BEHIND THE SCENES: ILM’S VFX SUPERVISOR, BILL GEORGIOU

We met with Bill Georgiou, one of Industrial Light & Magic’s talented VFX supervisors, for a chat about his work, Pride Month, his passion for painting and why he crossed the globe to pursue his dream job in Sydney.

What does a VFX Supervisor do at ILM?

The VFX Supervisor works closely with the client to make their creative vision a reality and share the magic with them. The supervisor is also responsible for the health and happiness of the team of artists and production. Encouragement and growth are so important. I feel responsible as well to pass on my excitement for the project and the magical work we do.

A VFX Supervisor at ILM gets to make incredible images, What inspired you to get into VFX?

I was an art major in college who wanted to make a living – and still do something creative. I didn’t know that my love of movies and art could come together in a (luckily) long career. Movies like Star Wars, Jaws, and Jurassic Park really inspired me to find a way in!

Can you tell us about one of your career highlights?

I was a lead compositor on The Golden Compass where I was tasked with developing the “spirit look” for the daemons with another lead. It was creative and rewarding and we came up with something that still looks great today. That was the first time I felt like my work had a big impact on the look of the visual effects in a film.

What excites you the most about your job?

I love working with the most talented artists and production teams – and collaborating with them to make the most fantastic imagery in the world.

Your proudest career moment?

…was getting the offer to work for ILM.

Who has been your biggest mentor/inspiration professionally? Why?

I have been lucky enough to have worked with some incredible VFX Supervisors as I was coming up in my career. One, in particular, Betsy Paterson, showed me what it was like to be successful and different in this industry as one of the very few female VFX Supervisors. She taught me to use my voice and trust my gut.

What makes Industrial Light & Magic special in your eyes?

ILM has created spectacular images, told amazing stories, and has created unbelievable technology – that has forever changed the industry but more so, that shaped my life. I have always loved movies. From the first movie my parents took me to, Star Wars, to films today. And ILM is a major part of that entire history.

What does Pride Month mean to you?

“Pride Month is a reminder to live one’s truth openly and proudly. As a kid, all signs from the media, my parents, and society, in general, was that being gay was wrong. Thankfully, things have changed tremendously, but the reminder of Pride Month is that we have come so far – and have so far to go.”

Does ILM actively encourage an inclusive work environment? How?

ILM was the first company that I decided to come out to in my interview and directly ask about diversity and inclusion. I felt that if I was to cross the globe for my dream job, I want it to be my dream job in every way. I was incredibly impressed by the response. I felt welcomed and rewarded for being me. A first time in the industry, in my experience.

What are you passionate about in your free time?

Painting and drawing. Exploring Sydney. Travelling when possible. Meeting people and making new friends

If you hadn’t become a VFX Supervisor you would be working as…?

I would like to imagine that I would have become a full-time painter, making my art.

Best advice you can give to someone who wants to become a VFX Supervisor?

Study art, study nature, study colour, study light and shadow. Begin to understand the difference between the viewer’s perceptions about what looks real, and what may be scientifically real or natural, but looks wrong.

Best advice to someone who wants to get a foot in the door in the VFX industry?

These days, you can get a degree in VFX, which didn’t exist before. I still think that self-motivation, tenacity, and a strong work ethic go a long, long way in this industry. Use the tools of today – shoot your own short movies with your phone. Study the many tutorials online on creating various VFX. Keep an eye out for training programs as well, such as ILM’s Jedi Academy where you can get real-world experience from some of the best artists and production teams in the world.

Check out more of Bill Georgiou’s art on Instagram

Head over to ILM’s YouTube channel to see their skills in action!

CONTACT
Luke Hetherington
Executive in Charge, Singapore & Sydney ILM Studios
[email protected]
www.ilm.com