Interview With 'The Lost Bus' (2025) Special Effects Coordinator, Brandon K. McLaughlin

Apple TV+’s The Lost Bus is nominated for Best Visual Effects at the 98th Academy Awards. We are joined by Special Effects Coordinator Brandon K. McLaughlin on the film to discuss his work. Starring Matthew McConaughey and America Ferrera, this visceral docudrama relives the 2018 Camp Fire that ravaged Paradise, California, following a bus driver and teacher racing to save 22 schoolchildren. 
Facing the challenge of recreating the deadliest wildfire in California history, Brandon spearheaded a seamless fusion of practical and visual effects. His team constructed six massive fire sets on a Santa Fe backlot, and collaborated with VFX supervisor Charlie Noble to ensure practical flames set the standard for digital effects, creating a fire that felt indistinguishable from reality, per Greengrass’s vision.

Follow our interviewee online:
Brandon K. McLaughlin IMDb

Follow our interview host online:
Danny Jarabek