CG Garage

What happens when a filmmaker abandons a studio career on Saving Private Ryan and a PhD in history to create a film so challenging it is rejected by both Israeli and Arab film festivals? Michael Moshe Dahan joins the podcast to discuss Yes, Repeat, No, a meta-fictional deep dive into the life of actor-activist Juliano Mer-Khamis. By casting Palestinian, Israeli, and Lebanese actors to play different facets of the same man within a "rehearsal as performance" framework, Dahan explores the fluidity of identity and the tragedy of hardened political stances. This episode navigates the delicate "middle ground" of the Middle East conflict, focusing on the human friction that exists before ideologies take hold. Technically, Dahan breaks down the "weird and technical" mechanics of the shoot, including a four-camera multi-cam setup on a rotating stage where the cameras never stopped rolling. The discussion covers the sonic syncopation of sharp heels and metronomes, the influence of Freud's screen memories, and the philosophy of teaching the "history of the future" rather than the past. We also explore the future of independent cinema in an algorithm-driven world and Dahan's "AI curiosity," as he looks toward new tools to recapture the audience's imagination and bypass traditional studio gatekeepers. Yes Repeat No official website > Where to watch Yes Repeat No > Michael Dahan on IMDB > Synecdoche, New York (2008) Trailer > The Little Drummer Girl (1984) Trailer >   This episode is sponsored by: Center Grid Virtual Studio Kitbash 3D (Use promocode "cggarage" for 10% off)

Will 2026 be the year of the ultimate industry reckoning or a digital renaissance? Hosts Chris and Daniel are joined by guests James Blevins and Erick Geisler for a deep dive into the "mild, medium, and spicy" predictions that will define the next year. As the dust settles on early AI experiments, the group moves past the "Will Smith eating spaghetti" era of novelty to discuss the professionalization of tools, the massive consolidation of legacy studios, and the survival of the traditional theatrical experience. The conversation pushes boundaries, exploring everything from the rise of personal AI creative agents to the outlandish possibility of data centers orbiting in space. By examining the potential collapse of current tech giants alongside the emergence of AGI, the panel maps out a world where the lines between science, religion, and storytelling are permanently blurred. This episode isn't just a look at what's coming, it's a high-stakes debate on who will lead the charge in the collision of Hollywood and high-tech. Netflix's Acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery > Flawless AI: DeepEditor & Ethical Reshoots > Starcloud: The First NVIDIA-Powered Space Data Center > NantWorks: Converging Biotech and AI >   This episode is sponsored by: Center Grid Virtual Studio Kitbash 3D (Use promocode "cggarage" for 10% off)  

From disrupting the print industry with the original Macintosh to building bespoke tech for Premier League teams, Ivan Reel has always lived at the bleeding edge of media. Now the Head of Studio Technology at StradaXR, Reel traces his evolution from graphic designer to virtual production leader, sharing insights from his time managing Sony's pivot to digital workflows and his inspiring choice to return to film school later in life to master modern VFX. This convergence of deep technical experience and fresh artistic training has placed him at the forefront of optimizing LED stages for the next generation of filmmaking. The discussion digs into the technical and economic forces reshaping the industry, drawing parallels between the current AI explosion and the democratization of digital video. Ivan details how StradaXR utilizes Chaos Vantage to introduce real-time ray tracing to the volume , offering a superior alternative to standard game engine pipelines. The episode wraps with a compelling argument for the future of indie film, suggesting that the true power of virtual production lies not in big budgets, but in its ability to empower efficient, high-quality genre storytelling. Ivan Reel on LinkedIn > StradaXR > Ivan Reel's website > Chaos Arena > Hammer Film Productions >   This episode is sponsored by: Center Grid Virtual Studio Kitbash 3D (Use promocode "cggarage" for 10% off)  

Why does the superhero spinoff Gen V often look more visceral and grounded than its blockbuster feature film counterparts? The answer lies in the unique philosophy of Visual Effects Supervisor Karen Heston, who joins Chris and Daniel to reveal the analog soul beating beneath the show's digital surface. Heston traces her journey from the chemical smells of a black-and-white darkroom to the high-pressure world of "Flame" compositing in New York, where she learned to be a "finisher" capable of managing clients and pixels simultaneously, a skill set that eventually propelled her to lead major projects like Arthur Christmas and Beasts of No Nation. The conversation pulls back the curtain on the gory, creative success of Gen V. Heston explains that the show's secret isn't an over-reliance on CGI, but a fierce commitment to practical filmmaking, using giant props for shrinking characters and silicone "blood darts" to anchor the digital effects in reality. She discusses the intense collaboration required between stunts, prosthetics, and VFX to pull off "blood powers" that feel weighty rather than cartoony, and concludes with a forward-looking discussion on how AI might reshape the industry by bringing back the era of the "generalist" artist. Karen Heston on IMDB > Karen Heston on LinkedIn > Gen V on Prime >   This episode is sponsored by: Center Grid Virtual Studio Kitbash 3D (Use promocode "cggarage" for 10% off)  

Ben Mauro is one of the industry's most respected concept artists, known for defining the look of blockbusters like Halo Infinite, but his latest venture is a masterclass in how artists can successfully build and own their own intellectual property. Ben returns to the podcast to break down the journey of expanding his independent sci-fi universe, Huxley, from a passion project into a high-end graphic novel series published by Thames & Hudson. He shares the creative and business roadmap for launching his new prequel, The Oracle, and explains why maintaining full creative control is essential for building a lasting legacy in a committee-driven industry. Beyond the logistics of publishing, the discussion dives deep into the philosophical necessity of physical media in an age of fleeting digital licenses. Ben, Chris, and Daniel explore the "pride of ownership" that comes with tangible art, whether it's a collector's edition Blu-ray or a deluxe graphic novel, and how this tactile connection anchors the audience to the story. They also touch on the "Roman Empire" of machines within Huxley's lore and the vital lesson of creating art for oneself, proving that the most personal work is often what resonates most with the world. Ben Mauro's "HUXLEY: The Oracle" > Ben Mauro's "HUXLEY: The Oracle" deluxe edition > Ben Mauro's "HUXLEY: The Oracle" - on Amazon > Ben Mauro Design > Ben Mauro on Instagram > Ben Mauro on IMDB >   This episode is sponsored by: Center Grid Virtual Studio Kitbash 3D (Use promocode "cggarage" for 10% off)