The Allan McKay podcast is a creative and career related podcast focused on artists in Design, Film, Visual Effects and Video Games. Typically ranking in the top 50 in the career section of iTunes.

In the last few months the downloads have averaged around 40,000 downloads per month. Each episode typically is myself, interviewing other artists in the film or games industry, designers, or book authors, developers or entire software or film or game teams. Episodes range from interviews with Blizzard, Blur, Autodesk, ILM, Pixar and others.

As well as solo episodes I put out focused on specific hands on subjects to do with building your career and improving other areas of your professional and personal life. Our careers are so important yet typically neglected and this podcast is for me an opportunity to share with others and help build a platform around bettering yourself and getting the results that you deserve.

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Episode 445 – GEN V – VFX Supervisor Karen Heston

  Episode 445 – GEN V – VFX Supervisor Karen Heston Karen Heston is a VFX Supervisor on feature films and episodic tv. They began their VFX career at commercial houses in NYC on the night shift; while finishing their MFA in computer art by day.  Starting as a Flame artist, they led VFX teams […]

Episode 444 – Film Producer Josh Rosenbaum – Waypoint Entertainment

  Episode 444 – Film Producer Josh Rosenbaum – Waypoint Entertainment Josh Rosenbaum is a Producer at Waypoint Entertainment.  Josh majored in Business Administration at the USC Marshall School of Business and minored in Music Industry through the USC Thornton School of Music. Before he joined Waypoint Entertainment, he worked as an Agent Trainee at […]

Episode 443 – “NO CGI = INVISIBLE CGI” – VFX Supervisor Jonas Ussing

  Episode 443 – “NO CGI = INVISIBLE CGI” – VFX Supervisor Jonas Ussing With 15 years in the VFX business, Jonas Ussing has  supervisor credits on several feature and television titles, including the Netflix series THE RAIN. Jonas has furthermore earned nominations for an Emmy and a Danish Academy Award. In 2012, Jonas was […]

Episode 442 – Infinite-Realities Founder and Director Lee Perry-Smith

  Episode 442 – Infinite-Realities Founder and Director Lee Perry-Smith Infinite-Realities (IR) specializes in digital humans. Founded in 2007, IR has been developing static and motion scanning systems for over 15 years. Lee Perry-Smith is the original Founder of Infinite-Realities. As CEO, he has led various large scale project developments. He has a deep passion […]

Episode 441 – Writer, Producer & Head of Writing at Vancouver Film School Kat Montagu

  Episode 441 – Writer, Producer & Head of Writing at Vancouver Film School Kat Montagu Kat Montagu is the Head of Writing for Film, Television and Games Program at the Vancouver Film School. She has taught for over 20 years in VFS’s Writing and Film Production Departments. Her Career Launch class has prepared countless […]

Episode 440 – Kriscoart YouTube Channel Creator Kris Truini

  Episode 440 – Kriscoart YouTube Channel Creator Kris Truini Kris A. Truini was born in Middletown, Connecticut, and was raised in Italy until the age of 15. There, he first discovered his passion for film when he was 8 years old and has been making videos ever since. With little to no help for […]

Episode 439 – VFX Supervisor Robert Nederhorst

  Episode 439 – VFX Supervisor Robert Nederhorst Rob Nederhorst is a veteran of the VFX industry. As a VFX Supervisor, he’s worked on titles like JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3 – PARABELLUM, THE CONJURING, GHOSTBUSTERS, CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER, and so many others. Rob has deep knowledge in compositing, lighting, 3D, 2D and programming. […]

Episode 438 – LAIKA – CG Supervisor Eric Wachtman

  Episode 438 – LAIKA – CG Supervisor Eric Wachtman Eric Wachtman is a CG / VFX Supervisor and Art Director at LAIKA where he’s been working for nearly 20 years. Prior to that, he served as the Director of CG / Visual Effects and Art Director at the Cartoon Network. LAIKA was founded in […]

Episode 437 – THE LAST OF US – VFX Supervisor Alex Wang

  Episode 437 – THE LAST OF US – VFX Sup Alex Wang Alex Wang is a VFX Supervisor. He started his career in visual effects at The Orphanage on THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW, right after graduating from Ringling College of Art and Design in 2003. He then joined Image Movers Digital to work on […]

Episode 436 – Freelancing in VFX in 2024

  Episode 436 – Freelancing in VFX in 2024 Freelance is such a big topic! For those of you starting in the industry, you’re probably wondering how to get your foot in the door. Ultimately, 2024 will be a very busy year. That means that those of you who are good should be ready to […]

Episode 435 – The ROI of VFX and Other Advice – Crafty Apes Co-Founder Chris LeDoux (Part II)

  Episode 435 – The ROI of VFX and Other Advice – Crafty Apes Co-Founder Chris LeDoux (Part II) Chris LeDoux is the Co-Founder of Crafty Apes, a VFX Supervisor and an Entrepreneur.  Born and bred in Alaska, Chris earned Bachelor’s degree in both psychology and sociology, but his fascination with filmmaking led him to […]

 

Episode 434 – The Threat of AI – Crafty Apes Co-Founder Chris LeDoux

  Episode 434 – The Threat of AI – Crafty Apes – Co-Founder Chris LeDoux Chris LeDoux is the Co-Founder of Crafty Apes, a VFX Supervisor and an Entrepreneur.  Born and bred in Alaska, Chris earned Bachelor’s degree in both psychology and sociology, but his fascination with filmmaking led him to the world of visual […]

Episode 433 – HOUSE OF THE DRAGON – VFX Supervisor Mark Spindler

  Episode 433 – HOUSE OF THE DRAGON – VFX Supervisor Mark Spindler Mark Spindler is a Visual Effects Supervisor at Pixomondo in Frankfurt, Germany. He’s worked on feature films such as Midway, Justice League, Star Trek: Into Darkness, as well tv shows like The Mandalorian and Game of Thrones for which he received two […]

Episode 432 – ReDefine – Executive VP Eric J. Robertson

  Episode 432 – ReDefine – Executive VP Eric J. Robertson Eric J. Robertson is the Executive Vice President of ReDefine, as well as a Producer, Cinematographer, Photographer and Entrepreneur. As part of the DNEG Group, ReDefine leverages an incredible legacy of creative and technical innovation to cater to projects that benefit from their agile […]

Episode 431 – Ghost Robot – CEO Zach Mortensen & CCO Mark DePace

  Episode 431 – Ghost Robot – CEO Zach Mortensen & CCO Mark DePace Ghost Robot is the creative studio of the future based in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY. They work with a global community of artistic talent to create content for forward thinking clients. Ghost Robot was founded in 2002 by Zachary Mortensen. The company […]

Episode 430 – CG Boost – Zach Reinhardt

  Episode 430 – CG Boost – Zach Reinhardt  Zacharias “Zach” Reinhardt is a 3D Artist, as well as Founder and Lead Instructor at CG Boost. CG Boost provides Blender tutorials and resources for 3D artists, in order to make creating passionate 3D projects achievable for anyone. In this Podcast, Allan McKay interviews the Founder […]

Episode 429 – AI YouTube Channel Theoretically Media – Founder Tim Simmons

  Episode 429 – AI YouTube Channel Theoretically Media – Founder Tim Simmons  Tim Simmons is an experienced media producer with a demonstrated history of creating short and long form video to create engaging content.Tech Savvy, people savvy, and self motivated creator with a successful track record of building a brand from scratch, Tim is […]

 

Episode 428 – Expression Scientist Melinda Ozel

  Episode 428 – Expression Scientist Melinda Ozel  Melinda Ozel is an Expression Scientist, Consultant and Educator of all things face related.  Before pioneering a career path in expression science, she worked as a Researcher at Meta and Affective where she used her expression expertise to advise the tracking and simulation of facial behavior. She […]

Episode 427 – Activision Blizzard – Executive Principal Recruiter for Art in Animation & Creative Robin Alan Linn

  Episode 427 – Activision Blizzard – Executive Principal Recruiter for Art in Animation & Creative Robin Alan Linn  Activision Blizzard’s history goes back more than 40 years. Two incredible gaming brands Activision and Blizzard Entertainment merged, bringing together the best creative talent in gaming. The acquisition of King in 2016 further strengthened the company’s […]

Episode 426 – Alkemy X – Executive Creative Director Jep Hill

  Episode 426 – Alkemy X – Executive Creative Director Jep Hill  A veteran facilitator with over 25 years experience in VFX and animation, Jep Hill is an Executive Creative Director at Alkemy X, an award-winning global creative company at the intersection of advertising, brands and entertainment. The company is a creative partner for the […]

Episode 425 – I’M A VIRGO – VFX Sups Todd Sheridan Perry & Scott Kirvan

  Episode 425 — I’M A VIRGO – VFX Sups Todd Sheridan Perry & Scott Kirvan Todd Sheridan Perry is an On-Set Supervisor on the show with a diverse background in video games, film and television. He’s worked on titles like Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers to Final Destination 5, The Immortals, Total […]

Episode 424 – OPPENHEIMER – Compositor and VFX Sup Marco Baratto

  Episode 424 – OPPENHEIMER – Compositor and VFX Sup Marco Baratto With 10+ years of VFX industry experience, Digital Artist and VFX Sup Marco Baratto is more than ever interested in being an integral part of it through compositing and creative leadership. An understanding of light, color and composition are essential to his approach. […]

Episode 423 – AI Creator Caleb Ward – Co-Founder of Curious Refuge

  Episode 423 – AI Creator Caleb Ward – Co-Founder of Curious Refuge Curious Refuge is a home for unlocking your inner artist using the latest tools. Founded by Caleb and Shelby Ward, the company believes in giving back to the creative community with their videos, blog content and interactive courses. They develop compelling and […]

Episode 422 – Ingenuity Studios – Partner Grant Miller

  Episode 422 – Ingenuity Studios – Partner Grant Miller Grant Miller is a Partner and an Executive VFX Supervisor at Ingenuity Studios. Grant brings a deep level of technical and artistic acumen to his role as Executive VFX Supervisor at Ingenuity Studios. He oversees the studio’s CG, FX, and Pipeline teams, ensuring that final […]

Episode 421 — FIVE DAYS AT MEMORIAL – VFX Supervisors Eric Durst & Matt Whelan

  Episode 421 — FIVE DAYS AT MEMORIAL – VFX Supervisors Eric Durst & Matt Whelan With a passion for storytelling and a flare for the visual, Matt Whelan has been making short films and commercials for over 10 years. Training as a classical animator at Sheridan College, Whelan’s experience spans live-action and digital Directing, […]

Episode 420 – TED LASSO – VFX Supervisor James MacLachlan

  Episode 420 — TED LASSO – VFX Supervisor James MacLachlan James MacLachlan is a London-based VFX Supervisor and Director with a career spanning 19 years.He has worked for studios in New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom.  James has worked at a number of London VFX houses including Glassworks and The Mill and is […]

Episode 419 — Pixar President Jim Morris

  Episode 419 — Pixar President Jim Morris  Jim Morris is President of Pixar Animation Studios, where he oversees all of the company’s productions and operations. Morris began working at Pixar in 2005. Films under his supervision include RATATOUILLE, UP, TOY STORY 3, CARS 2, BRAVE, MONSTERS UNIVERSITY, INSIDE OUT, THE GOOD DINOSAUR, FINDING DORY, […]

Episode 418 — NVIDIA — 3D Artist David Baylis

  Episode 418 — NVIDIA – 3D Artist David Baylis David Baylis is a 3D Artist living in Vancouver B.C Canada who specializes in automotive real-time rendering using Unreal Engine. He is originally from Lille, France. David works at Epic Games as a Consultant who produces demos, tutorials and webinars. Having always been a car […]

Episode 417 – VFX Legion – Founder & Creative Director James David Hattin

  Episode 417 – VFX Legion – Founder & Creative Director James David Hattin James David Hattin is the Founder and Creative Director of VFX Legion. James oversees every aspect of the visual effects process for episodic television shows and feature films, from start to end, and provides clients with 20+ years of skill and […]

Episode 416 – VFX Sup Martin Hall – RABBIT HOLE – Paramount +

  Episode 416 – VFX Sup Martin Hall – RABBIT HOLE Martin Hall is a VFX Supervisor with 30+ years of experience in visual effects. Trained in the traditional fine arts, he found visual effects to be the perfect synthesis of art, technology, and business, while being the most collaborative of all creative endeavors. Among […]

 

Episode 415 – André Luis – Trojan Horse was a Unicorn

  Episode 415 – André Luis – Trojan Horse was a Unicorn André Luis is the Co-Founder, CEO and creative force behind Trojan Horse was a Unicorn (THU), one of the world’s leading transformative experiences for digital artists and creative professionals.  In 2013, he came up with the idea to create THU as a result […]

Episode 414 – Alkemy X – Executive Creative Director Jep Hill

  Episode 414 – Alkemy X – Executive Creative Director Jep Hill  A veteran facilitator with over 25 years experience in VFX and animation, Jep Hill is an Executive Creative Director at Alkemy X, an award-winning global creative company at the intersection of advertising, brands and entertainment. The company is a creative partner for the […]

Episode 413 – Barnstorm VFX – Co-Founders Cory Jamieson and Lawson Deming

  Episode 413 – Barnstorm VFX – Co-Founders Cory Jamieson and Lawson Deming Barnstorm VFX is an Emmy-nominated studio behind the visual effects on Amazon Studios’ THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE, HBO’S SILICON VALLEY and CBS’ STRANGE ANGEL. Barnstorm’s team embodies the pioneering ingenuity, daring creativity and freewheeling spirit of the first aviators. Founded […]

Episode 412 – John Romero – Legendary Game Designer of DOOM and Co-Founder of id Software

  Episode 412 — John Romero – Legendary Game Designer / Creator of DOOM and Co-Founder of id Software John Romero is an award-winning game designer, level designer and programmer whose work spans over 130 games, 107 of which have been published commercially, including the iconic works Wolfenstein 3D, DOOM and Quake. He has worked […]

Episode 411 – Digital Domain – Global President and COO Lala Gavgavian

  Episode 411 — Digital Domain – Global President and COO Lala Gavgavian  As Global President & Chief Operating Officer at Digital Domain, Lala oversees the company’s global VFX services and operations. As part of her duties, Lala partners with production management, finance, production accounting, recruiting, artist management, technology management and operations to steer Digital […]

Episode 410 – Gabriel Aguiar – YouTube Creator & Unity Expert

  Episode 410 – Gabriel Aguiar – YouTube Creator & Unity Expert Gabriel Aguiar is a YouTube Creator and a Unity Expert. Focused on his work in Blender and Unity, Gabriel’s YouTube Channel currently has over 100K followers. He also provides assets for game developers on his Patreon. In 2021, Gabriel launched a game studio […]

Episode 409 – From Self-Doubt to Self-Discovery: Pursuing Your Personal Legend

  Episode 409 – From Self-Doubt to Self-Discovery: Pursuing Your Personal Legend In his book THE ALCHEMIST, Paolo Coelho talks about a Personal Legend. So many people give up just moments before they reach their own Personal Legend. After a while, if you aren’t getting the desired goal, it’s hard to convince yourself not to […]

Episode 408 – THE MENU – Crafty Apes Dishes on the Film’s VFX

  Episode 408 – THE MENU – Crafty Apes Dishes on the Film’s VFX Crafty Apes is a full service, boutique VFX company based in Culver City, CA & Atlanta, GA. The company was launched in July of 2011 by three visual effects veterans Jason Sanford, Chris LeDoux and Tim LeDoux. Believing that strong 2D […]

Episode 407 – ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT’s VFX Supervisor Frank Petzold

  Episode 407 – ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT’s VFX Supervisor Frank Petzold Frank Petzold is an internationally acclaimed Director and VFX Supervisor, and he’s been working in film for over 25 years. Whether working in film or television, Frank creates cutting edge visuals. Before stepping into the world of directing, this award-winning VFX […]

Episode 406 – How to Make More Money

  Episode 406 – How to Make More Money Some people argue that you can’t make more than $50K in VFX. Others compare their lives to the curated lifestyles on social media and demand to get paid more. It really comes down to your WHY: Why do you need more cash? The quickest pay rise […]

Episode 405 – SMILE – The-Artery Talks About the Film’s Epic Visuals

  Episode 405 – SMILE – The-Artery Talks About the Film’s Epic Visuals VICO SHARABANI is a Creative Entrepreneur, award-winning Creative-Director, Director, and Producer. He is also the Founder and CCO of The-Artery, a New York based media production company that creates high-end visual content for brands, feature films, commercials, digital experiences, art installations and […]

Episode 404 – ARwall – Co-Founder and CEO Rene Amador

  Episode 404 – ARwall – Co-Founder and CEO Rene Amador ARwall is a group of indie filmmakers based in LA who are on a mission to democratize their virtual production tech that has previously only been accessible to major studios. ARwall is a virtual production, software and solutions company.  Since its founding 7 years […]

Episode 403 – Wonder Dynamics – Co-Founder and CEO Nikola Todorovic

  Episode 403 – Wonder Dynamics – Co-Founder and CEO Nikola Todorovic Wonder Dynamics is utilizing Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to develop cutting-edge technologies, innovate production tools and create original content for Film and TV Industry. A startup founded in 2017 by Ready Player One star Tye Sheridan and VFX expert Nikola Todorovic aims […]

Episode 402 – Move.ai – Co-Founder Anthony Ganjou

  Episode 402 – Move.ai – Co-Founder Anthony Ganjou Move.ai develops patented AAA quality marker-less motion capture technology powered by computer vision and deep learning. Their software runs off any mobile device or camera, can capture any relative volume size and can be deployed in any environment on the planet.  It’s been tested to be […]

Episode 401 – VFX Sup Colin Strause – Creating Fire Sequences for FIRE COUNTRY

  Episode 401 – VFX Sup Colin Strause – Creating Fire Sequences for FIRE COUNTRY The intense drama and riveting action in the newest primetime CBS hit series FIRE COUNTRY is accompanied by spectacular firestorms: The work of visual effects leaders CBS VFX which was selected by producers to create the namesake infernos and deliver […]

Episode 400 – ANNIVERSARY EPISODE – Ash Thorp Interviews Allan McKay

  Episode 400 – ANNIVERSARY EPISODE – Ash Thorp Interviews Allan McKay Ash Thorp is a graphic designer, illustrator, artist, and creative director for a multitude of media, including feature films, commercial enterprises, and print. Most recently, Ash worked on the concept for the Batmobile and the Batcycle, for the 2022 film The Batman directed […]

Episode 399 – Unleashing Unreal Potential – UE Expert and 3D Artist William Faucher

  Episode 399 – Unleashing Unreal Potential – UE Expert and 3D Artist William Faucher William Faucher is a 3D Artist, Unreal Engine Educator, CG Spectrum Mentor and a successful YouTuber. He is a deaf 3D Generalist who’s been working in the entertainment industry for the past 14 years. Some of his titles include VFX […]

Episode 398 – Revolutionizing AI – Interview with Pindar Van Arman

  Episode 398 – Revolutionizing AI – Interview with Pindar Van Arman Pindar Van Arman is an award-winning AI Artist who builds, codes and experiments with robots that paint in a variety of styles. Pindar was a winner of the Robot Art Competition for his home-made robots that use AI to paint artworks. He is […]

397 – Crush the Interview – Advice to Nail Your Next Job

  Episode 397 – Crush the Interview – Advice to Nail Your Next Job When it comes to job interviews, the number one thing to think about is putting yourself in the interviewer’s shoes. The more you can think like them – the pain points they may have, their wants and needs – the more […]

Episode 396 – Important Looking Pirates Co-Founder Niklas Jacobson

  Episode 396 – Important Looking Pirates Co-Founder Niklas Jacobson Important Looking Pirates (ILP) is a visual effects and digital animation studio located in central Stockholm founded in 2007 by Niklas Jacobson, Yafei Wu, Carl Hermelin and Eric Hermelin. The studio has more than 200 artists and have worked on big titles like Jurassic World: […]

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