For over 30 years, Vicki Dobbs Beck has been at the forefront of innovative storytelling. This week, she shares her remarkable journey as a leader in this dynamic field, and reminisces about some of her favorite projects.Chapter Markers[00:00:00] Intro[00:02:11] Questions From the Mailbag[00:08:52] Rejection Letters[00:22:37] Immersive Innovation[00:55:58] The Martini[01:01:03] OutroEpisode Links  Vicki Dobbs Beck - IMDb Montage Excerpt of “Paul Park Ranger & The Mystery of the Disappearing Ducks.” on Vimeo CARNE y ARENA (Virtually present, Physically invisible) - Trailer What If...? - An Immersive Story | Marvel Immersive Entertainment | Industrial Light & Magic The MartiniJenny - SoollaVicki - Runway Research | Introducing Act-OneRob - FUJIFILM X100VI | Cameras | FUJIFILM X Series & GFX - USAFollow Usilm.com | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | LinkedIn Rob Bredow.com or on InstagramTodd VaziriJenny Ely on InstagramEmail us at lighterdarker@ilm.comTranscript: https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/015-vicki-dobbs-beck/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chapter Markers[00:00:00] Intro[00:10:31] Skeleton Crew[00:44:09] Questions From the Mailbag[00:54:16] The Martini[01:02:29] OutroEpisode Links  John Knoll - IMDb Skeleton Crew (TV Series 2024–2025) - IMDb Colbert Issues 'Green Screen' Challenge to McCainiacs Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) - IMDb Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006) - IMDb Inside ILM: Creating the Razor Crest The Mandalorian Season 1 - Motion Control System The Mandalorian Season 1 - Motion Control System -2 The Mandalorian Season 2 - Motion Control System Ahsoka/Skeleton Crew - Motion Control System The MartiniTodd - Rear Window (1954) - IMDb Panic Room (2002) - IMDbJohn - Tim's Vermeer (2013) - IMDbJenny - Father Brown - BBC OneFollow Usilm.com | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | LinkedIn Rob Bredow.com or on InstagramTodd VaziriJenny Ely on InstagramEmail us at lighterdarker@ilm.comTranscript https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/014-skeleton-crew-with-john-knoll/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we’re exploring Virtual Production. Industry experts Shivani Jhaveri and Justin Talley share their insights on when this technology truly shines and, just as importantly, when it might not be the best fit for your project. They also offer tips and advice for working on set and share some of their favorite moments with filmmakers. Chapter Markers[00:00:00] Intro[00:02:12] Questions From the Mailbag[00:16:42] Set Smarts[00:27:23] Virtual Production[00:57:04] The Martini[01:05:22] OutroEpisode Links  Shivani Jhaveri - IMDb Justin Talley - IMDb ILM StageCraft The Agency (TV Series 2024– ) - IMDb Craft Services: Role and Responsibilities on a Film Set - 2025 - MasterClass Robust Steel Max - Vyper Chairs Skeleton/IFB Earpiece - EAR Customized Hearing Protection The MartiniTodd - Movies & TV | PlexShivani - Meditations by Marcus AureliusJenny - The Roots of Chaos — Samantha ShannonJustin - Artemis Pro - Pro Filmmaker AppsRob - LetterboxdFollow Usilm.com | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | LinkedIn Rob Bredow.com or on InstagramTodd VaziriJenny Ely on InstagramEmail us at lighterdarker@ilm.comTranscript https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/013-virtual-production-with-shivani-jhaveri-justin-talley/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we discuss the work behind two films nominated for Oscars in Best Visual Effects. From the whimsical world of Wicked and the acidic atmosphere of Alien: Romulus—Pablo Helman, David Shirk, and Nelson Sepulveda-Fauser share their insights and learnings in crafting the visual effects behind these blockbuster hits.Chapter Markers[00:00:00] Intro[00:02:45] Questions From the Mailbag[00:10:36] Alien: Romulus[00:23:29] Wicked[00:51:47] The Martini[01:02:00] OutroEpisode Links  Nelson Sepulveda - IMDb Pablo Helman - IMDb David Shirk - IMDb GET IN THE DOOR Alien: Romulus (2024) - IMDb Wicked (2024) - IMDb The 97th Academy Awards | 2025 The MartiniTodd - The Straight Story (1999) - IMDbJenny - Movies | DC Comics | DCPablo - Pablo Helman Soundcloud McCartney's 4001 | TalkBass.comDavid - Liberty PuzzlesRob - The Classic Presets - Classic Film Presets 2021 for LightroomFollow Usilm.com | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | LinkedIn Rob Bredow.com or on InstagramTodd VaziriJenny Ely on InstagramEmail us at lighterdarker@ilm.comhttps://www.ilm.com/transcripts/012-wicked-alien-romulus/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Todd and Rob break down the process of how films are selected for nomination in the Oscars' Best Visual Effects category. We discuss highlights from the five nominated films—Alien Romulus, Better Man, Dune: Part Two, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, and Wicked—and we revisit the shower door myth.Chapter Markers[00:00:00] Intro[00:01:11] Misinformation Corner[00:05:36] VFX Oscars Nomination Process[00:18:32] Nominee Highlights[00:53:27] The Martini[01:00:05] OutroEpisode Links  Ralph McQuarrie - IMDb Alien: Romulus (2024) - IMDb Better Man (2024) - IMDb Dune: Part Two (2024) - IMDb Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024) - IMDb Wicked (2024) - IMDb The MartiniTodd - Trade CoffeeJenny - Nurtured By NatureInternational Otter Survival FundRob - French Cleat HangerFollow Usilm.com | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | LinkedIn Rob Bredow.com or on InstagramTodd VaziriJenny Ely on InstagramEmail us at lighterdarker@ilm.comTranscript https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/011-vfx-oscar-nominations/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

ILM Art Director Amy Beth Christenson (Transformers One, Star Wars Rebels) discusses the complexities and pure joy of working with established Star Wars and Transformers characters while introducing new elements for today’s audiences. Amy shares stories of adapting her portfolio to catch the attention of recruiters and highlights from her 25 years with Lucasfilm and ILM.Chapter Markers[00:00:00] Intro[00:02:06] Questions from the Mailbag[00:18:51] Rejection Letters[00:30:10] Shaping Characters for Tomorrow [00:49:59] The Martini[00:58:19] OutroEpisode Links  Amy Beth Christenson - IMDb Transformers One (2024) - IMDb Star Wars: The Force Unleashed Star Wars: Resistance (TV Series 2018–2020) - IMDb Joseph Christian Leyendecker | Artnet The MartiniTodd - Apple Mac MiniAmy - BrickLinkStudio Download [BrickLink]Jenny - Tobin's Spirit Guide by Magnoli PropsRob - Music by John Williams (2024) - IMDbFollow Usilm.com | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | LinkedIn Rob Bredow.com or on InstagramTodd VaziriJenny Ely on InstagramEmail us at lighterdarker@ilm.comTranscript https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/010-shaping-characters-for-tomorrow-with-amy-beth-christenson/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rob, Todd and Jenny share their own rejection letters and answer some lingering questions from the mailbag. Todd corrects another VFX myth in Misinformation Corner. The team shares their favorite things from the year as we say farewell to 2024 in this bonus episode of Lighter Darker!Chapter Markers[00:00:00] Intro[00:01:19] Mailbag[00:07:41] Misinformation Corner[00:22:30] Rejection Letters[00:48:33] The Martini[00:54:15] OutroEpisode Links  Skeleton Crew (TV Series 2024– ) - IMDb Director Jake Schreier on the set of Skeleton Crew Cadrage Director's Viewfinder The Mandalorian (TV Series 2019– ) - IMDb Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) - IMDb Charmaine Chan - IMDb Right Up Our Alley - FPV Drone Fly Through FXRant: "Skeleton Crew", Neel and Misinformation One Star Wars: Skeleton Crew Character Is A Stunning Blend Of Incredible Visual Effects - SlashFilm The MartiniTodd - 2024 Total Eclipse: Where & When - NASA ScienceJenny - Podcast Episodes Archive | Industrial Light & MagicRob - EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump, Digital Tire InflatorFollow Usilm.com | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | LinkedIn Rob Bredow.com or on InstagramTodd VaziriJenny Ely on InstagramEmail us at lighterdarker@ilm.comTranscript https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/009-bonus-episode-2024-wrap/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Dean Cundey, an award-winning cinematographer behind classics like *Halloween* and *Jurassic Park*, as he shares insights into his illustrious career. He discusses the transformative power of visual effects in film and how low-budget projects can spark creativity. Hear anecdotes about Roger Corman's mentorship influence on budding filmmakers. Cundey also reflects on the magic of filmmaking, revealing how technology has democratized the craft. Dive into his behind-the-scenes stories that shaped modern cinema!

This week, we delve into the world building techniques behind two of the year's most anticipated films: Gladiator II and Wicked. VFX Producer Ed Randolph (Gladiator II) and VFX Supervisor Anthony Smith (Wicked) give us behind-the-scenes stories of building these worlds and share insights into some of their favorite shots from their impressive careers.Chapter Markers[00:00:10] Intro[00:03:07] Questions from the Mailbag[00:17:42] One Final and One CBB[00:28:15] Worldbuilding in WIcked and Gladiator II[00:49:13] The Martini[00:58:30] OutroEpisode Links  Wicked (2024) - IMDb Gladiator II (2024) - IMDb Edward Randolph - IMDb Anthony Smith - IMDb Color Decision List Explained - Lowepost Ready Player One (2018) - IMDb Spectre (2015) - IMDb Gravity (2013) - IMDb Sherlock Holmes (2009) - IMDb The Martini Todd - The Wild Robot (2024) - IMDbRobot Dreams (2023) - IMDbEd - Wicked: Tiny Desk ConcertThe Remarkable Life of Ibelin (2024) - IMDbAnthony - Old Masters AcademyJenny - A Smoky Mountain Christmas (TV Movie 1986) - IMDb A Smoky Mountain Christmas (1986 TV Movie, 2022 HD Circle TV Broadcast Edit)Rob - Clarkson's Farm (TV Series 2021– ) - IMDbFollow Usilm.com | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | LinkedIn Rob Bredow.com or on InstagramTodd VaziriJenny Ely on InstagramEmail us at lighterdarker@ilm.comTranscript https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/ep-007-worldbuilding-in-wicked-and-gladiator-ii/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Director Shannon Tindle (Kubo and the Two Strings, Lost Ollie) and VFX supervisor Hayden Jones join us to discuss the role of empathy in animation. We talk about Tindle’s latest film, Ultraman: Rising as well as the importance of collaboration and infusing personal experiences into characters and storytelling.Chapter Markers[00:00:00] Intro[00:03:20] Rejection Letters[00:11:25] Deleted Dreams[00:17:46] Empathy in Animation[00:45:52] The Martini[00:50:33] OutroEpisode Links  Shannon Tindle - IMDb Hayden Jones - IMDb Ultraman: Rising (2024) - IMDb THE HUMAN TARGET #1 | DC Lost Ollie (TV Mini Series 2022) - IMDb The MartiniShannon - Hollow Kingdom #1 - Kira Jane BuxtonHayden - Thames & Hudson USA - Book - Anime Architecture: Imagined Worlds and Endless MegacitiesJenny - Luigi's Mansion 2 - HDRob -  Welcome to Wrexham (TV Series 2022– ) - IMDbFollow Usilm.com | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | LinkedIn Rob Bredow.com or on InstagramTodd VaziriJenny Ely on InstagramEmail us at lighterdarker@ilm.comTranscript https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/ep-006-ultraman-rising-with-shannon-tindle-and-hayden-jones/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices