Welcome to Lighter Darker: The ILM Podcast, where we focus on the creative process of filmmaking and the art of visual storytelling. Co-hosted by Rob Bredow & T...
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] Outro
Episode 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 Martini
Todd - The Straight Story (1999) - IMDb
Jenny - Movies | DC Comics | DC
Pablo - Pablo Helman Soundcloud McCartney's 4001 | TalkBass.com
David - Liberty Puzzles
Rob - The Classic Presets - Classic Film Presets 2021 for Lightroom
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 [email protected]
https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/012-wicked-alien-romulus/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
--------
1:03:08
011 - VFX Oscar Nominations
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] Outro
Episode 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 Martini
Todd - Trade Coffee
Jenny - Nurtured By Nature
International Otter Survival Fund
Rob - French Cleat Hanger
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 [email protected]
Transcript
https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/011-vfx-oscar-nominations/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
--------
1:01:16
010 - Shaping Characters for Tomorrow with Amy Beth Christenson
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] Outro
Episode 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 Martini
Todd - Apple Mac Mini
Amy - BrickLink
Studio Download [BrickLink]
Jenny - Tobin's Spirit Guide by Magnoli Props
Rob - Music by John Williams (2024) - IMDb
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 [email protected]
Transcript
https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/010-shaping-characters-for-tomorrow-with-amy-beth-christenson/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
--------
59:24
009 - Bonus Episode 2024 Wrap
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] Outro
Episode 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 Martini
Todd - 2024 Total Eclipse: Where & When - NASA Science
Jenny - Podcast Episodes Archive | Industrial Light & Magic
Rob - EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump, Digital Tire Inflator
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 [email protected]
Transcript
https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/009-bonus-episode-2024-wrap/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
--------
55:45
008 - The Magic of Film with Dean Cundey
Join legendary cinematographer Dean Cundey (Apollo 13, The Mandalorian) on our final episode of 2024. From his early days collaborating with John Carpenter on horror classics like Halloween and The Thing to groundbreaking work on Jurassic Park and Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Cundey has shaped the visual landscape of cinema. Dean Cundey shares behind-the-scenes stories from the set and personal experiences breaking into the industry.
Chapter Markers
[00:00:00] Intro
[00:02:00] Questions from the Mailbag
[00:14:27] Rejection Letters
[00:31:58] Making Magic On the Screen
[00:50:15] The Martini
[00:55:27] Outro
Episode Links
Dean Cundey - IMDb
Roger Corman
Howard Anderson Optical Printer - ILM San Francisco Studio
Back to the Future Part 2 (5/12) Movie CLIP - The Future McFlys (1989) HD
The Parent Trap (1961) - IMDb
The Parent Trap (1998) - IMDb
Ken Ralston - IMDb
Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) - IMDb
The Martini
Todd - Stitch Fix
Jenny - Midnight Mass (TV Mini Series 2021) - IMDb
Rob - Microsoft Flight Simulator
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 [email protected]
Transcript: https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/ep-008-the-magic-of-film-with-dean-cundey/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Welcome to Lighter Darker: The ILM Podcast, where we focus on the creative process of filmmaking and the art of visual storytelling. Co-hosted by Rob Bredow & Todd Vaziri, and produced by Jenny Ely, join us as we chat with top filmmakers, artists and innovators about their craft, careers, and the collaborative process of bringing stories to life.
Listen to Lighter Darker: The ILM Podcast, Two Ts In A Pod with Teddi Mellencamp and Tamra Judge and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app