25 years of experience in both independent filmmaking and visual effects, as well as 20 years of experience in teaching all aspects of digital filmmaking at the university level.
For episodes, transcripts, and more, visit http://vfxforindies.com
For more information about what Foxtrot X-Ray can do for your film, visit https://foxtrotxray.com

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Today we're pulling back the curtain on the world of indie filmmaking with our special guests, Scott and Jeremy, the innovative masterminds behind the sci-fi action comedy, Max Reload and the Nether Blasters. Embark with us on a journey that takes us from the spark of an idea for a small indie sci-fi film for Comic-Con, to the successful production of their own short film. Scott and Jeremy's passion and dedication to their craft is palpable throughout our conversation, as they reveal their unique approach to film development, their love for geeky cinema and how they have shaken up the firearms industry with their work.
Scott and Jeremy are not just filmmakers, but dreamers, and their audaciousness is evident as they discuss the ambitious project that is Max Reload. They brought together a skilled team of technicians, craftsmen, artists, and even collaborated with a London-based animator to create breathtaking pixel art sequences for the film. We explore their creative process, including their approach to animation and visual effects, how they've overcome challenges and tackled difficult transitions, and how they drew inspiration from 80s classics like Ghostbusters and Last Starfighter.
Our guests also open up about the invaluable lessons they've learned along their journey and how these experiences have shaped their future endeavors. They share insightful advice for aspiring filmmakers, particularly those interested in visual effects, emphasizing the importance of planning, openness to collaboration, and flexibility. From the development of the nether creature visuals, the creation of a realistic puppet, to the consistent look of the nether possessed characters, Scott and Jeremy have managed to masterfully navigate the challenges of indie filmmaking. Join us for this captivating conversation and let's together discover the inspiring world of indie filmmaking.
Offensive Marketing Group: https://www.offensivegroup.com/
Max Reload website: http://www.cineforgemedia.com/maxreloadmovie.html
More Max Reload: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLk8FNZ40x8GR4bLgAQVRkVEZnVTMmhh9t
Show No Mercy: https://youtu.be/opTYJ6IRitw?si=0GTMKvcgcQVjt8He

Hosted by Foxtrot X-Ray’s founder and “chief pixel pusher” Paul DeNigris, who brings to the conversation 25 years of experience in both independent filmmaking and visual effects, as well as 20 years of experience in teaching all aspects of digital filmmaking at the university level.
For episodes, transcripts, and more, visit http://vfxforindies.com
For more information about what Foxtrot X-Ray can do for your film, visit https://foxtrotxray.com

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Join us as we pull back the curtain on the world of filmmaking, with the talented writer-producer duo, Joe Russo and Chris LaMont, as our guides. Imagine sharing a space with the pioneers behind the Bruce Willis action movie, Hard Kill and the spine-chilling Netflix horror, The Inheritance. The journey gets even more exciting as we traverse their career paths, delve into their successful partnership, and unravel the process that led them to triumph on the Blood List, a compilation of the year's best horror scripts, no less. It's a raw, unfiltered glimpse into Joe's transformation from a development executive to a creator, their on-set experiences, and much more.
Now, hold your breath as we switch gears and immerse ourselves in the world of visual effects. Like the pieces of a puzzle fitting seamlessly, Joe and Chris dissect the VFX process in their recent movie, The Au Pair Nightmare, and the subtle yet crucial role these effects play in the overall narrative. The duo underscores the importance of meticulous planning, the joy, and rigors of non-union production, and how seemingly small details could enhance or mar the visual story. Yes, we are talking about transforming a storefront for a film and the grueling task of cleanup VFX, with not just insights, but anecdotes from their personal experiences.
In the final leg of this riveting journey, we delve deeper into the role of visual effects supervisors, especially in horror films. Beyond the clapperboard, Joe and Chris impart valuable lessons from their experience on the anthology series Nightmare Cinema. The duo underscores the importance of early engagement with VFX supervisors, the significance of staying within budget constraints, and the potential of AI in visual effects. Furthermore, they highlight the importance of a symbiotic relationship between directors and VFX artists, bringing home the point that when this collaboration works, it's magic on screen. Prepare to be educated, entertained, and enlightened!
Take-Out: https://vimeo.com/9734622
The Au Pair Nightmare: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.ceb90f89-5071-2a61-89ff-83f097c0b800?autoplay=0&ref_=atv_cf_strg_wb
Midnight Clear: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXQhzY9fgY0
Nightmare Cinema: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.acb560ef-be74-2da5-6e85-d46fa3b3880a?ref=imdb_web&autoplay=1&ref_=imdbref_tt_wbr_fdv&tag=imdbtag_tt_wbr_fdv-20
Hard Kill: https://www.netflix.com/title/81306216

Hosted by Foxtrot X-Ray’s founder and “chief pixel pusher” Paul DeNigris, who brings to the conversation 25 years of experience in both independent filmmaking and visual effects, as well as 20 years of experience in teaching all aspects of digital filmmaking at the university level.
For episodes, transcripts, and more, visit http://vfxforindies.com
For more information about what Foxtrot X-Ray can do for your film, visit https://foxtrotxray.com

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Get ready to dive into the world of indie film with our guest, Robyn August. Robyn is the director of the darkly comedic slasher film 'Kill Her', and in our conversation, he pulls back the curtain on the steps he took to bring this film to life. We explore his unconventional start in the industry, the inspiration he drew from Mark Duplass' SXSW keynote speech, and how he turned the tables on the classic slasher film setup. Robyn also shares his experiences in creating his first feature 'Party With Me' and the unexpected twists that took 'Kill Her' on its unique path.
Shining a spotlight on the technical side of filmmaking, Robyn delves into the importance of practical effects and how VFX can enhance a scene. He discusses some of the challenges he encountered, such as working with a real head for a scene involving a head crush, and how he had to adapt when things didn't go as planned. But beyond the challenges, Robyn also shares the joy that comes from being part of the creative process, from planning shots to seeing the final product. He also emphasizes the importance of understanding each department's role on a film set to work more collaboratively and successfully.
It's not all about the technicalities, though. Robyn shares his thoughts on the importance of enjoying the filmmaking process and viewing it as a privilege. He talks about how crucial it is to remember to have fun, despite the pressures of deadlines and the quest for perfection. We also get into the nitty-gritty of indie film distribution, the struggle of getting a small movie out there, and Robyn's future projects. So tune in, whether you're an aspiring filmmaker or an indie film enthusiast, for some valuable insights and a whole lot of passion for the art of filmmaking.
KillHer Official Trailer: https://youtu.be/67PfI_vyFt0?si=WkFvvfk0NebOMu8K
Robyn August's website: http://robynaugust.com/

Hosted by Foxtrot X-Ray’s founder and “chief pixel pusher” Paul DeNigris, who brings to the conversation 25 years of experience in both independent filmmaking and visual effects, as well as 20 years of experience in teaching all aspects of digital filmmaking at the university level.
For episodes, transcripts, and more, visit http://vfxforindies.com
For more information about what Foxtrot X-Ray can do for your film, visit https://foxtrotxray.com