Lighter Darker: The ILM Podcast

Production designer Jeremy Hindle and VFX supervisor Eric Leven join us to discuss their work on Severance season two. We discuss merging practical designs with the often invisible digital effects to create the atmosphere and environments of the Lumon world. Chapter Markers [00:00:11] Intro [00:01:55] Rejection Letters [00:06:52] Severance [00:52:52] The Martini [01:00:43] Outro Episode Links  Jeremy Hindle - IMDb Eric Leven - IMDb Severance (TV Series 2022– ) - IMDb The Martini Todd - Detroiters (TV Series 2017–2018) - IMDbThe Studio (TV Series 2025– ) - IMDb Jenny - Andor (TV Series 2022–2025) - IMDb Eric - Swax Training Baseball Rob - The Severance Podcast with Ben Stiller & Adam Scott Follow Us ilm.com | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | LinkedIn  Rob Bredow.com or on Instagram Todd Vaziri Jenny Ely on Instagram Email us at lighterdarker@ilm.com Transcript  https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/019-severance/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

ILM creative director Ben Morris and producer Svana Gisla join us to discuss ABBA Voyage. We talk through details about the technology, collaboration with the band, and the legacy of this one-of-a-kind musical experience.  Chapter Markers [00:00:00] Intro [00:02:31] Origin Stories [00:08:57] ABBA Voyage [00:51:40] The Martini [00:58:39] Outro Episode Links ABBA Voyage (Music Video 2022) - IMDb Svana Gisla - IMDb Ben Morris - IMDb The Martini Todd - MacBook Air 13-inch and MacBook Air 15-inch - Apple Ben - Severance (TV Series 2022– ) - IMDb Jenny - Paul Tremblay Rob - Game Changer - Dropout Follow Us ilm.com | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | LinkedIn  Rob Bredow.com or on Instagram Todd Vaziri Jenny Ely on Instagram Email us at lighterdarker@ilm.com Transcript  https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/ep-18-abba-voyage/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join industry legends Lynwen Brennan, Janet Lewin, John Knoll, Rob Coleman, Masa Narita, and Fon Davis as they reflect on 50 years of ILM's groundbreaking visual effects. Discover personal journeys that led them to iconic projects like 'Star Wars' and 'Rogue One'. They discuss the importance of collaboration and innovation, sharing insights on the evolution of digital filmmaking and animation. Hear about their creative challenges and passions that shaped cinematic history—an inspiring dive into the heart of visual storytelling!

Bryce Dallas Howard joins us to talk about her experiences and processes as an actor and filmmaker. She also shares her thoughts on recent exciting news from the world of science! You won’t want to miss this one!Chapter Markers[00:00:00] Intro[00:02:23] Questions from the Mailbag[00:20:35] Storytelling and Innovation in Filmmaking[00:41:02] Film Foundations[00:47:19] Storytelling and Innovation part 2[00:59:48] The Martini[01:09:26] OutroEpisode Links  Bryce Dallas Howard - IMDb  The Mandalorian (TV Series 2019– ) - IMDb  Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018) - IMDb  The Brave Little Toaster (1987) - IMDb  The Last Unicorn (1982) - IMDb  Beth Shapiro, Ph.D. - Colossal  The Return of the Dire Wolf - Colossal  The MartiniJenny - Merriam-Webster (@merriamwebster) · Springfield, MA Rob - beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO headphones Bryce - Milan Art InstituteFollow 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/016-bryce-dallas-howard/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are delaying the release of Episode 16 by one day this week because we will be discussing an exciting topic from the world of science that won’t be publicly announced by our usual publishing time. We have a very special guest this week! Bryce Dallas Howard is joining us to talk about her experiences and processes as an actor and filmmaker. Check back tomorrow to download the episode, you won’t want to miss this one!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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