Lighter Darker: The ILM Podcast

https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/020-lens-flares-with-john-knoll-and-shannon-tindle/

Email us at lighterdarker@ilm.com

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019 - Severance

Tue, 20 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

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

The Martini

Todd - Detroiters (TV Series 2017–2018) - IMDb
The 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

https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/019-severance/

Email us at lighterdarker@ilm.com

Transcript

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018 - ABBA Voyage

Tue, 06 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

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

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

https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/ep-18-abba-voyage/

Email us at lighterdarker@ilm.com

Transcript

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017 - Fifty Years of ILM

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 09:30:00 -0000

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

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

https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/017-fifty-years-of-ilm-panel/

Email us at lighterdarker@ilm.com

Transcript

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016 - Bryce Dallas Howard

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

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

The Martini

Jenny - Merriam-Webster (@merriamwebster) · Springfield, MA

Rob - beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO headphones

Bryce - Milan Art Institute

Email us at lighterdarker@ilm.com

Transcript https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/016-bryce-dallas-howard/

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Episode 16 Coming April 9th

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 17:42:00 -0000

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!

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015 - Immersive Innovation with Vicki Dobbs Beck

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

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

The Martini

Jenny - Soolla

Vicki - Runway Research | Introducing Act-One

Rob - FUJIFILM X100VI | Cameras | FUJIFILM X Series & GFX - USA

Email us at lighterdarker@ilm.com

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

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014 - Skeleton Crew with John Knoll

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

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

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/

Email us at lighterdarker@ilm.com

Transcript

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013 - Virtual Production

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

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

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

Email us at lighterdarker@ilm.com

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

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012 - Wicked & Alien: Romulus

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

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

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/

Email us at lighterdarker@ilm.com

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011 - VFX Oscar Nominations

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

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

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/

Email us at lighterdarker@ilm.com

Transcript

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010 - Shaping Characters for Tomorrow with Amy Beth Christenson

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 10:30:00 -0000

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

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/

Email us at lighterdarker@ilm.com

Transcript

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009 - Bonus Episode 2024 Wrap

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0000

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

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/

Email us at lighterdarker@ilm.com

Transcript

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008 - The Magic of Film with Dean Cundey

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0000

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

The Martini

Todd - Stitch Fix

Jenny - Midnight Mass (TV Mini Series 2021) - IMDb

Rob - Microsoft Flight Simulator

Robot Dreams (2023) - IMDb

Email us at lighterdarker@ilm.com

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

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0000

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

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/

Email us at lighterdarker@ilm.com

Transcript

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006 - Ultraman: Rising with Shannon Tindle and Hayden Jones

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0000

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

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/

Email us at lighterdarker@ilm.com

Transcript

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005 - Ghostbusters II with Bill George

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000

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

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/

Email us at lighterdarker@ilm.com

Transcript

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004 - Twisters with Lee Isaac Chung and Ashley Jay Sandberg

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000

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

Episode Links

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 lighterdarker@ilm.com

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

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003 - Camera and Composition

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000

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

Episode Links

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

Email us at lighterdarker@ilm.com

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

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002 - Transformers One with Josh Cooley

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 09:01:00 -0000

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

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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