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PODCAST

Lighter Darker: The ILM Podcast

Industrial Light & Magic

Welcome to Lighter Darker: The ILM Podcast, where we focus on the creative process of filmmaking and the art of visual storytelling. Co-hosted by Rob Bredow & Todd Vaziri, and produced by Jenny Ely, join us as we chat with top filmmakers, artists and innovators about their craft, careers, and the collaborative process of bringing stories to life.

tv & film film interviews

All Episodes

63:18

020 - Lens Flares

Lighter Darker: The ILM Podcast ·

2025/06/03

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

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62:25

019 - Severance

Lighter Darker: The ILM Podcast ·

2025/05/20

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

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59:50

018 - ABBA Voyage

Lighter Darker: The ILM Podcast ·

2025/05/06

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

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55:27

017 - Fifty Years of ILM

Lighter Darker: The ILM Podcast ·

2025/04/22

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 legendaryachievements. 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

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70:26

016 - Bryce Dallas Howard

Lighter Darker: The ILM Podcast ·

2025/04/09

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

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0:31

Episode 16 Coming April 9th

Lighter Darker: The ILM Podcast ·

2025/04/08

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

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62:07

015: Immersive Innovation with Vicki Dobbs Beck

Lighter Darker: The ILM Podcast ·

2025/03/25

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

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63:34

014 - Skeleton Crew with John Knoll

Lighter Darker: The ILM Podcast ·

2025/03/11

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

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66:52

013: Virtual Production

Lighter Darker: The ILM Podcast ·

2025/02/25

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]

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63:08

012 - Wicked & Alien: Romulus

Lighter Darker: The ILM Podcast ·

2025/02/11

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

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61:16

011 - VFX Oscar Nominations

Lighter Darker: The ILM Podcast ·

2025/01/28

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

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59:24

010 - Shaping Characters for Tomorrow with Amy Beth...

Lighter Darker: The ILM Podcast ·

2025/01/14

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

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55:45

009 - Bonus Episode 2024 Wrap

Lighter Darker: The ILM Podcast ·

2024/12/31

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

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56:44

S1 Ep 008: The Magic of Film with Dean Cundey

Lighter Darker: The ILM Podcast ·

2024/12/10

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

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60:01

S1 Ep 007 - Glicked: Worldbuilding in Wicked and...

Lighter Darker: The ILM Podcast ·

2024/11/26

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

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52:07

S1 Ep 006 - Ultraman: Rising with Shannon Tindle and...

Lighter Darker: The ILM Podcast ·

2024/11/12

Director Shannon Tindle (Kubo and the Two Strings, Lost Ollie) and VFX supervisor Hayden Jones join us to discuss the role of empathy in animation. We talk about Tindle’s latest film, Ultraman: Rising as well as the importance of collaboration and infusing personal experiences into characters and storytelling. Chapter Markers [00:00:00] Intro [00:03:20] Rejection Letters [00:11:25] Deleted Dreams [00:17:46] Empathy in Animation [00:45:52] The Martini [00:50:33] Outro Episode Links Shannon Tindle -

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53:22

S1 Ep 005 - Ghostbusters II with Bill George

Lighter Darker: The ILM Podcast ·

2024/10/29

For this special Halloween Edition, we flash back to Ghostbusters II with VFX legend Bill George who shares stories from the model shop. We talk with Bill about the evolution of visual effects over his 40-year career.Chapter Markers [00:00:00] Intro [00:03:45] Questions from the mailbag [00:16:20] Lighter Darker - origin of the name [00:19:10] Rejection letters [00:22:28] Ghostbusters II and the evolution of the artist toolbox [00:44:51] The Martini [00:52:19] Outro Episode Links Bill George -

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55:04

S1 Ep 004 - Twisters with Lee Isaac Chung and Ashley...

Lighter Darker: The ILM Podcast ·

2024/10/15

Director Lee Isaac Chung (Minari, Twisters) and executive producer Ashley Jay Sandberg (Twisters, The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart) discuss working together to balance science and storytelling with their latest film, Twisters. They share stories from the set, including real-life challenges from Mother Nature. The filmmakers and the Lighter Darker hosts chat about films that inspired them to choose their career paths and some roadblocks they faced along the way. Chapter

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51:13

S1 E3 - Camera and Composition

Lighter Darker: The ILM Podcast ·

2024/10/01

Episode SummaryBeth D'Amato, ILM digital paint supervisor, joins Todd and Rob to discuss their favorite camera moves, compositions, and notable oner’s. Beth shares how she got her start in VFX and we learn that sometimes, "We will keep your resume on file" is a good thing! The ILM pros answer questions about basic VFX terminology, and we bust an internet myth. Chapter Markers [00:00:00] Intro [00:01:50] Questions from the mailbag [00:11:07] Rejection letters [00:16:20] Misinformation

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40:58

S1 E2 - Transformers One with Josh Cooley

Lighter Darker: The ILM Podcast ·

2024/09/17

Episode Summary In this episode, the Lighter Darker team welcomes director Josh Cooley (Toy Story 4, Transformers One) to talk about combining humor and heart in filmmaking as he does so well in his films. Josh shares the story of getting his dream shot at Pixar and how he almost had a very different job! Chapter Markers [00:00:00] Intro [00:01:41] Questions from the mailbag [00:04:46] What is virtual production? [00:13:00] Rejection letters [00:17:05] Humor and heart in animation [00:33:15] The

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22 results

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