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Andy Boyd — VFX Supervisor Jamm Visual, Brothers

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Andy Boyd, co-founder of Jam, shares insights into his studio’s journey over the past decade and their ability to adapt to changing industry dynamics. Andy reflects on his studio's blend of commercial and long-form projects, including Brothers, a feature film featuring a photoreal CG orangutan, now available on Amazon Prime. He discusses the challenges of creating realistic fur and how transitioning to V-Ray as a rendering solution revolutionized their approach to creature work. Andy also explores how smaller VFX studios like Jam have carved out niches by focusing on high-quality work for projects with limited but impactful shot counts.

The conversation covers the evolution of the VFX industry, the influence of AI as a tool, and the importance of diversifying offerings in a competitive landscape. Andy highlights the growing opportunities for smaller studios to excel in both commercials and specialized film work, sharing how Jam’s ability to collaborate and adapt has allowed them to thrive. From comedic PSA campaigns to innovative miniature-based projects like Stanley Spillzilla, Andy’s stories showcase the creativity and resourcefulness of a studio determined to push boundaries while staying true to its roots. 

Links:

Jam Visual >

Brothers (2024) - Amazon Prime >

Andy Boyd on IMDB >



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0:08:30 Andy Boyd shares updates since his last appearance

0:10:10 Growth of Jam: From 25 to 75+ team members

0:12:20 Challenges of sustaining commercial work and diversifying projects

0:15:15 The state of the film industry and navigating tax incentives

0:19:30 Jam’s niche: High-quality work with limited shot counts

0:23:50 Discussing Brothers and creating the photoreal CG orangutan

0:29:00 Transitioning to V-Ray and achieving realistic fur rendering

0:33:40 On-set challenges and working with actors like Josh Brolin

0:39:15 Reflections on Brothers: Blending comedy and realism in VFX

0:45:20 The evolution of commercial work in the streaming age

0:50:30 Using AI as a tool and balancing creative and technical workflows

0:58:45 Future trends in VFX and staying competitive in a dynamic industry

1:04:00 Closing thoughts and upcoming projects at Jam 

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About the author

Christopher Nichols

Chris is a CG industry veteran and Director of Chaos Labs. He can also be heard regularly as the host of the CG Garage podcast which attracts 20,000 weekly listeners. With a background in both VFX and Design, Chris has worked for Gensler, Digital Domain, Imageworks and Method Studios. His credits include Maleficent, Oblivion and Tron: Legacy.

Originally published: January 6, 2025.
© Škoda Design

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