Description

00:00 - Introduction to Visual Effects and Journey Recap

06:26 - Understanding VFX Roles and Responsibilities

11:42 - Transitioning to Leadership in VFX

15:19 - Key Skills for a Visual Effects Supervisor

22:18 - Observational Skills in Visual Effects

24:12 - Experiences with Different VFX Supervisors

26:47 - Reflections on Personal Growth and Leadership

29:09 - Essential Skills for a VFX Supervisor

30:31 - Problem Solving in Visual Effects

35:30 - The Importance of Collaboration

36:28 - Working with Directors

39:08 - Unexpected Creative Directions

41:15 - Fostering Collaboration Across Departments

43:08 - Building Trust with Creative Teams

47:09 - Exceptional Outcomes from Collaboration

49:52 - Advice for New Directors

52:29 - Misconceptions About Visual Effects

54:38 - The VFX Supervisor and Producer Partnership

56:53 - The Role of Visual Effects in Production

57:02 - Workflow from Concept to Delivery

01:03:33 - Challenges in Post-Production

01:06:29 - Embracing AI in Visual Effects

01:10:05 - Staying Calm Under Pressure

01:13:43 - Lessons from Failed Projects

01:16:09 - Transitioning from DJ to Visual Effects

01:20:22 - The Importance of Mentorship

01:24:39 - Preparing for Leadership in Visual Effects

01:25:58 - Imagining Changes in Iconic Characters

01:28:58 - The Rewarding Role of Visual Effects Supervisors

👀 WHO SHOULD LISTEN?

✅ Aspiring and current VFX supervisors

✅ Artists trying to understand “the other side”

✅ Directors who want to collaborate better with VFX

✅ Production leaders aiming to improve morale without losing control

✅ Anyone curious how a Star Wars superfan ended up making Star Wars

📌 KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. The Unlikely Journey: DJ to VFX Supervisor Julian’s first career was in music, touring the world as a successful DJ and record producer. But when the gigs dried up, he pivoted — and started again from scratch in visual effects. What followed was a rise from junior artist to ILM supervisor on Star Wars, Marvel, and more.
2. Leadership Isn’t a Promotion — It’s a Responsibility Julian shares the honest truth about supervising: it’s less about control, and more about protection. Protecting your artists, your schedule, and your relationships. His golden rule? “Never punch down.”
3. Making the Call — Even When It’s Tough From supervising a scene for Rogue One with Steven Spielberg looking over his shoulder to leading the team on The Acolyte, Julian reveals how problem-solving under pressure becomes second nature — and why being adaptable is the most underrated superpower in VFX.
4. Artist First, Always Julian doesn’t just give notes. He mentors, uplifts, and makes space for others. From calling out quiet brilliance in dailies to explaining why artists should see the mistakes when things don’t work — this episode is a masterclass in people-first supervision.

🧠 BIG IDEAS TO REMEMBER

• You don’t need to reinvent the wheel — just roll it better.
• Trust is everything — and you earn it by listening.
• Artists do their best work when they feel seen.
• Collaboration starts before the first shot is filmed.
• Not all heroes wear mocap suits — some just carry spreadsheets and empathy.

🔗 MENTIONED TOOLS & CONCEPTS

• Machine Learning for Face Replacement
• Matchmoving, Modeling, Texturing, and LookDev
• Dailies & Feedback Culture
• On-Set Supervision
• ILM’s Visual Effects Pipeline
• Jedi Wisdom (and Jar Jar redemption?)

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