Craft

VFX Supervisors Reveal Their Work Starts Before Cameras Roll at IndieWire Craft Roundtable

By Catriona Vale, Craft & Criticism EditorFebruary 19, 2024

Contrary to common perception, visual effects teams are deeply involved in pre-production, shaping how scenes are conceived and shot from the outset.

At IndieWire’s recent Craft Roundtable, top VFX supervisors pulled back the curtain on a reality often overlooked: their department’s influence begins well before post-production. Betsy Paterson, known for her work on 'Stranger Things,' emphasized that VFX teams are brought in during early pre-production stages to collaborate closely with directors and other departments. This early involvement helps solve complex sequences and manage budget and time constraints, ensuring the visual effects integrate seamlessly into the story.

VFX supervisors like Daryl Sawchuk, who worked on 'IT: Welcome to Derry,' explained that their role extends beyond the final edit. They coordinate with cinematographers, production designers, and stunt teams to plan shots that will accommodate digital enhancements. This proactive approach reduces surprises during post-production and helps departments work more efficiently, ultimately saving time and resources across the board. More context: Craft.

In many cases, VFX teams act as the connective tissue of production, orchestrating the technical and storytelling elements to ensure a cohesive final product. Hnedel Maximore, behind the effects in 'Spider-Noir,' pointed out that their early input is crucial for sequences that rely heavily on digital manipulation, such as creating fantastical backgrounds or superpowers. Their involvement often extends to helping directors understand what is feasible within their budget and technical limits. More context: Indie film.

The panel also highlighted how VFX supervisors’ storytelling backgrounds influence their work. They’re not just technicians but narrative strategists, trying to anticipate how visual effects will support the story. Whether it’s a superhero’s powers or a horror monster lurking in the shadows, their planning begins at the earliest stages—sometimes even during script development—to shape how scenes are shot and lit.

This shift in workflow underscores a broader change in film and TV production, where visual effects are no longer confined to post-production. Instead, they are integral to storytelling from the start, requiring close collaboration across departments from the moment the script is greenlit. This proactive approach has become essential in managing increasingly complex visual storytelling, where the line between practical and digital effects continues to blur.

Both Paterson and Sawchuk agreed that this early integration of VFX is vital to the success of modern productions. It allows for better planning, more innovative sequences, and ultimately a more seamless blend of live-action and digital elements. As VFX technology advances, this collaborative process will only grow more critical, shaping the future of how movies and TV shows are made.

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