Todd Vaziri on The Incomparable, Talking About "Pitch Black"

I recently guested on The Incomparable to talk about one of my favorite science fiction movies, "Pitch Black" (2000).

Host Antony Johnston with Erika Ensign, Tony Sindelar, and Todd Vaziri. Vin Diesel, Radha Mitchell, Keith David, and a lack of bozos… It can only be 2000’s “Pitch Black,” one of the finer entries in the always-popular “Alien” homage movie genre. We enthuse about elevated filmmaking, great decisions, and low-budget effects.

Listen: https://www.theincomparable.com/theincomparable/741/

Lighter Darker: The ILM Podcast

I'm so happy to say that I'm the co-host of a podcast produced by Industrial Light & Magic. We call it "Lighter Darker."

Our name comes from the 1997 artwork made by ILM art director Benton Jew of a cover of a fictional comic book called "Attack of the Nitpickers", where scary, undead people (clients) hover behind a digital artist (who is handcuffed to his desk) and the poor artist is having to endure seemingly contradictory feedback from the horde, including "lighter... darker... split the difference..."

My co-host is Rob Bredow and we're produced by Jenny Ely, and we plan on doing twenty episodes of Lighter Darker this season. Some episodes will have guests co-hosts, and some will be just the three of us. We have been thinking about doing this show for years, and I'm so happy that it's finally come to fruition. My goal is to be the podcast that I wished existed when I was a young movie fan who was interested in how movies are made.

I hope you like it.

Find it at ilm.com and wherever you get your podcasts.

Welcome to Lighter Darker: The ILM Podcast, where we focus on the creative process of filmmaking and the art of visual storytelling. Hosted by ILM Chief Creative Officer Rob Bredow and ILM Compositing Supervisor Todd Vaziri, we share behind-the-scenes stories that illustrate the many crafts that come together to create a motion picture, TV series, or special venue project.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional, an aspiring filmmaker, or a fan of immersive experiences, Lighter Darker provides valuable insights, inspiration, and a deeper appreciation for the artists behind the projects we undertake at ILM in visual effects, animation, and immersive entertainment. We have a terrific lineup of special guest filmmakers who join the team for upcoming episodes to discuss the creative process of filmmaking and the art of visual storytelling.

 

Todd Vaziri on The Incomparable, Talking "The Abyss"

It was my absolute pleasure to (finally!) be a guest on Jason Snell's The Incomparable podcast! We talk about one of my favorite movies of all time, "The Abyss" (1989). Jason, Annette Wierstra, Erika Ensign, John Siracusa and I talk about the epic James Cameron film, what the movie means to us, the differences between the theatrical cut and the Special Edition, and much more.

THE INCOMPARABLE MOTHERSHIP #701 - KEEP PANTYHOSE ON - Host Jason Snell with Todd Vaziri, John Siracusa, Annette Wierstra, and Erika Ensign

Todd Vaziri on "50 MPH", the Podcast on the Making of "Speed"

Kris Tapley invited me to be a guest on his wonderful podcast 50 MPH, the oral history of the making of 1994's "Speed". The movie's visual effects bridge (hehe) the gap between the optical era (of miniatures and optical compositing) and the digital era. For the podcast, Kris interviewed over 100 people who helped make the movie, who reported on the movie, and some of us who are just big fans of the movie.

Digital matte paintings, CGI renderings within miniature environments – you name it, we cover it. And that’s all barely scraping the surface. We also engage some of today’s esteemed VFX artists like Todd Vaziri (Avatar, Star Wars: The Force Awakens) and Jake Braver (Birdman, John Wick), among others, to take stock of Speed‘s legacy in their field.

50 MPH, Episode 29, A VFX Hybrid

https://50mphpodcast.com/029-a-vfx-hybrid-speed/

Todd Vaziri on "The Flop House" Podcast, Talking "Waterworld"

The gang behind my favorite movie podcast asked me to be a guest on the show, and it was scientifically impossible for me to be more giddy about it.

Dan McCoy, Elliott Kalan and Stuart Wellington invited me on The Flop House (a podcast where they watch a bad movie and talk about it) to discuss "Waterworld" (1995), one of the quintessential big-budget "flops" of all-time. We talk about the negative hype surrounding the film's production, how it infected every single piece of press about the movie before its release, and the film itself - what we liked about it and what we didn't like.

It was a really wonderful discussion, and I'm really happy with how it all turned out.

The Flop House - Episode #408, "Waterworld" with Todd Vaziri

🎧 Overcast: https://overcast.fm/+93kiaY1o

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-408-waterworld-with-todd-vaziri/id263585537?i=1000633665950

Podcast: Todd Vaziri on Jamie Benning's Filmumentaries Podcast

It was my pleasure to talk with Jamie Benning to talk about all things filmmaking and visual effects on his Filmumentaries Podcast. Nearly and hour and a half of me yapping on about moviemaking. Who could ask for more? 

The Filmumentaries Podcast - 74 - Todd Vaziri - ILM VFX Artist

Listen in Spreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/user/cstachiw/74-todd-vaziri-v1

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/74-todd-vaziri-ilm-vfx-artist/id1522552119?i=1000610704580

Listen in Overcast: https://overcast.fm/+7o2ZK8AcA

Todd Vaziri Talks "Edge of Tomorrow" on the Dune Pod Podcast

It was a genuine blast to discuss one of my favorite sci-fi movies of the last two decades on the Dune Pod Podcast.

My friend and ILM collaborator Lorelei David, Matt Haitch, Jason Goldman and I talk about "Edge of Tomorrow" (2014). We talk about Tom Cruise' charisma, Emily Blunt's amazing performance, the editing and visual effects, and much much more.

Listen to Dune Pod on Apple Podcasts, or Overcast.

Update: Dune Pod is now Excape Hatch! Direct link to the episode.

We Talked About "Sneakers" on Defocused

 

I had the pleasure of talking with Joe Rosensteel and Dan Sturm about one of our favorite movies, "Sneakers" (1992) on the Defocused Podcast.

Here's some images based on things we talked about on the show:

The film's (probable) Texas Switch

The hidden ramp for Whistler to drive over, complete with parking spot paint.

A screenshot of the San Francisco Chronicle from the film.

Todd Vaziri on the Talking Bay 94 Podcast

It was my pleasure to be the guest on Talking Bay 94, a terrific Star Wars podcast. 

Industrial Light & Magic digital artist and compositing supervisor Todd Vaziri has worked on every Star Wars movie since 2002, beginning with Attack of the Clones.

Whether for the prequels (including the final duel on Mustafar), the sequels (figuring out the feel of a modern Star Wars movie), the spin-offs (helping to bring Tarkin and the Kessel Run to life), theme park rides (including Star Tours and Rise of the Resistance), or Stephen Colbert’s Green Screen Challenge, Mr. Vaziri’s passion for movie-making is evident in his every shot, and in his every answer on this episode, I’ve wanted him to be a guest on Talking Bay 94 for such a long time, and man, it was so worth the wait. Make sure you are following him on Twitter: @tvaziri … he is truly one of the best people to follow, period, on that app.

Talking Bay 94

https://www.talkingbay94.com/2020/11/18/todd-vaziri-industrial-light-and-magic/

I Was on the Light the Fuse Podcast

It was my absolute pleasure to be a guest on the always-fun "Mission: Impossible" podcast, Light The Fuse. Charles Hood and Drew Taylor asked terrific questions and really know their stuff. I'm really proud of this appearance.

Light the Fuse, #67 - Todd Vaziri Part 1
An interview a year in the making (seriously), we talk to Industrial Light & Magic visual effects supervisor Todd Vaziri (@tvaziri on Twitter), who worked on two installments in the franchise! We talk about how he got into the series, working on “Mission: Impossible 3” (including the bridge sequence), the shot J.J. Abrams did himself, and where you can spot R2D2 in the movie! We also get into the Dubai sequence from “Ghost Protocol,” so hang on tight!
https://www.lightthefusepodcast.com/podcast-episodes/2019/9/27/episode-sixty-seven-todd-vaziri-interview-digital-effects-artist-for-mi-3-and-ghost-protocol-part-1

Light the Fuse, #68 - Todd Vaziri Part 2
In the second half of our episode with the legendary Todd Vaziri (@tvaziri on Twitter), we do a deep dive into the visual effects of “Ghost Protocol,” including some secrets from the car park sequence, where the A113 Easter eggs are hidden, and what he contributed to the gecko gloves. Also, we get him to dish about what it was like working with Steven Spielberg, Rian Johnson and Michael Bay.
https://www.lightthefusepodcast.com/podcast-episodes/2019/10/4/episode-sixty-eight-todd-vaziri-interview-digital-effects-artist-for-mi-3-and-ghost-protocol-part-2


In the episodes, we talk a lot about one shot in "Mission: Impossible III", a shot I went into great detail here at FXRant: Visual Effects Camera Work: "A Fish Called Wanda" and "Mission: Impossible III"

Here are some supporting tweets to the episodes:

Here’s footage from a 2-camera rig they used to execute that iconic shot from M:I-3! In our interview with @tvaziri, he describes to us how he enhanced this footage with VFX and turned it into the famous shot you know and love! pic.twitter.com/dnADR39cue

— Light the Fuse Podcast (@LightTheFusePod) October 3, 2019

Here are @ILMVFX models from the helicopter chase in M:I-3! @tvaziri sent us these pics from ILM headquarters! Be sure to check out part 1 of our chat with Todd here (or wherever you listen to podcasts): https://t.co/eGsXo7FTKA pic.twitter.com/4YAJfbZcH4

— Light the Fuse Podcast (@LightTheFusePod) October 2, 2019

As @tvaziri discussed in his interview, here’s a piece of the guard rail he got to keep from the epic Chesapeake Bay Bridge sequence in M:I-3! Be sure to check out both parts of our chat with Todd! https://t.co/eGsXo7oiT2 pic.twitter.com/i1SzJcILuD

— Light the Fuse Podcast (@LightTheFusePod) October 8, 2019

Here's a breakdown of one of my shots as seen on the "Mission: Impossible III" DVD making-of doc, which shows all the pieces of photography (helicopter photography from the real Chesapeake Bay bridge and the "bridge" built on the Calabasas hillside) I used to create the shot. pic.twitter.com/nOzg6HipNr

— Todd Vaziri (@tvaziri) October 18, 2019

Podcast: I Was On Reconcilable Differences

I joined my friends Merlin Mann and John Siracusa for a special episode of their podcast, Reconcilable Differences. It's a very special "Members Only" episode, available to Relay FM subscribers.

Here's Merlin and John hyping the episode. We talked for over two hours about Full Media Blackout™, recommending movies, showing movies to your kids, "Star Wars", the spaghetti man from "Seven" and much much more. Reconcilable Differences is one of my favorite podcasts, and it was an honor to be on the show.

To hear the special episode, become a member of Relay FM.

Plus, if you become a RecDiffs member, you'll have access to the Relay Crossover podcast feed—where you can hear a special 2018 RecDiffs episode featuring me!https://t.co/dkk3OgoliZ

— Todd Vaziri (@tvaziri) July 23, 2020

 

I Talked About "Inglourious Basterds" on Defocused Podcast With Some Friends

I was thrilled to be a guest on the Defocused podcast, episode #146. Our main topic was the Quentin Tarantino film "Inglourious Basterds", and it was an honor to share the stage with Joe Rosensteel, Dan Sturm, and Merlin Mann.

Defocused 146 - "Coke, Feet, and Blood Squibs"

Last year, I was on Defocused to talk about "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan", which ran for three fun-filled hours.

I Was a Guest on the Auralnauts Podcast

I was thrilled to be a guest on the Auralnauts podcast. I'm a huge fan of their work, and we had a terrific discussion about film, how I got started in visual effects, ROGUE ONE, and much more.

Auralnauts link: https://www.auralnauts.com/podcast
Overcast link: https://overcast.fm/+HGgRtieyU

Todd on Defocused, Talking about "Star Trek II"

It was my pleasure to be a guest on the Defocused podcast, hosted by Joe Rosensteel and Dan Sturm. We talked for over three hours about my favorite Star Trek film, "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan".

Defocused Episode #88, Old People Problems (Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan)
We’re joined by special guest Todd Vaziri to discuss Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982). Todd is a compositing lead and supervisor at ILM and has worked on the Star Wars and Star Trek film franchises.

The VFX Show Podcast, Predicting The VFX Oscar Winner

I had the honor of being a guest on FXGuide's podcast, The VFX Show, along with hosts Mike Seymour and Matt Wallin. We talked about (surprise!) the Academy Awards and our attempts to predict the winner of the visual effects Oscar with The VFX Predictinator.

The VFX Show #194: Predicting the VFX Oscar Winner
Mike Seymour, Matt Wallin and Todd Vaziri discuss the nominees and their picks for the 87th Academy Award for achievement in visual effects.

Show notes and link: http://www.fxguide.com/thevfxshow/the-vfx-show-194-predicting-the-vfx-oscar-winner/

The VFX Show Oscar Preview Podcast

Mike Seymour, Matt Wallin and I talk about the 85th Academy Award nominees for Best Visual Effects in FXGuide's The VFX Show #162.  I had a great time chatting about all things visual effects.

Of course, we go into detail about this years' VFX Predictinator results and what it all means.

Mike Seymour, Todd Vaziri and Matt Wallin discuss the five Academy Award nominated films in the VFX category and Todd Vaziri’s VFX Predictinator!

 

Show notes and link:  http://www.fxguide.com/thevfxshow/the-vfx-show-162-2013-oscar-preview-show/

iTunes link

The VFX Predictinator in Podcast Form

Mike Seymour, Jeff Heusser and I talk about the Oscar race for visual effects on FXGuide's podcast, "The VFX Show" #142.  The podcast leads to a discussion of The VFX Predictinator, my formula that has correctly predicted the visual effects Oscar winner every year since 1989. If don't want to wade through the zillions of posts I've written about The Predictinator, this podcast is for you.

I had a great time talking with Mike and Jeff, and it's always a pleasure to be on the podcast.

"The VFX Show" #142,   Oscar Preview.  Mike Seymour, Jeff Heusser and Todd Vaziri speak live from Los Angeles to preview the VFX Oscar nominated films of 2011.

• FXGuide link
• iTunes link

The VFX Show, "Forrest Gump"

Listen to the newest edition of The VFX Show, with Mike Seymour, Jason Wingrove and me, Todd Vaziri, talk about the visual effects of Robert Zemeckis' 1994 masterpiece, "Forrest Gump."

Download, listen and subscribe to the podcast here:
http://www.fxguide.com/thevfxshow/the-vfx-show-119-forrest-gump/

"Back to the Future" and Eric Stoltz

This is another follow-up post to our "Back To The Future" podcast on The VFX Show.

On the podcast, we discussed the early production troubles on the set of "Back to the Future," when the film's leading man, Eric Stoltz, was fired from the movie after five weeks of shooting. No film footage of Stoltz as Marty McFly has been seen by the public, until now. As part of the new 'making-of' documentary accompanying the upcoming Blu-Ray release of the film, we can finally get a glimpse of what the movie could have looked like with Stoltz in the lead role.

"Back To The Future" and The VFX Show

Recently, I had the pleasure of discussing the visual effects of the Robert Zemeckis classic, “Back to the Future” on The VFX Show podcast. Mike Seymour and Mark Christiansen and I spent nearly an hour discussing and dissecting not only the film itself, but the impressive visual effects, special effects and makeup work on the film.

The VFX Show - Mike Seymour, Todd Vaziri & Mark Christiansen
revisit “Back To The Future"
show #105, July 20, 2010
Tunes link \ The VFX Show on FXGuide \ Overcast link

“Back to the Future” was an extremely influential movie for me. It’s the movie that inspired my passion of filmmaking, while the films of James Cameron opened my eyes to the possibilities and opportunities of visual effects. It was my privilege to appear on the show, and I want to thank Mike and Mark for inviting me.

I plan on posting some follow-up articles here on FXRant that expand upon some of the comments we made about the movie. [update: here are two additional posts!]

• "Back to the Future," Einstein Jump
• "Back to the Future" and Eric Stoltz