A few days after its April 22 premiere on Disney+, FMX 2024 is set to deliver a VFX deep-dive that blurs the line between blockbuster spectacle and wizardry behind the curtain. The event kicks off with an exclusive behind-the-scenes presentation from the legendary Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), celebrating its 50th anniversary in style. Production VFX Supervisor Mohen Leo is poised to dissect the making of “Andor” Season 2, unveiling over 4,000 visually stunning shots—from colossal battles and immersive digital environments to seamless set extensions and lifelike character animation—all choreographing the intense struggle between the Rebel Alliance and the Imperial threat.

Andor’s VFX Odyssey – A Battle of Light and Shadows

In his session, Leo provides a granular look at how every visual trick was crafted to serve the narrative, ensuring that even the minutest detail of the Rebel insurgency is rendered with technical precision and creative flair. The presentation is not only a testament to ILM’s storied legacy but also a reminder that behind every galactic conflict lies a team dedicated to both artistry and stability—a must-know for today’s production artists.

Vaiana 2 – Navigating the High Seas of Animation

Over at Walt Disney Animation Studios, Technical Supervisor Gabriela Hernandez and Associate Technical Supervisor Emily Sison will helm an exploration into the journey behind “Vaiana 2”. Set against the vast, unpredictable backdrop of Oceania, their session delves into the technical challenges of feature animation, from rigging and modelling to shading and lighting. Their narrative is as much about creative perseverance as it is about employing tools that marry usability, simplicity, and rock-solid stability on set.

Severance – Invisible Effects, Visible Impact

The understated genius of the award-winning psychological thriller “Severance” is on full display as Production VFX Supervisor Eric Leven (ILM) teams up with VFX Supervisors Michael Huber and Alex Lemke. Their session showcases visual effects that are so seamlessly integrated they almost vanish—echoing the show’s mood of understated complexity. Attendees can expect an intimate look into techniques that prioritize narrative immersion over flashy spectacle, proving that sometimes, the best effects are the ones you barely notice.

Rollin’ with the Changes – From Trailers to Timeless Creativity

Remember the viral sensation “Rollin’ Wild” from FMX 2013? Passion Pictures is back, with Constantin Paeplow revisiting their journey from a smash trailer to a full-blown creative venture. Paeplow will share insights on balancing commercial projects with original ideas while embracing tools like Blender to stay artistically fluid in an ever-shifting market. It’s a candid look at how a dash of randomness can spark unexpected creative brilliance.

Virtual Production on a Budget – Big Ideas, Small Price Tag

At the cutting edge of efficiency, the innovative minds at REALTIME—Global Executive Producer Annie Shaw and Head of Innovation and Development Sam Taylor—are set to explore how Virtual Production tools can revolutionize the filmmaking pipeline. Their session offers practical insights on streamlining workflows and optimizing budgets with a proprietary virtual camera tool that spans film, episodic projects, games, and even automotive industries. This is production technology refined for creators who demand both performance and simplicity.

Navigating Production Challenges – The Art of Managing Change

Production is as much about managing chaos as it is about creative discovery. VFX producer Robin Saxen (currently on “Mission Impossible 8: The Final Reckoning”) alongside Imke Fehrmann, Global Head of Production at RISE VFX Studios, will break down the painstaking processes of script breakdowns, bidding, change orders, and final picture delivery. Their discussion is a masterclass on navigating the less glamorous—but absolutely essential—aspects of modern production management.

The post FMX 2025: Rebels, Randomness & Real-Time first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.