"Simon Wilkinson, head of VFX at 1185 Films, tells TVBEurope how a desire to constantly learn new things has helped shape his career
Talk us through an average day in your role
It always starts with coffee! My days vary dramatically. As I head up VFX for 1185 Films, I’m involved in every stage of the pipeline, working closely with the VFX producers to ensure the process is correct and that we’ve allocated enough resources. Nick Franco (CEO and founder of 1185 Films) likes to have an overview of the projects as well as dealing with client expectations. We will do a detailed breakdown of what’s needed and post the scenes up on frame.io or similar, for everyone to view.
Being a generalist gives me a unique vantage point, as I understand all the elements required. Sometimes the VFX is done entirely by myself or I resource with a team. We like to push the envelope, and to do that requires an element of R&D. We always allow some time for this, no matter how tight the deadline. We’ll make it happen. This is a vital part of our workflow, as every project is different. We are firm believers in preparation aiding efficiency, and R&D is a big part of that. "