VFX visualization might just be the closest you can get to being a film director without stepping behind the camera. This technology has become a key part of the VFX process, with previz storyboarding growing into pitchviz (to get movies greenlit), techviz (to figure out logistics), and postviz (to create temporary VFX). It’s an area Casey Pyke has become an expert in via his role at Halon Entertainment, which has helped visualize movies including The Batman, Pinnochio, Argylle, and John Wick: Chapter 4.
Casey breaks down how the technology required for visualization differs from that for VFX — speed is of the essence, but looking good is increasingly important. He also talks about how his background as an amateur filmmaker helped him understand what directors want and the satisfaction of recognising his work on the big screen. Casey concludes with his experiences using LED walls and AI tools in visualization pipelines.
Links:
0:04:56 How Gollum inspired Casey's VFX career
0:09:34 Why Casey become interested in previz
0:15:24 Using Maya and Unreal for previz
0:19:29 Speed and adopting the language of cinema
0:25:52 Seeing your work on the big screen
0:31:29 Pitchviz, previz, and techviz
0:36:10 """John Wick: Chapter 4"" and ""Argylle"""
0:38:11 The process of postviz
0:42:48 How previz can help decisions get made
0:47:35 How AI can compliment previz and cinematography
0:53:37 Virtual production on Robert Zemeckis' Pinocchio movie
0:57:33 Being the guy who wears the mocap suit
0:58:51 Virtual production and LED walls
1:04:38 Bats, apes, and Aquamen: Casey's favorite projects