

9 Truths About The Movie Business - Craig Caton-Largent of New York Film Academy
Oct 6, 2025
01:59:55
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Want to watch the video version of this podcast?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrmKkDlprnI
0:00 - The Truth About Finding Work In The Movie Business
13:29 - How The Dinosaurs In Jurassic Park Were Created
24:29 - How Telling The Truth... Led To A 20 Year Job With Steven Spielberg
35:07 - Day I Realized That CGI Was Taking Over Hollywood
49:32 - How Filmmaking Is Better Today Than It Was 30 Years Ago
1:02:47 - 12 Principles Of Animation (According To Disney)
1:31:59 - Best Movies To Watch To Learn The Craft Of Filmmaking
1:38:00 - Big Reason Why Many People Quit The Movie Business
1:46:28 - Best Way To Teach Students Filmmaking
With over 40 years in the film industry, Craig Caton-Largent is a legendary visual effects artist and the current Chair of 3D Animation & VFX at New York Film Academy (NYFA) Los Angeles. He has worked on over 100 films, creating some of Hollywood's most iconic creatures, including the Slimer ghost in Ghostbusters (1984), the penguins in Batman Returns (1992), and the raptors in Jurassic Park (1993). Craig has collaborated with top directors like Tim Burton, Steven Spielberg, and James Cameron, earning six Academy Award nominations for Best Visual Effects. A pioneer in digital effects, Craig co-founded Digital Domain and developed groundbreaking VFX software like Animservo, used by top studios and theme parks. As the Chair of the Visual Effects and Animation Department at NYFA, Craig is dedicated to helping his students develop animation and storytelling skills that will lead to success in the industry. Craig is also a sought-after speaker on motion capture technology at film festivals and universities worldwide.
CONNECT WITH CRAIG CATON-LARGENT
https://www.nyfa.edu/3d-animation-school
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0146253
Founded in 1992 by Jerry Sherlock, the New York Film Academy (NYFA) provides an accessible, hands-on education in filmmaking, media, and the performing arts. With a mission to make the film industry more accessible to all, NYFA empowers students from diverse backgrounds to tell powerful stories through a project-based, immersive curriculum. Students work closely with industry professionals, gaining invaluable mentorship and real-world experience while building creative, technical, and collaborative skills. NYFA's global community includes students from over 160 countries, fostering a network of passionate storytellers. From day one, students dive into creating projects that refine their craft and prepare them for successful careers. With a focus on practical experience and individualized support, NYFA equips students with the tools and confidence to excel in the competitive world of filmmaking and the arts.
CONNECT WITH NYFA
https://www.nyfa.edu
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