The Allan McKay Podcast

Martin Hall is a VFX Supervisor with 30+ years of experience in visual effects. Trained in the traditional fine arts, he found visual effects to be the perfect synthesis of art, technology, and business, while being the most collaborative of all creative endeavors. Among his numerous film and television credits include, LOVE DEATH & ROBOTS, VENOM, GAME OF THRONES, THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, WINNING TIME: THE RISE OF THE LAKERS DYNASTY, PERRY MASON, ALL THE OLD KNIVES, ENCOUNTER, and many others. Based in Los Angeles, Hall is CEO at Epic Entertainment Enterprises / Epic-FX and VFX Supervisor at Paramount Pictures. In addition, he serves on the VES Board of Directors, Los Angeles section, and is an educator at Gnomon. Martin’s most recent project as a VFX Supervisor is the CBS-VFX television project RABBIT HOLE on Paramount +, starring Kiefer Sutherland as a corporate spy who is framed for murder by powerful forces who have the ability to influence and control populations. Each episode of RABBIT HOLE contains as many as 200 visual effects shots. The majority of the shots are designed to be "invisible" to viewers. These include creating digital set extensions, designing and building digital environments, and augmenting backgrounds, in addition to the more noticeable effects.  RABBIT HOLE is set in New York City but filmed in Toronto, which is just the beginning of the creative challenges for the visual effects team. They needed to create numerous digital 3D New York streets filled with computer-generated cars and buildings and make sure they were seamlessly blended into the action.  In this Podcast, Allan McKay interviews VFX Supervisor Martin Hall about his work with CBS-VFX on RABBIT HOLE for Paramount +, as well as the importance of staying on top of new technology, the creative power of empathy; and the soft skills and tools of VFX Supervisor. For more show notes, visit www.allanmckay.com/416.  

André Luis is the Co-Founder, CEO and creative force behind Trojan Horse was a Unicorn (THU), one of the world's leading transformative experiences for digital artists and creative professionals.  In 2013, he came up with the idea to create THU as a result of wanting to do things differently, be useful to society, and have an impact on people's lives. With a background in Industrial Design and Marketing Management, André's career was paved through the worlds of design, marketing, web development, and computer graphics. Nowadays, he is fully dedicated to empowering creators through THU, a global organization with several projects around the world that support the creative community while leaving a mark in the digital entertainment industry. In this Podcast, Allan McKay interviews the Co-Founder, CEO and creative force behind Trojan Horse was a Unicorn André Luis about the history of THU and its impact, the event being a home for introverts, the crucial role of networking in your career, as well how to succeed in the creative industry WITHOUT the creative industry. For more show notes, visit www.allanmckay.com/415.

A veteran facilitator with over 25 years experience in VFX and animation, Jep Hill is an Executive Creative Director at Alkemy X, an award-winning global creative company at the intersection of advertising, brands and entertainment. The company is a creative partner for the biggest names in film and television, such as Fear of the Walking Dead, Wednesday, The Whale, Westworld, Power, Dear White People, Hunters, Mr. Robot, and many more. Since 1981, Alkemy X has been a pioneer in a continuously evolving industry — entrusted with projects generating billions of dollars in revenue. With the craft and talent to take on any project, they’re a vertically integrated creative company, offering strategy and execution with speed, quality and efficiency that always exceeds expectation. In this Podcast, Allan McKay interviews the Executive Creative Director of Alkemy X Jep Hill about visual effects being all about problem solving, leadership versus management, how to succeed as a VFX team and how to self-manage as a VFX Artist, in order to have a successful career. For more show notes, visit www.allanmckay.com/414.  

Barnstorm VFX is an Emmy-nominated studio behind the visual effects on Amazon Studios’ THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE, HBO’S SILICON VALLEY and CBS’ STRANGE ANGEL. Barnstorm’s team embodies the pioneering ingenuity, daring creativity and freewheeling spirit of the first aviators. Founded in 2011 with the original location in Los Angeles, Barnstorm VFX now has a second office in Vancouver, British Columbia.  In this Podcast, Allan McKay interviews Co-Founders of Barnstorm VFX Cory Jamieson and Lawson Deming about the lessons of entrepreneurship, how to land clients, the balance of risk and decisiveness, as well their advice to up-and-coming VFX Artists. For more show notes, visit www.allanmckay.com/413.  

John Romero is an award-winning game designer, level designer and programmer whose work spans over 130 games, 107 of which have been published commercially, including the iconic works Wolfenstein 3D, DOOM and Quake. He has worked in the mobile, hardcore, mid-core, casual and MMO space.  John has co-founded eight successful game companies including the likes of id Software, Gazillion Entertainment and, most recently, Romero Games which celebrated its 7th anniversary in 2022. He is considered to be among the world’s top game designers, and his games have won well over 100 awards.  One of the earliest indie developers, John began working in the game space in 1979 on mainframes before moving to the Apple II in 1982. He is a completely self-taught programmer, designer and artist, having drawn his inspirations from early Apple II programmers. He co-owns Romero Games.  John’s autobiography DOOM Guy: Life in First Person is getting released in July 2023. Industry-redefining breakthroughs in design and tech during his time at id Software made DOOM and Quake cultural phenomena, and this thrilling story recounts every step of the process, from collaborative, heavy metal–fueled days spent crafting the industry’s most revolutionary and cutting-edge games to a high-profile falling-out with id cofounder John Carmack. After years in the gaming spotlight, Romero is now telling his story—the whole story—shedding new light on the development of his games and his business partnerships, from the highest highs to the lowest lows, sharing insights about design, code, the industry, and his career right up to today. Sharing gratitude for a lifetime in games, Romero reveals the twists and turns that led him, ultimately, to be called DOOM Guy. A copy of the book can be purchased here: https://www.amazon.com/Doom-Guy-Life-First-Person/dp/141975811X. In this Podcast, Allan McKay interviews John Romero, the legendary Creator of DOOM and Co-Creator of id Software, about his start as a programmer, overcoming life struggles, getting his start as a programmer, launching id Software and the success of Commander Keen, the cultural impact of DOOM, transitioning to 3D – and the release of his first autobiography DOOM GUY: LIFE IN FIRST PERSON. For more show notes, visit www.allanmckay.com/412.  

As Global President & Chief Operating Officer at Digital Domain, Lala oversees the company's global VFX services and operations. As part of her duties, Lala partners with production management, finance, production accounting, recruiting, artist management, technology management and operations to steer Digital Domain to success. She communicates closely and helps to coordinate work between DD’s global studios, ensuring that production and operations practices are properly aligned to keep the quality of work at the highest levels. Lala’s experience began in northern California with a strong start in the accounting and banking field. She developed her visual effects pedigree after spending nine years at Industrial Light and Magic, and Lucasfilm Animation. There she became a seasoned veteran of talent acquisition and management. In 2007, Lala joined Digital Domain as the Director of Human Resources, Talent Acquisition and Development, and rose to the role of EVP/General Manager for the North America operation. Over her tenure, Lala’s strong leadership and mentorship was responsible for the development and retention of DD’s key talent, who are widely recognized throughout the industry for their outstanding work in the field of visual effects. Under her leadership, Digital Domain’s supervisors, artists and technicians have continued to push the envelope, taking on ever more challenging and groundbreaking work. In this Podcast, Allan McKay interviews the Global President and COO of Digital Domain Lala Gavgavian about the history and growth of D2, her previous experience at ILM, the lessons of her career, how the VFX industry has changed and diversified, as well as the importance of soft skills for artists in the global market. For more show notes, visit www.allanmckay.com/411.

Gabriel Aguiar is a YouTube Creator and a Unity Expert. Focused on his work in Blender and Unity, Gabriel’s YouTube Channel currently has over 100K followers. He also provides assets for game developers on his Patreon. In 2021, Gabriel launched a game studio Golden Bug Studios in Coibra, Portugal. The studio is currently working on a project called Rabbit's Tale. In this Podcast, YouTube Creator and Unity Expert Gabriel Aguiar talks to Allan McKay about his experience launching a YouTube Channel and his own studio, developing an original IP, as well as gives advice to young VFX artists and entrepreneurs about resources, skills and branding. For more show notes, visit www.allanmckay.com/410.  

In his book THE ALCHEMIST, Paolo Coelho talks about a Personal Legend. So many people give up just moments before they reach their own Personal Legend. After a while, if you aren’t getting the desired goal, it’s hard to convince yourself not to give up. It’s especially hard when other people are telling you to give up.  Insecure people lash out at people who are more accomplished or ambitious, or courageous. They’re intimidated by someone who rubs them the wrong way. This also applies to new tools or technology. These days, it’s a common reaction toward AI. So many people fear that AI will take over their jobs. Instead, they can choose to get new skills and get in front of this innovation.  You’re the one choosing your outlook: Rather than seeing someone as a threat – you can see them as an ally. Rather than seeing innovation as a threat – you can see it as an opportunity. Nothing worth doing comes easy. It’s always darkest before dawn. But once you’ve earned your place, the success is so much sweeter. Inspired by Paolo Coelho’s THE ALCHEMIST, Allan McKay talks about your Personal Legend, how to eliminate the negative voices that challenge you to keep going, how to change your own outlook – and choose to be inspired, instead of being intimidated. For more show notes, visit www.allanmckay.com/409.

Crafty Apes is a full service, boutique VFX company based in Culver City, CA & Atlanta, GA. The company was launched in July of 2011 by three visual effects veterans Jason Sanford, Chris LeDoux and Tim LeDoux. Believing that strong 2D compositing is the backbone behind quality visual effects, Crafty Apes was formed to primarily offer high-end compositing services for feature films and television clients.  Crafty Apes specializes in compositing effects and visual effects supervision. By paying extra attention to the detail and integration that 2D work requires and by working with the best technology available spread among a select group of artists, Crafty Apes can deliver a superior product to higher end clients in a shorter time period. Their recent credits include: The Babysitter: Killer Queen, Lovecraft Country, Doctor Strange, Hidden Figures, Lalaland, Fist Fight, Pete's Dragon, Captain America: Civil War, Killing Reagan, Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising, Dirty Grandpa, Allegiant, Insurgent, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Black Mass, The 33, Foxcatcher, 12 Years a Slave, American Hustle, The Monkey King, White House Down, Single Mom's Club, The Last Stand, A Madea's Christmas and many more. In this Podcast, VFX Supervisor Marc Smith and VFX Comp Supervisor Tanner Bartlett discuss their work on Mark Mylod’s THE MENU, the way their studio Crafty Apes approaches a new project, as well as give advice to artists on why it’s important to admit your shortcomings and the skills that make you most hireable.  For more show notes, visit www.allanmckay.com/408.  

Frank Petzold is an internationally acclaimed Director and VFX Supervisor, and he’s been working in film for over 25 years. Whether working in film or television, Frank creates cutting edge visuals. Before stepping into the world of directing, this award-winning VFX Supervisor enjoyed a successful career in Germany as a Director of Photography, specializing in shoots with visual effects components. In the early 90s, Frank joined the Tippett Studio in California to supervise and direct VFX work for major Hollywood films. Starting with the cult classic STARSHIP TROOPERS, he quickly moved from one blockbuster to the next, including ARMAGEDDON, THE MATRIX, HOLLOW MAN, THE RING, GOLDEN COMPASS and many others. Working closely with Directors such as Steven Spielberg, Paul Verhoven, Frank Oz, Gore Verbinsky, Ivan Reitman, Frank learned how to bring story to life. With that extensive experience, he began directing complex commercials for the international market. When ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT Director Edward Berger called Franks, with whom he worked on the AMC Series THE TERROR, the idea of working on such an iconic literary IP made Frank intimidated and inspired at the same time. Based on Erich Maria Remarque’s best-selling 1929 novel of the same name, the film follows an idealistic young German soldier in WWI who soon learns the harrowing reality of war. Because of the intimate perspective and to capture the verisimilitude of life in the trenches, Petzold’s goal was to ground the visual effects in photorealistic reference points. In other words, in this case, less is more. In 2023, the film won 4 Academy Awards. Frank has been a member of VES since 1999. In this Podcast, Allan McKay talks to the VFX Supervisor and Director Frank Petzold about his start in VFX at the legendary Tippett Studio; his work on STARSHIP TROOPERS, HOLLOW MAN, ARMAGEDDON, as well as the 2023 Academy Award Winning film ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT. For more show notes, visit www.allanmckay.com/407.