455 - Tim Carras - VFX Supervisor Barnstorm VFX "Shogun, Clipped"

The Allan McKay Podcast

VFX Supervisor Tim Carras joins Allan McKay to discuss his work on high-profile projects like "Clipped" and "Shogun". Tim shares insights into the challenges of creating realistic crowds for basketball arenas, crafting flaming arrow effects for period dramas, and the intricacies of on-set VFX supervision. The conversation covers a range of topics, from simulating realistic insect movement to adapting to remote work in the VFX industry. Tim offers valuable perspectives on the evolution of visual effects technology, the importance of networking, and the skills required to navigate complex productions in today's fast-paced entertainment landscape.

Links Mentioned:

Barnstorm VFX: https://www.barnstormvfx.com/

ShotBot App: https://www.shotbot.com/

Tim Carras on Instagram: @wip_for_approval

Memorable Quotes and Interesting Topics:

1. "The only thing more important than your reel is your network."
2. "Sometimes a decisive wrong answer is better than an indecisive right answer."
3. "The McDonald's Principle" - Using a concrete suggestion to spark creative discussion.
4. The counterintuitive difficulty of creating sparse crowds versus packed stadiums.
5. The importance of admitting when you don't know something as a supervisor.
6. The evolution from running a VFX studio to focusing on the creative aspects of supervision.
7. The impact of remote work on the VFX industry and global talent accessibility.
8. The balance between technical accuracy and aesthetic appeal in VFX.
9. The importance of detailed on-set data collection and how it impacts post-production.
10. The transition from student films to professional union sets and respecting specialized roles.
11. The value of understanding multiple disciplines within VFX to communicate effectively with different departments.