Pixel Puzzle
Pixel Puzzle
Podcast Description
Pixel Puzzle is a podcast that pulls back the curtain on the captivating world of visual effects (VFX). Designed for everyone—from curious movie lovers to industry professionals—each episode offers a fresh, honest, and engaging perspective on the craft, business, and artistry behind the pixels.Hosted by David Cordon, a VFX expert with a passion for storytelling and exploration, Pixel Puzzle is a limited series that takes listeners on a thoughtfully crafted journey through the world of VFX. The show is structured to provide a gradual and immersive experience, where each episode builds on the last, ensuring that whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s always something to discover.Through candid conversations with some of the industry's brightest minds—including VFX legends, directors, producers, and studio executives—Pixel Puzzle goes beyond the technical to explore the human stories, the challenges, and the triumphs that bring the magic to life.Join us every 15 days as we connect the dots between imagination and reality, offering a rare backstage pass to the world of VFX—where artistry, technology, and storytelling collide.👉 Subscribe now and become part of a community that believes in curiosity, creativity, and the joy of seeing the world in a whole new light. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on various themes within the VFX industry, including the historical evolution of visual effects, landmark films that have shaped the field, and the artistry behind the craft. For example, episodes cover directors such as Christopher Nolan and Peter Jackson, and delve into pivotal VFX milestones like those found in Jurassic Park and The Matrix.
Pixel Puzzle is a platform dedicated to revealing what visual effects (VFX) are really about — beyond the magic, beyond the myths, beyond the credits that roll by too fast to read.
We’re here for the artists, the technologists, the dreamers — and for the outsiders who’ve always admired the craft without fully understanding it.
Through honest conversations with pioneers, leaders, and unsung heroes of the industry, we break down the walls that separate “the business” from “the art,” and “the audience” from “the work.”
Our mission is simple, but urgent:
To humanise visual effects.
To show the world the reality behind the spectacle — the creativity, the collaboration, the grit, the breakthroughs, the heartbreak, and the future that’s still being written.
Who we’re for:
📍 VFX artists who want their craft to be seen and respected.
📍 Industry professionals who want a clearer, bigger picture.
📍 Students, directors, producers, writers — anyone whose work touches the moving image.
📍 Curious minds outside the industry who simply want to understand how the magic is made — and why it matters.
Why it matters:
Because VFX isn’t just technology.
It’s storytelling. It’s art. It’s culture.
And it deserves to be understood — not just admired, criticised, or overlooked.
Pixel Puzzle is not about hype. It’s about connection. It’s about passing the mic to the people who live this craft every day, and helping the world see visual effects the way we see it:
Essential. Evolving. Human.
👉 Subscribe now and become part of a community that believes in curiosity, creativity, and the joy of seeing the world in a whole new light.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
00:00 – Introduction to Visual Effects and Journey Recap
06:26 – Understanding VFX Roles and Responsibilities
11:42 – Transitioning to Leadership in VFX
15:19 – Key Skills for a Visual Effects Supervisor
22:18 – Observational Skills in Visual Effects
24:12 – Experiences with Different VFX Supervisors
26:47 – Reflections on Personal Growth and Leadership
29:09 – Essential Skills for a VFX Supervisor
30:31 – Problem Solving in Visual Effects
35:30 – The Importance of Collaboration
36:28 – Working with Directors
39:08 – Unexpected Creative Directions
41:15 – Fostering Collaboration Across Departments
43:08 – Building Trust with Creative Teams
47:09 – Exceptional Outcomes from Collaboration
49:52 – Advice for New Directors
52:29 – Misconceptions About Visual Effects
54:38 – The VFX Supervisor and Producer Partnership
56:53 – The Role of Visual Effects in Production
57:02 – Workflow from Concept to Delivery
01:03:33 – Challenges in Post-Production
01:06:29 – Embracing AI in Visual Effects
01:10:05 – Staying Calm Under Pressure
01:13:43 – Lessons from Failed Projects
01:16:09 – Transitioning from DJ to Visual Effects
01:20:22 – The Importance of Mentorship
01:24:39 – Preparing for Leadership in Visual Effects
01:25:58 – Imagining Changes in Iconic Characters
01:28:58 – The Rewarding Role of Visual Effects Supervisors
👀 WHO SHOULD LISTEN?
✅ Aspiring and current VFX supervisors
✅ Artists trying to understand “the other side”
✅ Directors who want to collaborate better with VFX
✅ Production leaders aiming to improve morale without losing control
✅ Anyone curious how a Star Wars superfan ended up making Star Wars
📌 KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The Unlikely Journey: DJ to VFX Supervisor Julian’s first career was in music, touring the world as a successful DJ and record producer. But when the gigs dried up, he pivoted — and started again from scratch in visual effects. What followed was a rise from junior artist to ILM supervisor on Star Wars, Marvel, and more.
- Leadership Isn’t a Promotion — It’s a Responsibility Julian shares the honest truth about supervising: it’s less about control, and more about protection. Protecting your artists, your schedule, and your relationships. His golden rule? “Never punch down.”
- Making the Call — Even When It’s Tough From supervising a scene for Rogue One with Steven Spielberg looking over his shoulder to leading the team on The Acolyte, Julian reveals how problem-solving under pressure becomes second nature — and why being adaptable is the most underrated superpower in VFX.
- Artist First, Always Julian doesn’t just give notes. He mentors, uplifts, and makes space for others. From calling out quiet brilliance in dailies to explaining why artists should see the mistakes when things don’t work — this episode is a masterclass in people-first supervision.
🧠 BIG IDEAS TO REMEMBER
- You don’t need to reinvent the wheel — just roll it better.
- Trust is everything — and you earn it by listening.
- Artists do their best work when they feel seen.
- Collaboration starts before the first shot is filmed.
- Not all heroes wear mocap suits — some just carry spreadsheets and empathy.
🔗 MENTIONED TOOLS & CONCEPTS
- Machine Learning for Face Replacement
- Matchmoving, Modeling, Texturing, and LookDev
- Dailies & Feedback Culture
- On-Set Supervision
- ILM’s Visual Effects Pipeline
- Jedi Wisdom (and Jar Jar redemption?)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
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