Krisztian Dani

VFX Artist, London

July 12, 2021

spotlights

Ghost VFX is an award-winning visual effects house with innovative talent and technology that brings creative visions to life. Our dedicated teams around the globe make the impossible possible, fulfilling the demands of studios and independent creators alike. In our “Ghost VFX Spotlight” series, we showcase the team members behind the projects to find out what they’re passionate about, how they see the industry evolving, and their creative insights into the art and craft of visual effects.

Tell me a little about your background in VFX?

I came from Hungary first to Manchester where I studied and worked for a few years, and then to London, when I got an opportunity to work with the Farm Group as a runner. During my time as an Edit Assistant, a new VFX department opened and I started training with the team, spending a lot of days with them during the week before and after my shifts. The team was really helpful and I had some great mentors along the way. 7 months later I got offered a full-time position.

In your own words how would you describe what you do at Ghost VFX?

I am looking for creative ways to solve problems. My focus is on compositing, where my tasks vary from shot to shot – screen replacement, set extension, clean up, green/blue screen, adding or enhancing blood on the scenes, or creating other sorts of visual effects. I often like to find a solution using a 3D workflow.

What part of the job are you most passionate about?

I really enjoy looking at a shot and having the freedom to figure out how to tackle that challenge. Every week there is an opportunity to learn new techniques and find ways to use that knowledge to make the results better and achieving them faster. I have also started dipping my toes in to 3D FX, which I believe will compliment my existing skills.

How have you adapted how you work during the pandemic?

It has allowed me to spend most of the time in the office making sure if my team had any issues with their computer or connection I was able to help them out on the spot.

Any advice to others looking to break into VFX?

Breaking in is definitely the hard part. I invested a lot of free time outside of work hours to build up my skill set, so if you have the luxury of time it is definitely a worthy investment. There will be times when it feels like it just doesn't want to work out and you can't catch a break. But stay with it, hone your skills when possible, and keep in touch with your contacts. Technology changes really fast, and curiosity about new techniques will be a great friend and ally to you even years from now. 

Where do you see the VFX industry headed in the next 5 years? What excites you about the future?

There is very fast paced advancement in technology, like machine learning getting better and better, and even our smartphones are now capable to create some effects for consumers. It is hard to say what will be the next big thing in 5 years, be it on site real-time VFX or in the post-production process. It’s definitely an exciting and scary thought at the same time.