Lighter Darker: The ILM Podcast

• 012 - Wicked & Alien: Romulus

  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

  --------  

  56:44

More TV & Film podcasts

Trending TV & Film podcasts

About Lighter Darker: The ILM Podcast