Meet the head of VFX

Simon Wilkinson, head of VFX at 1185 Films, tells TVBEurope how a desire to constantly learn new things has helped shape his career

By Matthew Corrigan

Published: August 15, 2024 Updated: August 16, 2024

Simon Wilkinson, head of VFX at 1185 Films, tells TVBEurope how a desire to constantly learn new things has helped shape his career

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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.

Simon Wilkinson, head of VFX at 1185 Films 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.

What training did you have before entering the industry? Art was always my strong point at school, I always knew I wanted to work in a creative industry. After I completed my A-levels I was told I had to do an Art and Design foundation course. It was the best course ever. It was a one year course, and for the first six months I did everything from fine art, photography, film, animation, sculpture and print to jewellery design.

I chose to specialise in traditional animation, and for the last six months of the course I built up a portfolio. The most interesting thing was, I had an American tutor who suggested I get into computer animation he said it would be the future, and it was the best advice I have ever had, so that's what I did when I did my Media Production degree.

At university there was no one who taught computer animation so I taught myself. I read software manuals and my parents bought me a computer. I even brought the computer to university because they didn't have any spare for that kind of work. So almost everything I have done I have taught myself how to do, and that's how I became a generalist because I wanted to learn everything from VFX to CGI to motion design.

How did you get started in the media industry? After graduating from university I found there wasn't a lot of choice out there. The computer animation industry was very young and there were not a lot of companies around specialising in VFX or CGI. Most of the major film work was done in the USA.

Fortunately, I had a friend who was doing some animation work for a charity and he decided to go back to university, so he got me some work with them. It was my first paid work and it allowed me to build up a portfolio and a client base. My first real TV break was children's educational animation work for Channel 4, Television Mathematics, which I did for quite a number of years.

Why do you enjoy working in the industry? I am an artist and I just love being creative, and I love to constantly learn. I feel this industry offers me a lot of creative freedom.

It's also a dream to work on feature films and dramas that millions of people watch, and at 1185 Films the work is so varied, nothing is ever the same. One day I can be working on VFX or CGI for a feature film, the next day I can be doing motion graphics for a documentary or a commercial.

What piece of advice would you offer someone looking to explore a role similar to yours? There are basic techniques taught in graphic design, art school, and computer studies that are essential in compositing and CGI. Those skills carry over well, and the terminology becomes apparent in the tools you use.

But learn as much as you can learn different software packages, and different techniques. Watch tutorials, YouTube is amazing, and don't just learn VFX or CGI. Get out there with a camera and film stuff. Learn to direct and edit, learn to tell stories it all helps you get a better understanding of the industry, and a better understanding of the scenes you'll work on.

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