Friday, August 13, 2021

Why I Do VFX by Vicki Lau - Book Tour


Join Us for This Tour From  August 2 to August 20

Book Details:
 
Book Title:  Why I Do VFX: The Untold Truths About Working in Visual Effects by Vicki Lau
Category:  Adult Non-Fiction 18+
GenreEntertainment Industry, Movie Industry, Arts & Entertainment, Job Hunting & Career Guides, Women & Business, Strategic Business Planning, Computer Graphics
Publisher: Vicki Lau, 376 pages
Publication Date: May 2021
Content Rating: PG Suggested use of the word "bitch" (but spelled as "b..."), one mention of an experience of unwarranted sexual advance through text message solicitation (no images, just text).


Book Description:

From the city of Singapore to working on over twenty Hollywood blockbuster films and TV series such as “The Walking Dead,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Aquaman,” and “War for the Planet of the Apes,” comes one of the first books of its kind in the visual effects (VFX) industry.

With a unique blend of self-help, career strategy, and memoir-like elements, Vicki Lau speaks to the core of what it is like to work behind-the-scenes on some of your favorite Hollywood titles, covering strategies employed in order to maneuver her way into the upper echelons of the industry.

You will learn:
  • Detailed breakdowns of day-to-day studio activities
  • How industries and events impact your life and career prospects as a VFX artist
  • Key strategies and insights on dealing with Hollywood politics
  • Precise predictions on VFX job displacements and new high-growth skills
  • Self-clarity on your ambitions in life and what the VFX industry truly offers
Why I Do VFX is a must-have for anyone seriously considering a fulfilling life and career in Hollywood, film, and the arts.

After all, why spend a decade of your life uncovering the truths about this industry when you need only read this book to answer your own question:

Do you really want to do VFX?

Foreword by Leif Einarsson (VFX on "Stuart Little," "X-Men: Days of Future Past," "Spider-Man: Homecoming")
 
BUY THE BOOK


Author Interview

1.      What made you write a book about the visual effects industry?

This book was actually in my timeline and set to be written in the future. However, after recently experiencing more than enough copycats of my online content in visual effects (long story not worth explaining), it got my thinking of avenues where blatantly copying somebody else’s work is actually much more difficult or takes much more resources to do so; that, and that I was itching to do something different anyway, among other bigger reasons. Hence, this book was brought forward to 2020 and written. To put this simply: I wanted to write a book, so I wrote a book.

As for the inspiration that goes to the topic and existence of this book, truly, it’s a book written for me. I wanted to summarize every single detail I have learned, observed and come to know of my industry in a way that is not only entertaining for me to read but also honest, candid and upfront. No sugar-coating, no fancy Hollywood trickery – just pure truths about working in visual effects (VFX). Hence, Why I Do VFX was born.

The cool thing is that this book also has macro concepts that would apply to anyone working an artistic endeavor (whether it ties to the entertainment industry or not) since – being pretty much a generalist in the arts myself – I wrote it in a way that would also appeal to my non-VFX side (the side that really doesn’t care about technical jargon or BS industry-exclusive terms). That, and it helps when almost 95% of all other VFX books out there are technical books on how to use so-and-so software or how to perform so-and-so task in VFX.

2.    How do you handle writer’s block?

Whenever that happens, I would go do something else until I get back into the “writing zone” or am simply bored with what I was doing. Sometimes dancing to myself also helps get over any barricade to my writing. If all else fails, I just write the next day.

3.    What do you hope your readers take away from this book?

That this book is not just about my profession or Hollywood filmmaking; it’s a book that shows you how to explore how industries and economies intersect, how these events impact you as an artist or consumer, and ultimately, what your ambition appetite is – and whether or not your current industry/profession/role in life satisfies that appetite.

Even if you have zero interest in VFX, I recommend checking it out (this book can also be requested at your local library) and you’ll find that this book is really more than just VFX and Hollywood.

4.      What is your next project?

I am an advocate of not revealing upcoming projects. Hence, follow me on social media or online so you’ll know when the news breaks! That’s all.

5.    Favorite book when you were a kid

I was exposed to a lot of mysteries and detective novels (and even “guide books”) when I was younger so I would definitely say that my favorite book was that one detective’s handbook (I had to look this up on Google as I would recognize it by the book cover – Detective’s Handbook by Usborne). That was absolutely my favorite book to the extent that at one point I wanted to be a detective for fun (though I was not seriously considering a career in law enforcement just like most kids don’t seriously consider a career as an astronaut). The cover was highly memorable and it was really fun to read.

I believe my penchant and joy for uncovering the depths of truths began here. Plus, I just love piecing together every single detail to form a complete puzzle at the end – like a true detective.

6.      If you could go back in time, where would you go?

Being a huge fan of period films (probably as a result of watching too many English period films and mini-series, haha), I would love to go back to the early 1800s where times were much simpler for everyone. Sure, there were probably more diseases, social issues, shorter lifespans, et cetera, but hey, life did appear to be far more peaceful back then.

Yes, I’d be trading in one set of problems for another but I have my reasons, haha.




Meet the Author: 
Vicki Lau is a VFX artist/generalist, virtual reality (VR) developer, TEDx speaker, entrepreneur, and educator from Singapore who broke into Hollywood as an outsider. She has worked with over 20 studios and filmmakers on major productions such as AMC's "The Walking Dead" (Season 4), "Guardians of the Galaxy," and "Aquaman" and teaches over 80,000 students worldwide.
She is a winner of the WeAreTheCity Rising Stars Editor's Choice Award and nominated finalist of the WeAreTheCity Rising Stars Global Award for Achievement and WinTrade Award for Women in Tech. Vicki is also a bodybuilder.

Connect with the Author:  Website ~ Instagram Goodreads
 

Tour Schedule: 

Aug 2 – Cover Lover Book Review – book spotlight / author interview
Aug 2 - Rockin' Book Reviews – book spotlight
Aug 3 – Splashes of Joy – book spotlight / author interview
Aug 4 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book spotlight
Aug 5 – The Adventures of a Traveler's Wife - book spotlight / author interview
Aug 10 – Pick a Good Book – book spotlight / author interview  
Aug 11 – Literary Flits – book spotlight
Aug 12 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book spotlight
Aug 13 – Jazzy Book Reviews - book spotlight / author interview
Aug 18 – Kam's Place – book spotlight / author interview
Aug 19 – She Just Loves Books – book spotlight
Aug 20 – Cheryl's Book Nook – book spotlight

 


 






 

2 comments:

Please try not to spam posts with the same comments over and over again. Authors like seeing thoughtful comments about their books, not the same old, "I like the cover" or "sounds good" comments. While that is nice, putting some real thought and effort in is appreciated. Thank you.