Productions of all sizes and budgets are now using Visual Effects, but there’s a knowledge gap around Virtual Production and its offerings. With support from the MediaCity Immersive Technologies Innovation Hub, we have developed a tool that aims to assist any project, whether a CGI film, Games Cinematic or TV series. The aim is to make Virtual Production accessible and affordable across all budgets.
Tag: TV Production
New Episodic Reel
We’re excited to share our latest episodic reel, showcasing the incredible VFX work crafted by our talented team!
Special thanks to all of our wonderful clients for letting us work our magic on such amazing projects.
REALTIMERS: James Coore, VFX Supervisor
Name & job title:
James Coore VFX Supervisor
Where do you fit in?
Try To artistically, technically, and logistically figure out how to create high quality VFX that helps to realise the ideas of the Director/Showrunner, Execs and Client Side VFX Supervisor for a production, within the confines of the studio. With regards to both personnel and other resources.
How did you get your start in the industry?
Told Gorillaz co-creator Jamie Hewlett I knew everything he needed to add CG to his studio Zombie Flesh Eaters. Then proceeded to launch the department and make Gorillaz marketing materials and then add shots on the videos which were predominantly made by Passion Pictures. 3 or 4 years into my career really, but probably a more interesting story.
Alternatively, working at a dotcom start up called Gameplay. Which was an online game portal, making CG stings and animations for various campaigns and helping develop an animation television start up.
Your superpower?
Instinctively knowing why something is crap, while also breaking it down bit by bit by looking at each turd one by one. And you must know when you are simply polishing a turd and you just can’t transform it.
What inspires you on the day-to-day?
Being alive and passing time.
My desert island film / TV show / animation / game /artform / piece of artwork is:
Barry Lyndon, The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, Back to the Future 1 and 2, 12 Monkeys, Iron Giant, Golden Eye.
Your soundtrack whilst working:
Depends what’s happening… Painting or lighting or something then 90’s HIP HOP. Coding total silence! Planning and tinkering, TV…
If you could work with anyone who?
Hieronymus Bosch or Moebius – Who knows what I would do though!
If not this, then what?
Do something a bit more worldly, build offshore windfarms or something.
People would be surprised that…
One of my brothers is a priest and he lives in a castle.
Advice you’d give yourself if you were just starting out?
Don’t worry if you are learning and surrounded by fast smart people who show immediate aptitude.
Getting along in the industry is much more about accumulative knowledge, applied wisdom, attention to detail and getting along with people. None of which require a particularly high IQ.
But you must be honest with yourself about the skills you have and do not have.
Doctor Who 60th Anniversary Special ‘Wild Blue Yonder’ Premieres on BBC
The second special of Doctor Who’s 60th Anniversary special, ‘Wild Blue Yonder’ had its UK premiere on BBC One this weekend! As huge fans of the show, we are so excited to have joined forces with Bad Wolf and BBC Studios on the epic second special.
Wild Blue Yonder, is now streaming on BBC iPlayer in the UK and Disney+ in the rest of the world.
REALTIMERS: Lizzie Horsburgh, Studio Production Director
Name & job title:
Lizzie, Studio Production Director
Where do you fit in?
Somewhere between the cool cats on rooftop bars until the wee hours of the morning, and the nerds queuing up to watch the latest comic book adaptation.
How did you get your start in the industry?
I worked as a runner on a Manic Street Preachers video.
Your superpower?
Spinning multiple plates at the same time, and having a mostly reliable photographic memory.
What inspires you day-to-day?
Making my parents proud, being a role model for my daughter, and proving everyone who said doing a Film Studies degree at university was a stupid mistake, wrong.
My desert island film would be:
True Romance and my tv show would be a toss-up between The US Office or guilty pleasure Real Housewives of Beverly Hills!
My soundtrack whilst working is:
“Ibiza Beach Club” playlists on Spotify – primarily because they’re easy to listen to background tunes, but also because who doesn’t want to imagine drinking champagne on a cabana bed in Ibiza whilst battling with an Excel spreadsheet!
If you could work with anyone who?
Bill Nighy – although my childhood obsession was Jerry Bruckheimer!
If not this, then what?
I would love to be a high-profile event planner because I love themed parties, crafting bespoke décor, and organising the perfect night that everyone can enjoy.
Why REALTIME?
I like the fact that I have flexibility to work from home and pick my daughter up from nursery, or wear pyjama bottoms to a meeting if I’m feeling bloated. I like how friendly and welcoming everyone is. I like going into the Manchester office to see everyone, collaborate in a fun, light and airy space, and the bars around the studio are great too.
People would be surprised to know that…
I can’t ride a bike, and my go-to cosplay is The Valkyrie from Thor.
Advice I’d give myself if I were just starting out?
Think more about what you’re going to say and how others might perceive that message, but equally don’t hold back if you have an opinion as everyone’s voice has a right to be heard. Ultimately, there’s a right place and a right time for everything – just learn how to read the room.