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.