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In the final episode of season one, Shannon Tindle and John Knoll return to Lighter Darker to discuss the much debated use of lens flares in film and animation. John talks about rejection and how to know when a project isn’t right for you. Our hosts and guests share some of their favorite lens flares and how to use the technique correctly (and incorrectly). Chapter Markers [00:00:00] Intro [00:02:42] Questions from the Mailbag [00:11:29] Rejection Letters [00:17:47] Lens Flare Extravaganza [00:53:39] The Martini [01:00:28] Outro Episode Links John Knoll - IMDb Shannon Tindle - IMDb “Hook” (1991) Tinkerbell Lens Flares “Visions of Light” documentary on cinematography, HD remaster “Star Wars” (1977), timestamp 6:14 The Martini Todd: Hits, Flops, and Other Illusions, by Edward Zwick John: Portrait Artist of the Year Jenny: Batman Resurrection Shannon:  LA Taco Colorware Rob: 1Password Apple Passwords Follow Us ilm.com | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | LinkedIn  Rob Bredow.com or on Instagram Todd Vaziri Jenny Ely on Instagram Email us at [email protected] https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/020-lens-flares-with-john-knoll-and-shannon-tindle/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Production designer Jeremy Hindle and VFX supervisor Eric Leven join us to discuss their work on Severance season two. We discuss merging practical designs with the often invisible digital effects to create the atmosphere and environments of the Lumon world. Chapter Markers [00:00:11] Intro [00:01:55] Rejection Letters [00:06:52] Severance [00:52:52] The Martini [01:00:43] Outro Episode Links  Jeremy Hindle - IMDb Eric Leven - IMDb Severance (TV Series 2022– ) - IMDb The Martini Todd - Detroiters (TV Series 2017–2018) - IMDbThe Studio (TV Series 2025– ) - IMDb Jenny - Andor (TV Series 2022–2025) - IMDb Eric - Swax Training Baseball Rob - The Severance Podcast with Ben Stiller & Adam Scott Follow Us ilm.com | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | LinkedIn  Rob Bredow.com or on Instagram Todd Vaziri Jenny Ely on Instagram Email us at [email protected] Transcript  https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/019-severance/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

ILM creative director Ben Morris and producer Svana Gisla join us to discuss ABBA Voyage. We talk through details about the technology, collaboration with the band, and the legacy of this one-of-a-kind musical experience.  Chapter Markers [00:00:00] Intro [00:02:31] Origin Stories [00:08:57] ABBA Voyage [00:51:40] The Martini [00:58:39] Outro Episode Links ABBA Voyage (Music Video 2022) - IMDb Svana Gisla - IMDb Ben Morris - IMDb The Martini Todd - MacBook Air 13-inch and MacBook Air 15-inch - Apple Ben - Severance (TV Series 2022– ) - IMDb Jenny - Paul Tremblay Rob - Game Changer - Dropout Follow Us ilm.com | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | LinkedIn  Rob Bredow.com or on Instagram Todd Vaziri Jenny Ely on Instagram Email us at [email protected] Transcript  https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/ep-18-abba-voyage/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Recorded with a live audience at Star Wars Celebration in Japan, join our Industrial Light & Magic panel as we commemorate a monumental milestone—50 years of groundbreaking visual effects artistry, production mastery, and technological innovation. In this panel, hear from longtime ILM veterans as they take you on a journey through the company's legendary achievements. Chapter Markers [00:00:00] Intro [00:02:07] Starting at ILM [00:24:05] Blending Techniques [00:45:48] Future of VFX [00:47:41] The Martini [00:01:00] 0utro ILM 50th Swag ILM 50th T-Shirt, Sweatshirt, Tumbler Episode Links  Fon Davis - IMDb Janet Lewin - IMDb John Knoll - IMDb Lynwen Brennan - IMDb Masa Narita - IMDb Rob Coleman - IMDb  The Martini Lynwen - Light & Magic Season 2 and ILM Announces New Book at Star Wars Celebration Japan  Janet - ILM 50th Anniversary Merch Andor Season 2 Rob Coleman - The Director's Cut - A DGA Podcast Rob Bredow - Tokyo DisneySea Follow Us ilm.com | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | LinkedIn  Rob Bredow.com or on Instagram Todd Vaziri Jenny Ely on Instagram Email us at [email protected] Transcript https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/017-fifty-years-of-ilm-panel/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bryce Dallas Howard joins us to talk about her experiences and processes as an actor and filmmaker. She also shares her thoughts on recent exciting news from the world of science! You won’t want to miss this one! Chapter Markers [00:00:00] Intro [00:02:23] Questions from the Mailbag [00:20:35] Storytelling and Innovation in Filmmaking [00:41:02] Film Foundations [00:47:19] Storytelling and Innovation part 2 [00:59:48] The Martini [01:09:26] Outro Episode Links  Bryce Dallas Howard - IMDb  The Mandalorian (TV Series 2019– ) - IMDb  Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018) - IMDb  The Brave Little Toaster (1987) - IMDb  The Last Unicorn (1982) - IMDb  Beth Shapiro, Ph.D. - Colossal  The Return of the Dire Wolf - Colossal  The Martini Jenny - Merriam-Webster (@merriamwebster) · Springfield, MA  Rob - beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO headphones  Bryce - Milan Art Institute Follow Us ilm.com | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | LinkedIn  Rob Bredow.com or on Instagram Todd Vaziri Jenny Ely on Instagram Email us at [email protected] Transcript https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/016-bryce-dallas-howard/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are delaying the release of Episode 16 by one day this week because we will be discussing an exciting topic from the world of science that won’t be publicly announced by our usual publishing time. We have a very special guest this week! Bryce Dallas Howard is joining us to talk about her experiences and processes as an actor and filmmaker. Check back tomorrow to download the episode, you won’t want to miss this one!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For over 30 years, Vicki Dobbs Beck has been at the forefront of innovative storytelling. This week, she shares her remarkable journey as a leader in this dynamic field, and reminisces about some of her favorite projects. Chapter Markers [00:00:00] Intro [00:02:11] Questions From the Mailbag [00:08:52] Rejection Letters [00:22:37] Immersive Innovation [00:55:58] The Martini [01:01:03] Outro Episode Links  Vicki Dobbs Beck - IMDb Montage Excerpt of “Paul Park Ranger & The Mystery of the Disappearing Ducks.” on Vimeo CARNE y ARENA (Virtually present, Physically invisible) - Trailer What If...? - An Immersive Story | Marvel Immersive Entertainment | Industrial Light & Magic The Martini Jenny - Soolla Vicki - Runway Research | Introducing Act-One Rob - FUJIFILM X100VI | Cameras | FUJIFILM X Series & GFX - USA Follow Us ilm.com | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | LinkedIn  Rob Bredow.com or on Instagram Todd Vaziri Jenny Ely on Instagram Email us at [email protected] Transcript: https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/015-vicki-dobbs-beck/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chapter Markers [00:00:00] Intro [00:10:31] Skeleton Crew [00:44:09] Questions From the Mailbag [00:54:16] The Martini [01:02:29] Outro Episode Links  John Knoll - IMDb Skeleton Crew (TV Series 2024–2025) - IMDb Colbert Issues 'Green Screen' Challenge to McCainiacs Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) - IMDb Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006) - IMDb Inside ILM: Creating the Razor Crest The Mandalorian Season 1 - Motion Control System The Mandalorian Season 1 - Motion Control System -2 The Mandalorian Season 2 - Motion Control System Ahsoka/Skeleton Crew - Motion Control System The Martini Todd - Rear Window (1954) - IMDb Panic Room (2002) - IMDb John - Tim's Vermeer (2013) - IMDb Jenny - Father Brown - BBC One Follow Us ilm.com | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | LinkedIn  Rob Bredow.com or on Instagram Todd Vaziri Jenny Ely on Instagram Email us at [email protected] Transcript  https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/014-skeleton-crew-with-john-knoll/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we’re exploring Virtual Production. Industry experts Shivani Jhaveri and Justin Talley share their insights on when this technology truly shines and, just as importantly, when it might not be the best fit for your project. They also offer tips and advice for working on set and share some of their favorite moments with filmmakers.  Chapter Markers [00:00:00] Intro [00:02:12] Questions From the Mailbag [00:16:42] Set Smarts [00:27:23] Virtual Production [00:57:04] The Martini [01:05:22] Outro Episode Links  Shivani Jhaveri - IMDb Justin Talley - IMDb ILM StageCraft The Agency (TV Series 2024– ) - IMDb Craft Services: Role and Responsibilities on a Film Set - 2025 - MasterClass Robust Steel Max - Vyper Chairs Skeleton/IFB Earpiece - EAR Customized Hearing Protection The Martini Todd - Movies & TV | Plex Shivani - Meditations by Marcus Aurelius Jenny - The Roots of Chaos — Samantha Shannon Justin - Artemis Pro - Pro Filmmaker Apps Rob - Letterboxd Follow Us ilm.com | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | LinkedIn  Rob Bredow.com or on Instagram Todd Vaziri Jenny Ely on Instagram Email us at [email protected] Transcript https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/013-virtual-production-with-shivani-jhaveri-justin-talley/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we discuss the work behind two films nominated for Oscars in Best Visual Effects. From the whimsical world of Wicked and the acidic atmosphere of Alien: Romulus—Pablo Helman, David Shirk, and Nelson Sepulveda-Fauser share their insights and learnings in crafting the visual effects behind these blockbuster hits. Chapter Markers [00:00:00] Intro [00:02:45] Questions From the Mailbag [00:10:36] Alien: Romulus [00:23:29] Wicked [00:51:47] The Martini [01:02:00] Outro Episode Links  Nelson Sepulveda - IMDb Pablo Helman - IMDb David Shirk - IMDb GET IN THE DOOR Alien: Romulus (2024) - IMDb Wicked (2024) - IMDb The 97th Academy Awards | 2025 The Martini Todd - The Straight Story (1999) - IMDb Jenny - Movies | DC Comics | DC Pablo - Pablo Helman Soundcloud McCartney's 4001 | TalkBass.com David - Liberty Puzzles Rob - The Classic Presets - Classic Film Presets 2021 for Lightroom Follow Us ilm.com | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | LinkedIn  Rob Bredow.com or on Instagram Todd Vaziri Jenny Ely on Instagram Email us at [email protected] https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/012-wicked-alien-romulus/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Todd and Rob break down the process of how films are selected for nomination in the Oscars' Best Visual Effects category. We discuss highlights from the five nominated films—Alien Romulus, Better Man, Dune: Part Two, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, and Wicked—and we revisit the shower door myth. Chapter Markers [00:00:00] Intro [00:01:11] Misinformation Corner [00:05:36] VFX Oscars Nomination Process [00:18:32] Nominee Highlights [00:53:27] The Martini [01:00:05] Outro Episode Links  Ralph McQuarrie - IMDb Alien: Romulus (2024) - IMDb Better Man (2024) - IMDb Dune: Part Two (2024) - IMDb Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024) - IMDb Wicked (2024) - IMDb The Martini Todd - Trade Coffee Jenny - Nurtured By Nature International Otter Survival Fund Rob - French Cleat Hanger Follow Us ilm.com | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | LinkedIn  Rob Bredow.com or on Instagram Todd Vaziri Jenny Ely on Instagram Email us at [email protected] Transcript  https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/011-vfx-oscar-nominations/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

ILM Art Director Amy Beth Christenson (Transformers One, Star Wars Rebels) discusses the complexities and pure joy of working with established Star Wars and Transformers characters while introducing new elements for today’s audiences. Amy shares stories of adapting her portfolio to catch the attention of recruiters and highlights from her 25 years with Lucasfilm and ILM. Chapter Markers [00:00:00] Intro [00:02:06] Questions from the Mailbag [00:18:51] Rejection Letters [00:30:10] Shaping Characters for Tomorrow  [00:49:59] The Martini [00:58:19] Outro Episode Links  Amy Beth Christenson - IMDb Transformers One (2024) - IMDb Star Wars: The Force Unleashed Star Wars: Resistance (TV Series 2018–2020) - IMDb Joseph Christian Leyendecker | Artnet The Martini Todd - Apple Mac Mini Amy - BrickLink Studio Download [BrickLink] Jenny - Tobin's Spirit Guide by Magnoli Props Rob - Music by John Williams (2024) - IMDb Follow Us ilm.com | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | LinkedIn  Rob Bredow.com or on Instagram Todd Vaziri Jenny Ely on Instagram Email us at [email protected] Transcript  https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/010-shaping-characters-for-tomorrow-with-amy-beth-christenson/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rob, Todd and Jenny share their own rejection letters and answer some lingering questions from the mailbag. Todd corrects another VFX myth in Misinformation Corner. The team shares their favorite things from the year as we say farewell to 2024 in this bonus episode of Lighter Darker! Chapter Markers [00:00:00] Intro [00:01:19] Mailbag [00:07:41] Misinformation Corner [00:22:30] Rejection Letters [00:48:33] The Martini [00:54:15] Outro Episode Links  Skeleton Crew (TV Series 2024– ) - IMDb Director Jake Schreier on the set of Skeleton Crew Cadrage Director's Viewfinder The Mandalorian (TV Series 2019– ) - IMDb Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) - IMDb Charmaine Chan - IMDb Right Up Our Alley - FPV Drone Fly Through FXRant: "Skeleton Crew", Neel and Misinformation One Star Wars: Skeleton Crew Character Is A Stunning Blend Of Incredible Visual Effects - SlashFilm The Martini Todd - 2024 Total Eclipse: Where & When - NASA Science Jenny - Podcast Episodes Archive | Industrial Light & Magic Rob - EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump, Digital Tire Inflator Follow Us ilm.com | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | LinkedIn  Rob Bredow.com or on Instagram Todd Vaziri Jenny Ely on Instagram Email us at [email protected] Transcript  https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/009-bonus-episode-2024-wrap/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join legendary cinematographer Dean Cundey (Apollo 13, The Mandalorian) on our final episode of 2024. From his early days collaborating with John Carpenter on horror classics like Halloween and The Thing to groundbreaking work on Jurassic Park and Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Cundey has shaped the visual landscape of cinema. Dean Cundey shares behind-the-scenes stories from the set and personal experiences breaking into the industry. Chapter Markers [00:00:00] Intro [00:02:00] Questions from the Mailbag [00:14:27] Rejection Letters [00:31:58] Making Magic On the Screen  [00:50:15] The Martini [00:55:27] Outro Episode Links  Dean Cundey - IMDb Roger Corman Howard Anderson Optical Printer - ILM San Francisco Studio Back to the Future Part 2 (5/12) Movie CLIP - The Future McFlys (1989) HD The Parent Trap (1961) - IMDb The Parent Trap (1998) - IMDb Ken Ralston - IMDb Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) - IMDb The Martini Todd - Stitch Fix Jenny - Midnight Mass (TV Mini Series 2021) - IMDb Rob - Microsoft Flight Simulator Follow Us ilm.com | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | LinkedIn  Rob Bredow.com or on Instagram Todd Vaziri Jenny Ely on Instagram Email us at [email protected] Transcript: https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/ep-008-the-magic-of-film-with-dean-cundey/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we delve into the world building techniques behind two of the year's most anticipated films: Gladiator II and Wicked. VFX Producer Ed Randolph (Gladiator II) and VFX Supervisor Anthony Smith (Wicked) give us behind-the-scenes stories of building these worlds and share insights into some of their favorite shots from their impressive careers. Chapter Markers [00:00:10] Intro [00:03:07] Questions from the Mailbag [00:17:42] One Final and One CBB [00:28:15] Worldbuilding in WIcked and Gladiator II [00:49:13] The Martini [00:58:30] Outro Episode Links  Wicked (2024) - IMDb Gladiator II (2024) - IMDb Edward Randolph - IMDb Anthony Smith - IMDb Color Decision List Explained - Lowepost Ready Player One (2018) - IMDb Spectre (2015) - IMDb Gravity (2013) - IMDb Sherlock Holmes (2009) - IMDb The Martini  Todd - The Wild Robot (2024) - IMDb Robot Dreams (2023) - IMDb Ed - Wicked: Tiny Desk Concert The Remarkable Life of Ibelin (2024) - IMDb Anthony - Old Masters Academy Jenny - A Smoky Mountain Christmas (TV Movie 1986) - IMDb  A Smoky Mountain Christmas (1986 TV Movie, 2022 HD Circle TV Broadcast Edit) Rob - Clarkson's Farm (TV Series 2021– ) - IMDb Follow Us ilm.com | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | LinkedIn  Rob Bredow.com or on Instagram Todd Vaziri Jenny Ely on Instagram Email us at [email protected] Transcript  https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/ep-007-worldbuilding-in-wicked-and-gladiator-ii/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices