The Allan McKay Podcast Emmy Award Winner | Speaker | Mentor | Visual Effects Expert

In this episode of the Allan McKay Podcast, Allan sits down with VFX Supervisor Chad Wanstreet for an engaging discussion about Chad's experiences in the visual effects industry. They dive into Chad's transition from vendor-side to client-side VFX supervision, his work on the TV shows SWAT and Kill the Orange-Faced Bear (KTOFB), and the tools and techniques he employs on set.
Chad shares insights into the challenges of creating photorealistic talking bears for KTOFB and the emotional journey following the show's cancellation. The conversation also touches on the future of KTOFB as a potential video game and the collaborative nature of working with directors and writers to bring their vision to life while managing budgets and technical limitations.
Key Takeaways:
Transitioning from vendor-side to client-side VFX supervision requires adapting to new responsibilities, such as working closely with directors, DPs, and editors to guide the storytelling process. Creating photorealistic talking bears for KTOFB presented unique challenges, including managing the creative appetite of the showrunner while staying within budget and tackling unconventional shots. Effective collaboration between VFX supervisors and producers is crucial, with the best producers being both organizationally skilled and creatively involved. Practical effects and stunts can be invaluable references for VFX work, even if the final shot requires extensive CG enhancements. VFX supervisors must be adaptable and context-specific when capturing data on set, using a combination of cameras, LiDAR scans, and photogrammetry to obtain the necessary information for their work. Despite the cancellation of KTOFB, the IP remains important to Chad and the showrunner, leading them to explore new avenues such as developing a video game based on the concept. Building strong relationships with directors and writers is essential for VFX supervisors to successfully manage the creative vision of a project while navigating technical limitations and budgetary constraints.

EPISODE 450 - THE SYMPATHIZER - CHAD WANSTREET - VFX SUPERVISOR
In this episode, Allan McKay interviews VFX Supervisor Chad Wanstreet about:
His role as VFX Supervisor on the highly anticipated series The Sympathizer, an adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel; Collaborating closely with visionary director Park Chan-wook to bring his unique vision to life; The extensive previs and planning process that went into executing the show's complex VFX sequences; Overcoming the challenges of creating digital doubles and face replacements for Robert Downey Jr.'s multiple characters; Ensuring geographical and historical accuracy while shooting on location in Thailand and Vietnam; Making confident, split-second VFX decisions on set to keep production moving forward; Lessons learned from his experience on other shows like S.W.A.T., Dollface, and Sweet Tooth; Practical advice for up-and-coming VFX artists looking to break into the industry; And so much more! If you enjoyed this episode, Allan would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to share it with others who might find it valuable. Your support means the world to him!
Listeners are invited to dive into this fascinating conversation with Chad Wanstreet and discover the behind-the-scenes secrets of creating high-end VFX for a prestige series like The Sympathizer.

In this episode of the podcast, Allan McKay sits down with Olivio Sarikas, a renowned AI expert and YouTuber, to dive deep into the world of AI image generation. Olivio shares his extensive knowledge and experience working with various AI tools, providing valuable insights for both beginners and advanced users. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, from getting started with AI image generation to exploring the latest advancements in the field. Olivio offers practical advice on navigating the learning curve, finding the right tools, and unleashing your creativity with AI. He also discusses the potential career opportunities in the AI industry and shares his thoughts on the future of AI in art and media production. Whether you're an artist, a content creator, or simply curious about AI, this episode is packed with actionable tips and inspiring ideas to help you stay ahead of the curve.
Key Takeaways:
AI image generation tools offer a wide range of possibilities for artists, content creators, and businesses. Experimenting with different AI tools and techniques can help you find your unique style and unleash your creativity. Joining AI communities on Discord and Reddit is a great way to learn, get support, and stay up-to-date with the latest advancements. Custom training models and datasets can open up new opportunities for creating specific styles and assets. Embracing the fluidity and randomness of AI can lead to unexpected and inspiring results. AI is becoming an essential tool in various industries, and developing AI skills can enhance your employability and career prospects.  
Follow Olivio
Olivio's Twitter Olivio's YouTube Olivio's Instagram  
Mentioned Tools, Websites, and Resources:
Midjourney Stable Diffusion DALL-E Krita ControlNet Automatic1111 ComfyUI InvokeAI OpenArt Civitai Hugging Face GitHub DreamShaper Juggernaut Chilloutmix RealViz RevAnimated Patreon  
 

In this episode, Allan McKay interviews Roxana Baldovin, an esteemed music video and commercial director known for her vibrant visual style. Roxana discusses her creative journey, from her early aspirations of being a screenwriter to becoming a sought-after director collaborating with major artists like Snoop Dogg, Steve Aoki, Doja Cat, Bella Poarch and Maluma. She shares insights into her creative process, the challenges of directing, and how she finds inspiration. Roxana also opens up about imposter syndrome, the importance of preparation, and rolling with the punches on set. Finally, she discusses her upcoming projects including a TV show and one-woman stage show.
 
Links
Website - https://roxanabaldovin.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/senoradirectora
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@senoradirectora4819/videos
 
Show notes - https://www.allanmckay.com/448
 

In the latest episode, I'm excited to spotlight David Wahlberg, an esteemed 2D Pipeline Supervisor and Comp Supervisor at Important Looking Pirates VFX in Stockholm, Sweden. With an expansive career of over 17 years, David has traversed the globe, contributing his vast skills to studios in Stockholm, Oslo, London, Sydney and Wellington. His work encompasses roles as a comp supervisor, senior compositor, and a pioneer in developing tools and plugins for Nuke, leveraging his programming expertise in C++ and Python to advance the VFX industry.
David's portfolio boasts participation in major productions such as "The Book of Boba Fett", "The Mandalorian", "Star Wars" sequels, "The Hobbit" series, and more. He is also the founder of Pixelmania, a company at the forefront of AI-powered VFX tools, showcasing his passion for merging technology with visual effects. For insights into David's influential work and Pixelmania's innovative tools, visit www.pixelmania.se.
Join us as we dive into the world of visual effects with David Wahlberg, exploring the blend of art and technology that defines his career and contributions to some of the most iconic visuals in film and television.
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1996338/
https://pixelmania.se/
https://www.ilpvfx.com/
 
 
 

Quick updates on many things happening in 2024 and on the Podcast! Resuming back to the normal Podcast starting next week but thought I would share views on AI, the industry as it is right now in Q1 of 2024 and more!