451 - Chad Wanstreet - SWAT + Kill The Orange Faced Bear

In this episode of the Allan McKay Podcast, Allan sits down with VFX Supervisor Chad Wanstreet for an engaging discussion about Chad's experiences in the visual effects industry. They dive into Chad's transition from vendor-side to client-side VFX supervision, his work on the TV shows SWAT and Kill the Orange-Faced Bear (KTOFB), and the tools and techniques he employs on set.

Chad shares insights into the challenges of creating photorealistic talking bears for KTOFB and the emotional journey following the show's cancellation. The conversation also touches on the future of KTOFB as a potential video game and the collaborative nature of working with directors and writers to bring their vision to life while managing budgets and technical limitations.

Key Takeaways:

• Transitioning from vendor-side to client-side VFX supervision requires adapting to new responsibilities, such as working closely with directors, DPs, and editors to guide the storytelling process.
• Creating photorealistic talking bears for KTOFB presented unique challenges, including managing the creative appetite of the showrunner while staying within budget and tackling unconventional shots.
• Effective collaboration between VFX supervisors and producers is crucial, with the best producers being both organizationally skilled and creatively involved.
• Practical effects and stunts can be invaluable references for VFX work, even if the final shot requires extensive CG enhancements.
• VFX supervisors must be adaptable and context-specific when capturing data on set, using a combination of cameras, LiDAR scans, and photogrammetry to obtain the necessary information for their work.
• Despite the cancellation of KTOFB, the IP remains important to Chad and the showrunner, leading them to explore new avenues such as developing a video game based on the concept.
• Building strong relationships with directors and writers is essential for VFX supervisors to successfully manage the creative vision of a project while navigating technical limitations and budgetary constraints.