Alexandre Prod’homme
VFX ARTIST
Software and Technology
My first experience with films was in high school, back when I spent my days in science classes and ended them in shoots with the Film Making Society. I went on to study Fine Art, Photography, and Animation in France. With a full CG short film under my belt, I started working as a Generalist for a boutique French-Japanese studio in Paris.
A year later, I moved to London to join The Moving Picture Company (MPC). I garnered over 8 years of experience as a VFX Compositor in film, television, and commercial. I directed my own short films and studied cinematography in conjunction with my career in post-production. This helped me land my current job as an in-house ‘jack of all trades’ VFX Artist for a new HBO show.
AM
COVID-19 has slightly changed things, but in essence, this is how my day goes. As a VFX artist close to production, I work on-set during the filming. Therefore, some of my work is done on set. I need to be there before they start filming. The night before, I double-check the call sheet (a document with the next day’s details) to examine schedules, scenes, and most importantly: the start time.
The crew is generally expected to be there before 8 AM. I grab breakfast by catering and return to the VFX truck. Then, I fit a walkie talkie and test it to make sure it works properly. Next, I report to the VFX supervisor or the VFX shoot supervisor to get my tasks. I might need to rig some cameras and equipment, then wait for them to call the scenes that need those items.
If it’s a day where not much VFX is being filmed, I would go into the office and start working on VFX for the project. I still keep the radio with me on these days, just in case of any unforeseen VFX needs. I am a VFX compositor by trade, which involves combining multiple elements to make a seamless integration. It can be as simple as removing a sign or as complex as combining multiple takes, extending the background, or adding in a dragon.
PM
In the afternoon, the work continues. If we shot something with the VFX camera, like a test or a VFX element, I will use the afternoon to prepare the footage and copy it on the server to be sent to artists and studios. The shoot usually wraps at 6:30 PM, at which time I will remove any gear and equipment, then clean and safely store it. My day is typically done by 7:30 PM unless we have a presentation or need to quickly chat about plans for the next day.
- Stay at the cutting edge of technology. VFX is a fairly new discipline and digital filmmaking has been around for less than 20 years, so it’s important to keep tabs on things.
- Be nice. It’s not enough to be good, people need to like you. No one wants to work with someone grumpy or pretentious. If you have nothing better to do, help someone!
Be curious, not just about technology, but about other disciplines as well. Because filmmaking is a team sport, VFX often needs help from SFX and Costumes, while we are trying to help Cinematography. Learning a bit about cameras and lighting will go a long way as a VFX artist and ultimately, a VFX supervisor.
MY WORK
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