Women’s Day Special VFX Interview – Cecilia Juarez, Compositor, Pixomondo Frankfurt

Women’s Day Special VFX Interview – Cecilia Juarez, Compositor, Pixomondo Frankfurt

February 26, 2020 – March 8 marks International Women’s Day (IWD). This day has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911. The day is not country, group or organization specific – and belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. It encourages everyone around the world to make International Women’s Day their day and do what they can to truly make a positive difference for women.

International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. For more info visit at www.internationalwomensday.com

Today, Cecilia Juarez talks to VFX Online about her experience as a woman working in the VFX and Animation industry.

// From Cecilia Juarez, Compositor, Pixomondo Frankfurt

How do you describe yourself professionally?

I’m a hard worker and an avid learner who is fortunate to have the opportunity to collaborate with a fantastic team of digital illusionists.

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

A great deal of what I have enjoyed the most in my life always had something to do with imaginary worlds and fascinating creatures. I grew up marveled by titles like “The NeverEnding Story,” “Star Wars” and “Jurassic Park.” Nowadays most of my favorites are based on Comic books like “X-Men”, “Doctor Strange” and “The Avengers”. Almost nothing compares to the excitement I feel while watching an interesting story being told through moving images.

My work in visual effects consists in compiling the work generated in all previous stages of the production pipeline. The compositing team that I am proudly a part of combines CGI and Digital Matte Paintings with live action to generate images that give the impression as if all elements were taken in one shot with the same camera at the same moment.

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

When I first started my professional path, there were no VFX degree programs. Consequently, I chose the one I considered the closest to the film industry: a BA in Communication Science that contained Photography, TV, Video and Film production as well as post production courses.

I enjoyed learning all those subjects and what I learned in those courses has been very valuable throughout my professional life. However, I would have loved the opportunity to start from the beginning with a program more targeted towards VFX. There are now several such programs for those who want to get on that path.

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?

After working in TV production, I decided to redirect my focus and restart my career in order to become part of the film industry, which had always been my dream. However, it was far from a linear development. I learned 3D modelling and animation and worked in motion capture before finally returning to university to pursue an MFA in VFX, specializing in Compositing. After graduation I was lucky to start at a another leading VFX studio straight away, which paved the way to Pixomondo. So it has been a long way to get to where I am but I am incredibly happy that I took the chance to start over again.

What is the current state for women in the industry?

I have the feeling that the number of women in VFX has been increasing but there are still fewer women than men, especially in more senior positions. There are also very few women in VFX who have been recognized for their contributions in their career. For example, there have only been three women nominated for an Academy Award for Visual Effects. However, I hope the trend for more women to join the industry and climb the ranks will continue, while society keeps opening up to shared responsibility between men and women towards children, so that no woman has to decide between pursuing her dream or having a family.

What is it like to work as a woman in your current place of work?

It’s fantastic. Nobody is treated differently because of gender, nationality, religion or other characteristics. We all receive the same amount of respect and opportunities and there is a true sense of belonging to the same team.

What was your Best VFX/Animation project worked for? What kind of projects would you like to work on in the near future?

I cherish every project I work on. However, my very first project will always remain one of my favorites: “Fruitvale Station”, directed by Ryan Coogler, which won the Best First Film Award at Cannes and the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance. It was my first “real” project outside of university course assignments and having the opportunity to receive feedback in person directly from the director was thrilling.

In the future, I would love to work on projects related to my favorite films: “Jurassic Park,” “Star Wars” or “The NeverEnding Story”.

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

I have watched and really enjoyed all movies that have won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects from the late 70’s up to now. However, if I had to pick only one then it would undoubtedly be “Jurassic Park.” Almost thirty years have passed since it came out and it is still a great movie. My favorite sequence: the one with the raptors looking for the kids in the kitchen!

Regarding my favorite Animation films, I love all creations coming from Studio Ghibli and Pixar.

Whose work (both past and present) do you really admire and why?

Steven Spielberg – for being the best story teller of our time, no matter whether it’s about extraterrestrial adventures, magical creatures, prehistoric animals or tragic episodes in history.

Which women VFX artists/animators are your favorite and why?

Catherine Tate for being such a strong force of inspiration to me and so many other students at the Academy of Art University, where she serves as Director of Animation and Visual Effects. Her experience, positive attitude, strong sense of commitment and interest in the development of each individual in her team make her an invaluable human being. I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from her.

How is your experience working at Pixomondo?

Pixomondo, Loving it! There’s a very strong team work philosophy and it permeates every project right from the beginning. We can easily connect between departments which allows us to learn and improve from each other in a very productive way. We all push ourselves to improve our work on a daily basis. The team I am working with is the best one I could have wished for. They are all professionals, responsible, engaged and inspired.

What advice do you have for studios to increase diversity?

It might be helpful to remember the positive impact diversity brings about. Creativity expands and when everyone receives the same amount of respect and opportunity, employees feel part of a team, give more of themselves and, consequently, become more productive. Offering flexibility in the work schedule allows employees to keep strong ties to families without sacrificing performance. Studios should remember that, independent from background or personal characteristics, what unites us all is the passion we feel towards VFX.

And what advice do you have for young women wanting to enter the industry?

Work hard. Even if nobody is watching, work hard and be prepared for the moment when opportunity knocks at your door.

Get inspired and maintain your dream alive. Maintain inspiring people around you that help you become a better version of yourself. Remember why you are doing what you do.

Celebrate your small victories. They will recharge you with the energy to keep on going.

Never give up. Sometimes you will ask yourself if it’s even worth all the effort, all the energy, all the time. Don’t listen to that negative voice. Keep on going and remember that bad waves always fade away.

We would like to thank Cecilia Juarez for the great interview. If you would like to know more about Pixomondo, go to www.pixomondo.com