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.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Visual Effects and the Guest
01:43 Jeroen Desmet’s Journey into VFX
10:23 Defining the Artist’s Role in VFX
17:19 The Importance of Resilience in Artists
18:59 The Generalist Approach to Problem Solving
26:21 The Rewards of Working in VFX
32:03 Creative Roots and Family Influence
34:13 The Pain of Perfectionism in Art
36:49 Balancing Pressure and Performance
41:53 Learning from Challenges in the Creative Process
46:42 Navigating Early Career Challenges
48:53 Reflections on Career Choices and Growth
51:45 Keeping Up with Industry Changes
54:34 Work-Life Balance in Visual Effects
01:00:59 Transformative Experiences and Self-Reflection
01:03:37 Leadership in the Creative Industry
01:07:03 The Importance of Credit and Recognition
01:09:53 The Misconceptions of CGI and Practical Effects
01:14:02 Building Trust with VFX Supervisors
01:18:07 Mental Health and Emotional Resilience in the Workplace
01:21:58 Advice for Aspiring Artists and Common Mistakes
01:25:59 Reflecting on Career Moments and Industry Changes
👀 WHO SHOULD LISTEN?
✅ Artists navigating early or mid-career decisions
✅ Producers and supervisors wanting to better support their teams
✅ Anyone who’s felt undervalued or overwhelmed in creative production
✅ Students or juniors wondering how to break in — and stay in
✅ Directors who want to get the best out of their VFX artists
🧠 BIG IDEAS TO REMEMBER
- Great artists aren’t born — they’re built, slowly, through mentorship and experience.
- Communication isn’t just a soft skill — it’s a survival skill.
- Generalists are problem-solvers — not “jacks of all trades.”
- The better the brief, the better the work.
- Respect is currency — and it costs nothing to give.
📌 KEY TAKEAWAYS
The Generalist’s Journey
Jeroen talks candidly about the steep learning curve in VFX, and what it means to grow into a generalist role. From learning on the job to knowing when to specialise, his story is one of trial, error, and self-discovery.
VFX Isn’t Just About Tools
Beyond Houdini, Nuke or Maya — this is about how artists think. Jeroen breaks down how problem-solving, communication and patience are just as important as any software.
Collaboration Is Everything
Between producers, supervisors and artists, trust and transparency make or break the process. Jeroen shares how healthy tension can push creativity — but lack of respect can destroy morale.
Burnout Is Real
We talk honestly about the cost of staying “always on.” From work-life balance to dealing with stress in fast-paced environments, this episode explores the emotional toll the job can take — and how to stay in the game.
What Artists Wish You Knew
Jeroen doesn’t pull punches. Whether you’re a director, producer, or fellow artist, there are things you might be overlooking that can completely change the work experience — and the outcome.
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.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.