- 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
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.
Tour Schedule:
Thank you for the spotlight & interview, Jasmine!
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome! :)
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