Patrick Dean

How would you describe what you do at Ghost VFX?

My main role across both Ghost VFX and Ingenuity Studios is to ensure we are constantly communicating and working at a consistently high level to make sure our clients are receiving the best level of service as possible. This involves looking into the creative aspects of the studio, the production processes, and being an open and transparent channel of communication between the studios and our clients.

What part of the job are you most passionate about?

I’m most passionate about working closely and collaborating with clients. I always find the most rewarding part of my job to be relationship building and seeing how great the work can be as a result.

Is there a particular project that you’re proud of that you worked on in your career that you can discuss? If so, what was the project and what was the work you contributed?

Two projects that stick out for me recently are SAS Rogue Heroes and Slow Horses, which we handled at Ingenuity Studios. We took both of those projects from script, through development to shoot and post. For the best part of 2 years, we worked closely with the clients to deliver on their creative vision.

Any advice to others looking to break into VFX?

My advice for anyone wanting to break into VFX is to keep your options open and don't disregard any route into the industry.

My route into the industry was not a direct one, I came to VFX with experience of working in post-production, location assisting and working with talent on live studio projects. Once I was working in VFX I started in editorial and then moved into production. Don’t be afraid to take a role in a department you don't think is relevant, or even in a different sector of the industry. Some of the things I learned in cutting rooms, sound stages or on location is still the best, most relevant, practical knowledge I use in my job today.

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

I am hopeful that if the strikes have taught us anything it is how important it is to include VFX as early as possible in the production process. VFX accounts for a huge part of production and highlighting the incredible work our talented artists do is, and giving them the time to do it will be hugely beneficial for the variety of productions we are involved in.