VFX for Indies: The Visual Effects Podcast for Filmmakers
For independent filmmakers, navigating the challenges of using visual effects (VFX) can be a daunting task. This visual effects podcast series spotlights independent filmmakers who have dipped their toes (or jumped head-first) into the world of visual effects, and explores their challenges, opportunities, and lessons learned through the process. VFX for Indies is not like other visual effects podcasts. A typical visual effects podcast is overly technical and is generally geared toward VFX professionals. VFX for Indies tries to steer clear of too much technical jargon and instead focuses on the high-level topics that concern all filmmakers. If you’re a filmmaker just getting started with using VFX in your movies, then VFX for Indies is the visual effects podcast for you!
Hosted by Foxtrot X-Ray’s founder and “chief pixel pusher” Paul DeNigris, who brings to the conversation 30 years of experience in both independent filmmaking and visual effects.
The Importance of VFX Pre-Production
In this VFX for Indies short, Paul DeNigris, CEO of Foxtrot X-Ray and host of the VFX for Indies podcast, dives into the essential reasons why VFX should be integrated into the pre-production phase of your project. Learn how early involvement of your VFX team can lead to a clearer vision, identification of challenges, smarter budgeting, efficient use of resources, and an overall smoother production process.
How to Give Notes to Your VFX Team
In this VFX for Indies short, Paul DeNigris, CEO of Foxtrot X-Ray and host of the VFX for Indies podcast, breaks down how to effectively communicate notes to your VFX team. From providing specific, detailed feedback to using visual references, structured notes, and centralized communication platforms, Paul shares valuable tips to streamline your workflow and improve the quality of your visual effects.
How to Set Realistic Expectations for VFX
On this VFX for Indies short, we’re talking about how to set realistic expectations - before shooting - that align with your budget.
VFX Editor Tasks
On this VFX for Indies short, we’re talking about how to manage VFX editorial tasks. On a big budget project, you’ll often see a “VFX editor” listed in the credits, and this person works in the editing department, not the VFX department. In fact, they are the go-between that connects the two departments during the post-production process.
What Does a VFX Supervisor Do?
On this VFX for Indies short, we’re asking the question… What does a VFX Supervisor do? A VFX Supervisor is your go-to person for all things related to visual effects, from pre-production planning all the way to final delivery.
How to Budget Visual Effects
While VFX can certainly be a factor in the ever-increasing budgets of Hollywood productions, smart planning will allow you to use VFX in your project without crushing your bottom line.
Categories of Visual Effects
In this episode of VFX for Indies, Paul DeNigris, CEO of Foxtrot X-Ray, breaks down the various categories of visual effects (VFX) work, debunking common misconceptions along the way.
Visual Effects and Firearms Safety: Towards a New Standard
On March 31, 1993, actor Brandon Lee was shot and killed on the set of the film The Crow after a prop firearm malfunctioned. Now, as the film’s 30th anniversary has passed and a remake is coming soon to theaters, the world is watching as the New Mexico courts litigate a similar tragic on-set shooting, one which claimed the life of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Injuries and deaths due to the use of firearms on-set are ONE HUNDRED PERCENT avoidable.
Indie Filmmaker’s Ace in the Hole: VFX in 'The Last Deal'
Ever wondered about the gritty intricacies of indie filmmaking? We're pulling back the curtain on that world with this engaging chat with the dynamic duo behind the crime thriller, 'The Last Deal'. Editor Ryan Liebert, who has come a long way from self-funded films, shares his journey from no-budget indies to editing a feature with Hollywood icon Nicolas Cage. Then writer-director Jonathan Salemi gives us a walkthrough of how he developed the concept of 'The Last Deal' based upon the resources he had.