Pixel Puzzle is a podcast that pulls back the curtain on the captivating world of visual effects (VFX). Designed for everyone—from curious movie lovers to indus...
In this debut episode, we set the stage for an exciting journey into the captivating world of visual effects. To help us break the ice and represent the curiosity of the audience, we handed over the hosting reins to the brilliant Dan Schreiber; writer, comedian, and host of the hit podcast No Such Thing As A Fish.Together with series creator and VFX professional David Cordón, Dan unpacks the goals of the podcast and sets a welcoming tone for industry insiders and curious minds alike. They dive into what makes visual effects so magical, why the field is often misunderstood, and how this series aims to demystify the craft without the technical jargon.Through humour, heartfelt discussion, and genuine passion for the art of VFX, this episode invites you to join the Pixel Puzzle family.Here is where to find us: https://linktr.ee/pixelpuzzlepodcastDirectors Who Pushed the Boundaries of VFXIn the episode, we talked about directors like Christopher Nolan, James Cameron, and Alfonso Cuarón. To provide more depth, here are additional directors who have made significant contributions to the art of VFX and storytelling:David Fincher: Known for blending practical and digital effects seamlessly in films like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Gone Girl. His attention to detail and the invisible use of VFX are masterful.Watch: Fincher’s Invisible VFX TechniquesDenis Villeneuve: In Blade Runner 2049 and Dune, Villeneuve used VFX not just for spectacle but to immerse the audience into meticulously crafted worlds.Watch: The VFX of DunePeter Jackson: His work on The Lord of the Rings series pioneered many techniques still in use today, particularly in creating vast digital armies and the groundbreaking performance capture for Gollum.Watch: How Gollum Was Brought to LifeEssential Reads and WatchlistFor those who want to dive even deeper into the world of visual effects, here are some handpicked resources:Books:The Art of VFX by Ian Failes – A behind-the-scenes look at how iconic visual effects are created.Videos:The Science of VFX: How It All WorksFamous Movies Without Visual EffectsArticles:The Evolution of VFX Over the DecadesWhy Invisible VFX is Changing Hollywood Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Episode 02 - The History of Visual Effects
From the magical trick photography of Georges Méliès to the groundbreaking innovations of films like Jurassic Park and The Matrix, we unravel the milestones that shaped the industry.Discover the pioneers who redefined what was possible on screen, the ingenious techniques that brought fantastical worlds to life, and the evolution of tools that made the impossible a reality.Whether you’re a seasoned pro or simply curious about the magic behind the movies, this episode is packed with fascinating insights, heartwarming anecdotes, and plenty of nostalgia.Here is where to find us: https://linktr.ee/pixelpuzzlepodcastPivotal Moments in VFX HistoryDuring the episode, Ian and David discussed several landmark films that revolutionised the industry. Here’s a closer look at some of these films, along with curated resources to explore further:“Tron” (1982) – One of the first films to use extensive CGI, even though it was disqualified from the Best Visual Effects category at the Oscars for “cheating.”Full Documentary: The Making of Tron“Jurassic Park” (1993) – Pioneered the seamless blend of practical and digital effects, setting a new standard for realism.The Making of Jurassic Park“The Matrix” (1999) – Introduced bullet-time photography and elevated digital compositing.How The Matrix Changed CinemaA Brief History of CGIDuring the conversation, David mentioned sharing more on the evolution of CGI. Here’s a quick overview:The early use of CGI in Westworld (1973) and Futureworld (1976).How Star Wars (1977) utilised computer-generated imagery for wireframe models in the trench run sequence.The transition from wireframe to photorealistic CGI with The Abyss (1989) and Terminator 2 (1991).For those interested in diving deeper:The Full History of CGIBonus Content: Hidden Gems of VFXFor those eager to explore more, here are a few lesser-known but influential films that utilised VFX in innovative ways:“The Fountain” (2006) – Used micro-photography instead of CGI to create cosmic visuals.“Children of Men” (2006) – Masterful blending of practical effects and CGI to create seamless long takes.“Ex Machina” (2014) – Subtle and effective use of digital effects to enhance character design and environment.Additional Learning ResourcesBooks:“The Invisible Art: The Legends of Movie Matte Painting” by Mark Cotta Vaz“CG 101: A Computer Graphics Industry Reference” by Terrence MassonPodcasts:The VFX Show – Insightful discussions on visual effects in current films and TV shows.Befores & Afters – Hosted by Ian Failes, offering behind-the-scenes insights from industry professionals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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A Little Taste of What's to Come
We see the magic. We hear the stories. But do we really know how it all comes together?Pixel Puzzle is a limited podcast series that opens the doors to the world of visual effects—not just for VFX insiders, but for everyone who’s ever been captivated by the screen.💡 What to Expect:🎥 The untold stories behind iconic films and TV shows🔥 Honest conversations about the craft, the challenges, and the future of VFX🎭 A journey designed for everyone—whether you work in film, dream of it, or just love great storytellingThis isn’t just another podcast about how movies are made. This is VFX, unfiltered.🔹 EPISODE 01 & 02 DROP: Tuesday, 25th February📅 New episodes every two weeks🎧 Subscribe now & join the conversation.#VFX #Filmmaking #BehindTheScenes #MovieMagic #CGI #FilmIndustry #Hollywood #VisualEffects #FilmPodcast #PixelPuzzlePodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Pixel Puzzle is a podcast that pulls back the curtain on the captivating world of visual effects (VFX). Designed for everyone—from curious movie lovers to industry professionals—each episode offers a fresh, honest, and engaging perspective on the craft, business, and artistry behind the pixels.Hosted by David Cordon, a VFX expert with a passion for storytelling and exploration, Pixel Puzzle is a limited series that takes listeners on a thoughtfully crafted journey through the world of VFX. The show is structured to provide a gradual and immersive experience, where each episode builds on the last, ensuring that whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s always something to discover.Through candid conversations with some of the industry's brightest minds—including VFX legends, directors, producers, and studio executives—Pixel Puzzle goes beyond the technical to explore the human stories, the challenges, and the triumphs that bring the magic to life.Join us every 15 days as we connect the dots between imagination and reality, offering a rare backstage pass to the world of VFX—where artistry, technology, and storytelling collide.👉 Subscribe now and become part of a community that believes in curiosity, creativity, and the joy of seeing the world in a whole new light. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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