Lighter Darker: The ILM Podcast

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Transcript: https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/015-vicki-dobbs-beck/

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014 - Skeleton Crew with John Knoll

11 mars 2025 | 64 min

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

https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/014-skeleton-crew-with-john-knoll/

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Transcript

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013 - Virtual Production

25 februari 2025 | 67 min

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

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Transcript https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/013-virtual-production-with-shivani-jhaveri-justin-talley/

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012 - Wicked & Alien: Romulus

11 februari 2025 | 63 min

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

https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/012-wicked-alien-romulus/

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011 - VFX Oscar Nominations

28 januari 2025 | 61 min

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

https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/011-vfx-oscar-nominations/

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Transcript

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010 - Shaping Characters for Tomorrow with Amy Beth Christenson

14 januari 2025 | 59 min

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

https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/010-shaping-characters-for-tomorrow-with-amy-beth-christenson/

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Transcript

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009 - Bonus Episode 2024 Wrap

31 december 2024 | 56 min

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

https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/009-bonus-episode-2024-wrap/

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Transcript

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008 - The Magic of Film with Dean Cundey

10 december 2024 | 57 min

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

Robot Dreams (2023) - IMDb

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Transcript: https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/ep-008-the-magic-of-film-with-dean-cundey/

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007 - Glicked: Worldbuilding in Wicked and Gladiator II

26 november 2024 | 60 min

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

The Martini

Todd - The Wild Robot (2024) - 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

https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/ep-007-worldbuilding-in-wicked-and-gladiator-ii/

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Transcript

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006 - Ultraman: Rising with Shannon Tindle and Hayden Jones

12 november 2024 | 52 min

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 - IMDb
Hayden Jones - IMDb
Ultraman: Rising (2024) - IMDb
THE HUMAN TARGET #1 | DC
Lost Ollie (TV Mini Series 2022) - IMDb

The Martini

Shannon - Hollow Kingdom #1 - Kira Jane Buxton

Hayden - Thames & Hudson USA - Book - Anime Architecture: Imagined Worlds and Endless Megacities

Jenny - Luigi's Mansion 2 - HD

Rob - Welcome to Wrexham (TV Series 2022– ) - IMDb

https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/ep-006-ultraman-rising-with-shannon-tindle-and-hayden-jones/

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Transcript

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005 - Ghostbusters II with Bill George

29 oktober 2024 | 53 min

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 - IMDb
Artist Benton Jew Shares ILM Memories and the Story Behind Lighter Darker
Innerspace (1987) - IMDb
Ghostbusters II (1989) - IMDb
METHOCEL™ Water-Soluble Cellulose Ethers, IFF - ChemPoint.

The Martini

Todd -Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982) - IMDb

Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992) - IMDb

Bill - Sasquatch Sunset (2024) - IMDb Paramount + / rent on Amazon Prime

Jenny - Halloween: Origins, Meaning & Traditions | HISTORY

Jenny's Slimer Halloween Costume by Adam J. Ely on IG

Rob - Scriptnotes

https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/ep-005-ghostbusters-2-with-bill-george/

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Transcript

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004 - Twisters with Lee Isaac Chung and Ashley Jay Sandberg

15 oktober 2024 | 55 min

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 Markers

[00:00:00] Intro

[00:02:12] Questions from the mailbag

[00:10:42] Rejection letters

[00:19:44] Film foundations

[00:28:20] The quiet power of nature

[00:45:30] Final question

[00:48:24] The martini

[00:53:50] Outro

The Martini

Rob - The Greatest Night in Pop (2024) - IMDb

Todd - Schlage Encode Plus™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt | Wifi smart lock

Jenny - Norsepaints (@norsepaints) • Instagram

Isaac - StarTalk Radio

Ashley BEATER BOARDS – Catch Surf USA

Email us at [email protected]

Transcript: https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/s1e004-twisters-with-lee-isaac-chung-and-ashley-jay-sandberg/

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003 - Camera and Composition

1 oktober 2024 | 51 min

Episode Summary

Beth 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 corner

[00:21:20] Camera and composition

[00:43:19] The Martini

[00:49:32] Outro

The Martini

Todd recommends his favorite black and white films. The Third Man (1949) and Ripley (TV Mini Series 2024)
Beth is learning all the behind-the-scenes stories from The West Wing with the new book, What's Next: A Backstage Pass to The West Wing, Its Cast and Crew, and Its Enduring Legacy of Service
Jenny is flexing her internet sleuthing skills with Unsolved Mysteries Volume Four
Rob suggests Derek DelGaudio's In & Of Itself (2020) for a delightful exploration of the illusory nature of identity.

2005 Star Tours - Original - Disneyland Anaheim

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Transcript: https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/s1e3-camera-and-composition/

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002 - Transformers One with Josh Cooley

17 september 2024 | 41 min

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 Martini

[00:39:21] Outro

Episode Links

Josh Cooley - IMDb
Joe Ranft - IMDb
Toy Story 4 (2019) - IMDb
Transformers One (2024) - IMDb
Nathan Camp - Mocap

The Martini

Rob (and the rest of the internet) is obsessed with the Star Tours StarSpeeder Play Set

Jenny scrambled to come up with something last minute because Rob stole her martini (see above). She is reading Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë | Goodreads and obsessing over the Oxford comma debate. What Is the Oxford Comma (or Serial Comma)? | Grammarly. Yes, she is boring.

Josh is staying true to the current Transformers hype by adopting a Flagship Optimus Prime from Robosen.

Featured Music

The Lighter Darker theme was created by Khatsho Orfali. This episode features music by Ben Charles aka chromasy.

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