VFX for Indies
For independent filmmakers, navigating the challenges of using visual effects (VFX) can be a daunting task. This podcast series spotlights independent filmmakers who have dipped their toes (or jumped head-first) into the world of visual effects, and will explore their challenges, opportunities, and lessons learned through the process.Hosted by Foxtrot X-Ray’s founder and “chief pixel pusher” Paul DeNigris, who brings to the conversations 25 years of experience in both independent filmmaking and visual effects.
Episodes
24 episodes
SXSW Panel Part 2: Women Leading the Charge in Indie Visual Effects
In Part 2 of our South by Southwest 2025 panel discussion, we dive deeper into the craft, community, and challenges of working in visual effects for independent film. Host Paul DeNigris reunites with panelists Laura Skowronski Nattam, Joey Cade...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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1:07:16
SXSW Panel Part 1: Visual Effects in Indie Film? Yes, You Can.
Can indie films really afford good VFX? Absolutely. In this special episode of VFX for Indies, we sit down with an all-star panel of visual effects veterans who presented at South by Southwest 2025, discussing the very topic indie filmmakers wr...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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1:03:24
Global VFX Challenges: Industry Insights from 20-Year Veteran Joseph Bell
The business of visual effects is constantly evolving, and right now we're witnessing what 20-year industry veteran Joseph Bell calls a "market correction" rather than just post-strike recovery. In this eye-opening conversation, Joseph draws on...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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52:08
How VFX Transformed an Award-Winning Marketing Campaign
Scottie Yang takes us behind the scenes of "Future 48," an award-winning marketing campaign that used time travel and visual effects to transform perceptions about manufacturing careers in Arizona. As producer at Ideas Collide, Yang brought his...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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1:15:56
The Technical Artist's Path: Pedro Andrade's Journey from Engineering to VFX
Pedro Andrade's journey from mechanical engineer to visual effects supervisor on blockbuster franchises showcases the beautiful intersection of technical expertise and artistic vision. After abandoning engineering to pursue music production in ...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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56:46
VFX Secrets & Scares: 2025 International Horror & Sci-Fi Film Festival Sneak Peek!
The visual effects revolution has transformed indie horror and sci-fi filmmaking, and nowhere is this more evident than at the International Horror and Sci-Fi Film Festival. In this captivating conversation, we sit down with the festival's exec...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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1:10:25
Behind the VFX Magic: From Buffy to The Flash with VFX Supervisor Dave Funston
Ever wonder how those vampires on Buffy turned to dust? Or how Barry Allen's lightning trails look so convincing on The Flash? Dave Funston has been behind it all.From humble beginnings making Mortal Kombat-inspired flip books to becomi...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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59:24
VFX in VR: Storytelling and Innovation with LightSail VR's Matthew Celia
Discover the fascinating world of virtual reality storytelling with our special guest, Matthew Celia, the creative director at LightSail VR. Through an engaging conversation, we promise you’ll gain unique insights into how Matthew’s journey fro...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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53:26
VFX For Indies Season 2 Trailer
This season on VFX For Indies, we chat with filmmakers pushing boundaries in VR, we talk with VFX Supervisors from some of the biggest film and TV franchises in the world, and we dive into how VFX is used outside of the traditional filmmaking s...
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Season 2
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1:21
Visual Effects and Firearms Safety: Towards a New Standard for Safe and Efficient Action Filmmaking
On March 31, 1993, actor Brandon Lee was shot and killed on the set of the film The Crow after a prop firearm malfunctioned. Now, as the film’s 30th anniversary has passed and a remake is coming soon to theaters, the world is watching ...
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1:26:19
The Indie Filmmaker’s Ace in the Hole: Unraveling the Use of VFX in 'The Last Deal'
Ever wondered about the gritty intricacies of indie filmmaking? We're pulling back the curtain on that world with this engaging chat with the dynamic duo behind the crime thriller, 'The Last Deal'. Editor Ryan Liebert, who has come a long way f...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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1:01:12
The Dark Divide: VFX and the Art of Indie Filmmaking with Director Tom Putnam
Fasten your seatbelts, film enthusiasts! This episode is a rare treat as we sit down with the brilliant director Tom Putnam for a thrilling behind-the-scenes look at his latest feature film, 'The Dark Divide.' He reveals the highs and lows of s...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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56:44
From T2 to Indie Film: Behind the Neo-Noir Thriller Proof Sheet with Richard Kilroy and Keith Clark
When a director like Richard Kilroy goes from creating matte paintings for the visual effects of some of the biggest movies of all time like Terminator 2 and Titanic, to directing his own indie thriller, you know there will be some inspiring vi...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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1:10:19
No Budget Film School with Indie Producer Mark Stolaroff
Can you imagine crafting remarkable stories through the lens of a low-budget camera and yet producing visually stunning effects that hold the audience spellbound? Our guest, Mark Stolaroff, a seasoned indie producer and founder of No Budget Fil...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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1:06:38
Behind the Lens: The Impact of VFX on Indie Film Narratives with Peter Paul Basler
Get ready for a deep-dive into the world of independent filmmaking with Peter Paul Basler, a talented director and filmmaker whose craft is steeped in the magical realm of visual effects. Peter shares stories of the challenges he faced creating...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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58:07
Realistic Action Movie VFX with Frank Ziede and Corey Gilbert
Ever wonder how independent filmmakers navigate the maze of creating compelling films on a budget? Join us on a captivating journey with filmmakers Frank Ziede and Corey Gilbert, as they dissect their creative process and share the highs and lo...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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1:03:22
Bridging Hip-Hop and Visual Effects: The Journey of VFX Guru JR Strickland
Guess who's hopping on the mic this time? It's JR Strickland, a visual effects supervisor and director who has made a name for himself in the hip-hop music video scene. Not your run-of-the-mill journey to success, JR Strickland hustled his way ...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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1:12:40
Fluorescent Beast: A Deep Dive into Indie Film and Visual Effects with Filmmaker Paul Osborne
Get ready for an intriguing conversation with the celebrated writer and director, Paul Osborne. As we traverse his professional journey, we find ourselves in the heart of indie filmmaking, where passion meets creativity on a budget. Learn how P...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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1:07:29
Indie Horror VFX: A Deep Dive with 'Kill Her' Director Robyn August
Get ready to dive into the world of indie film with our guest, Robyn August. Robyn is the director of the darkly comedic slasher film 'Kill Her', and in our conversation, he pulls back the curtain on the steps he took to bring this film to life...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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1:03:26
From Script to Post: Inside the VFX Process with Joe Russo and Chris LaMont
Join us as we pull back the curtain on the world of filmmaking, with the talented writer-producer duo, Joe Russo and Chris LaMont, as our guides. Imagine sharing a space with the pioneers behind the Bruce Willis action movie, Hard Kill and the ...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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1:04:48
Creating a Sci-Fi Action Comedy: Max Reload and the Nether Blasters
Today we're pulling back the curtain on the world of indie filmmaking with our special guests, Scott and Jeremy, the innovative masterminds behind the sci-fi action comedy, Max Reload and the Nether Blasters. Embark with us on a journey that ta...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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58:53
Nova: Using VFX and Practical Makeup to Bring an Innovative Horror Sci-Fi Short to Gory Life
Ever wondered how the movie magic of low budget indie films comes to life? Join us as we pull back the curtain on the award-winning sci-fi horror short film NOVA. Our esteemed guests for this enlightening chat include the brilliant minds behind...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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1:06:16
Forever Home: Creating Horror Comedy VFX on a Shoestring Budget
Ready to peek behind the curtain of indie filmmaking and visual effects? Your guides for this backstage tour are none other than Sean Oliver and Drew Latham, the masterminds behind the hilarious and spine-tingling horror comedy, Forever Home. P...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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1:06:13
VFX for Indies: Lessons from Star Trek with David Stipes (TNG / DS9 / VOY) and Rick Ravenell (Picard)
Come aboard as we journey through the cosmos with visual effects maestros, David Stipes and Rick Ravenell, bringing to life the fascinating world of Star Trek. We uncover David's incredible journey from a young VFX enthusiast to his role as a v...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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1:07:29
