VFX Interview: Jumanah Shaheen, VFX & Animation Producer

VFX Interview: Jumanah Shaheen, VFX & Animation Producer

April 6, 2019 – Born in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and raised between the United States and Saudi Arabia, Jumanah Shaheen grew up moving between countries, shifting between cultures acclimating to new societal norms. At grade 10 and at the age of 15 Jumanah graduated high school in 2009. Currently residing in LA the scope and range of Ms. Shaheen’s many productions are truly a testament to her distinguished status as an influential Visual Effects Producer, as she has made great contributions to many of America’s most popular productions in recent years. Her work can be seen on some of the nation’s most successful and culturally relevant feature films, such as FRUITVALE STATION—that have won some of the industry’s most prestigious awards, including an Independent Spirit Award. Other films include THEEB, the Arabic language feature which won the BAFTA Award for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer. Ms. Shaheen is widely respected for her work as a distinguished Visual Effects Producer on many other high-level productions, such as the music video for international superstar Taylor Swift in “Look What You Made Me Do” from her 2017 album Reputation. The video has been viewed more than 987 million times on YouTube and was nominated for 3 MTV Video Music Awards in 2018.

Today, Jumanah Shaheen spoke to VFX Online about her work experience of VFX Industry and Animation industry.

// From Jumanah Shaheen, VFX & Animation Producer

How do you describe yourself professionally?

I describe myself as a Creative Producer, a producer for the artist’s working alongside and for them. Starting out at as a 3D modeler I understand the frustration the artist’s might have working with management, and my goal is to bridge that gap. Without the two working hand in hand, nothing can be achieved in a way that leaves them both standing proudly.

What sparked your interest in visual effects? How would you describe in visual effects?

Knowing that with the proper tools, you can create anything is what initially sparked my interest. Understanding that people often speak in different dialects and tones there is a lot of room to misunderstand the message being said. I’ve always been a visual communicator, growing up around multiple parts in the world, I’ve found the most effective way to communicate and share a message is through visual representation.

What is the difference in experience between working on films, commercials, TV shows and Music Videos?

They are in a sense all very different, and require different methods on approaching them, however the biggest different is the duration in which the turnaround is required.

How different was the industry when you first started? How did it make you feel?

When I first started, I didn’t see many women or young people working/leading in the industry. With the evolution of the .com era knowledge has become widespread, and reachable by both sexes the young and old. The shift of course came in diversity and the ability to learn anything via the internet.

What made you choose visual effects, what was the primary inspiration, and how long did it take before you finally ‘made it’ to the big league?

As I mentioned above it was truly the thought of being able to create anything, what made me stick with VFX is that it touches all mediums, from film, commercials, animated features, feature films, short films etc.. The primary reason was to be able to become a part of more than one production, so that my life never falls into a routine. I’m still working on “making it”. Personally I worked professionally in the industry for three years before I made it as a VFX Producer, but I had started working while I was studying. My first gig was to hold the door open onset, but from that I made sure I held the door and smiled at each person walking in/out, this helped me form connections, understanding that no job on a production is too small to not put in you 100% effort.

What is the best & worst thing about working on feature films as compared to commercial/advertising/video work, and are there any funny stories that we just have to hear?

The best thing is that you typically have more time, the worst is that you’re working on one thing for a long period of time. Sometimes, things come in last minute and understanding how to approach them is what makes or breaks you. When I was working on Fruitvale Station- Ryan Coogler had come in to do dailies with the team, they had added some more shots that needed to be done within two days, I remember laughing when he first told me and he laughed along but then said he was serious and I laughed again thinking he was joking again but he didn’t… I knew then he was serious. Now, looking back at it, this is something very normal in a production.

Tell us about some of the projects you have worked on?

I worked on Fruitvale Station, Advantageous, Theeb, Modern Family, Black-ish, Fresh Off The Boat, Arrested Development, Taylor Swift “Look What You Made Me Do”, Maroon 5 “Three Little Birds” and some more.

Are there different needs or expectations from clients, depending on where they are in the world?

I think the expectation is the same, but the main difference is how they think the approach should be, some clients like to know every detail, where some others feel like the more you tell them makes them think you don’t know what you’re doing.

What kind of projects would you like to work on in the near future?

I would love to work on more Feature Films, and music videos.

What’s the most important tool you think is the best for VFX and Animation?

Shotgun/ftrack any tracking system that fits within a company pipeline, without it no project can deliver successfully. It acts as the main communicating factor to each department working on a production.

Which is your favorite film in VFX and Animation and why?

I don’t think I have a single one to call my favorite, but if I were to choose a movie & animation that I had to pick before I died, it would be The Hurricane and Nausicaa of the Valley & Wind. The story, backed by the visuals and the message sent in both of these are ones that helped me personally.

How was the experience to working in VFX & Animation Producer?

It was difficult, yet rewarding, it required many hours but they were filled with love and laughter, I felt like the stupidest person, and the smartest at the same time. I think the biggest thing I’ve learned as a Producer is that mistakes are always happening, consistently the thing that makes or breaks a producer is learning how to respond to those mistakes and take the proper steps in fixing them.

What was your Best VFX project worked for? What was the main challenges in this project?

Taylor Swift’s Music video, it was extremely challenging in the sense that I was the only production person on the team but this turned out to be extremely rewarding as it helped create a strong bond between myself and the artist’s and they always had my back as I had theirs.

What do you like to do away from the computer?

When I get time away I love spending time with my friends, go on a hike, or a movie, or a concert, or a comedy show. I really enjoy going to art exhibitions, to help keep me inspired and motivated.

Can you tell us a little about your process on Taylor Swift and Jalen Vs. Everybody?

With Taylor Swift we had the time to spend on creating concepts and truly think through the different atmospheres we wanted to create, since Jalen Vs. Everybody was a pilot we didn’t have the luxury of time, luckily our EP Oliver Taylor had worked very closely with the Director and Supervisor and was a great asset in terms of knowing what style the client wanted.

Can you tell us a little about your process on The Mick and Sneaky Pete TV Series?

I worked closely with the amazing Damian Baxter who was the Post Supervisor, working closely with him made the VFX production process much easier, because we were able to communicate efficiently and there was an understanding from his side on the process of VFX production. This made our workflow seamless. With the help of my right hand Hallana Barbosa, we would ingest all the material as quickly as possible, review it to ensure we had everything we needed and then we would review and create an actionable plan with the supervisor. This same process was repeated with John McCracken who was one of the most efficient producers I worked with.

Can you tell us a little about your process on The Goldbergs and Modern Family?

Luckily the studio had a long relationship with BJ Maier, the Supervisor on The Goldbergs due to this relationship it helped guide on the best way to approach the shot styles, the deliveries etc. This helped me understand that when you form a relationship with your client there will come a time where they will rely on you to make decisions on behalf of them, knowing what they like and want. Needless to say the process of working with BJ, ws seamless and efficient. Working on Modern Family was one of the most collaborative experiences I had, working super closely with Nestor Policarpio and Mariel Paniagua, I’ve learned through working with them that clients can be your friends and understand your worries/ frustration and they would do the same for you. When working with them I ensure that communication was clear, and same with expectations this helped create a smooth workflow.

What projects, personal or commercial, are you currently excited to be working on?

I’m currently working on a web series with a friend of mine, Reema Bajunaid that we plan on releasing a year from now. I’m excited because this will be the first project that is truly mine. Can’t wait to tell you guys about it more once it’s done!

Which direction would you like to take your career in the near future?

I would love to work closer to production and pre production, most of my experience has been in Post Production, and I would love to gain more experience in Production, from idea to creation to get a full scope and understanding of a project from start to finish. I believe this will help me produce better quality projects.

Any advice or tip for the young struggling artist?

If you love your craft don’t let the struggles come in your way or weigh you down. Every single thing in this life that is worth the reward has a struggle. If you did not struggle you would not appreciate it. Each famous person you have heard of has struggled, understand and know deep within in that you will make it no matter what, and trust me you will.

We would like to thank Jumanah Shaheen for the great interview, and if you like to know more about her, Feel free to reach her out Website, IMDB, Vimeo, and .