When we think of the stunning visual effects in movies and TV series like The Peripheral and Spoiler Alert, we may not immediately consider the meticulous work that goes into creating these seamless masterpieces. Enter Iain He, a VFX compositor whose unique set of skills and experience is making a significant impact on both the small and big screen. His expertise in industry-standard software such as Nuke allows him to achieve professional-level results in his compositing work, covering a wide variety of VFX techniques, from 2D tracking and rotoscoping to green screen compositing and 3D compositing.
Despite the breathtaking visuals in our favorite productions, there are many subtle VFX works that often go unnoticed. It's Iain's job as a VFX compositor to make each shot as convincing as possible. From compositing content onto characters' phones to adding muzzle flashes for fired guns, Iain's attention to detail brings these scenes to life. One example of his invisible artistry is his work on the first season of Harlem, where he painstakingly replaced a copyrighted print on a character's hoodie by animating the new print frame by frame, ensuring it matched the original movement and lighting of the scene.
For the TV show Dr. Death, the production was shot in New Mexico, but the story was set elsewhere. Iain explains, "We did a great amount of greening for it, meaning color correcting the brown foliage to green and adding more CG foliage to make the shot look like it's in spring or summer." This involved rotoscoping to separate the foreground character and objects that didn't need to be green and then using hue correction to color-correct the foliage to be green. "This was truly a collaborative effort that is typical in the VFX industry and helped to bring the project to life," he says.
This shows that what sets Iain apart is not just his technical proficiency but also his excellent communication and collaboration skills. These allow him to work efficiently with other VFX artists, supervisors, and producers to keep projects on track, delivering high-quality results on time and on budget. As a critical element in the VFX pipeline, Iain's work as a compositor is integral to the immersive visual experiences we see in movies, TV shows, and other media.
Iain's wisdom for other artists, regardless of their field, is to never stop learning. As the VFX industry constantly evolves, staying up-to-date with the latest compositing techniques, software updates, and trends is crucial. He emphasizes the importance of attending industry events, participating in online forums or groups, and regularly watching tutorials to improve one's skills and knowledge. Strong communication and collaboration skills are also vital for a successful VFX compositor, as is being a supportive and reliable team member to build strong relationships and open up new opportunities.
Following his own wisdom has fast-tracked Iain's career with highlights that include working on Tulsa King, The Equalizer, Gossip Girl, The Peripheral, Spoiler Alert, and many more TV shows and films. With his passion for the art of VFX compositing and his dedication to growth, it's no wonder Iain sees himself as a senior VFX compositor or VFX supervisor in the future. As he continues to work on projects from big studios, Iain's name will undoubtedly grace the screen more frequently, a testament to the invisible artistry of VFX compositing and the talent of artists like Iain He.
