Women’s Day Special VFX Interview – Jessica Oldland, Lead Artist / Motion and 2D animation – Flipbook Studio, Manchester UK

Women’s Day Special VFX Interview – Jessica Oldland, Lead Artist / Motion and 2D animation – Flipbook Studio, Manchester UK

February 19, 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

Jessica Oldland leads a small team of 2D and 3D artists who develop and complete visual effects on a variety of shots. Whilst overseeing their time and shot management, offering creative guidance and problem solving, she also completes composites for a range of shot types with a focus on greenscreen assets in Nuke. Jessica took a joint role in on-set VFX supervision during the shooting of The Worst Witch series 4.

In 2014, she graduated from Staffordshire University with a first-class degree in CGI and Digital Effects where she learnt the fundamentals of all areas within VFX and found her passion for compositing. She has returned on a few occasions to offer advice to students and promote the course, their excellent tutors and facilities.

Recent projects she has worked on include CBBC’s The Worst Witch series 3 and 4, and Star Wars: Origins fan film. A lot of the 2D animation work she is involved in is for charities and government initiatives which unfortunately means they aren’t allowed to use it as promotional material. But she finds the work rewarding and it offers the chance to explore.

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

// From Jessica Oldland, Lead Artist / Motion and 2D animation – Flipbook Studio, Manchester UK

How do you describe yourself professionally?

I’m a highly-organised problem solver! I think being a problem solver is a vital characteristic for compositors and other artists too no doubt. Having a vision in your head of what the images need to become and puzzling your way through to getting there – that’s also where a lot of the satisfaction comes from with my work, knowing where I started and seeing where I’ve taken it. The organisation is just built into me, I suppose!

What sparked your interest in visual effects?

I wanted to make unbelievable things believable. When I was an art student at college, I saw Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland and was so taken in by the environments in the movie – the giant mushroom forest and tiny/huge Alice/room juxtapose – I thought it was fascinating to make such unrealistic worlds believable for viewers. This is when I started being interested in compositing and matte painting.

How did you enter this industry?

When I completed my degree at Staffordshire University, I met a few industry professionals as part of that year’s graduate showcase (GradEx). It’s an opportunity for new graduates to discuss their work face-to-face with some of the leading VFX studios in the country. That year this included The Mill, Double Negative and Flipbook Studio. A couple of weeks and emails later, I was offered some time with Flipbook as work experience. From there, I began to take on projects under freelance agreements, and before long I had signed a full-time contract.

What does the idea of empowerment mean to you?

Empowerment is having the ability to control what happens to you and make decisions about your own life. Right now, for me, that means making the best choices for my health and my happiness. My life has recently taken a big turn with the end of a long term relationship so I’m finding empowerment in everything I can to help me process the change and find myself again. It’s also about helping other people achieve that power for themselves, supporting our friends and colleagues in whatever ways we can.

What’s your greatest achievement in VFX/Animation Industry?

Well, I’d like to think my career is still in its infancy, so perhaps my greatest achievement is still in the pipeline. But I am proud of how far I’ve come and the name I’m making for myself in the industry.

What is the current state for women in the industry?

In my experience, there are lots of women through a range of seniority levels – supervisors, producers and artists. So I don’t think there’s a particular issue for women being able to get a foot in. Having said that, I think there is a problem in that respect for women in certain roles seems to increase with their time in the industry at a different rate to men. Men seem to get recognition earlier in their careers, which seems highly unfair and I can see how it could make women feel disillusioned when faced with that attitude.

What is it like to be a professional, working woman in your line of work?

There have probably been situations or interactions that have been different because of my gender or perhaps also my age. And I do find myself noticing whether or not I’m the only woman in the room – which is a strange feeling, but one I expect a lot of women encounter. As my experience broadens, I’m finding more women to look up to, in their own ways. It is encouraging to have some successful female role models, and I hope more young artists are able to find their own earlier in their careers, as the industry grows and develops.

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

I do love Aardman’s Pirates! in an Adventure with Scientists. The story is brilliant and every time I watch it there’s always some new detail that makes me laugh! Of course, the animation and production is flawless, as we’ve come to expect from them. As for more recent releases, I really enjoyed Klaus. I thought it was a lovely take on the festive spirit we’ve seen countless movies redo again and again. It felt fresh. And I’m intrigued to see how the innovative way they developed the look and lighting process will impact the industry in the coming years. I’ve tried hard to read as much about behind the scenes as I can!

What was your Best VFX/Animation project worked for?

My favourite project I’ve worked on is The Worst Witch. I owe a lot to the show as it gave me many opportunities to develop my skills, my experience and show off my potential. Because of the renewal to a 4th series, I accepted a role as VFX Supervisor and thoroughly enjoyed being part of the film crew. It really pushed me out of my comfort zone and opened my eyes to what I can do. Seeing the show develop from scripts right through to airing is hugely satisfying, and I think we’ve provided some of the most exciting Visual Effects they’ve ever had! I hope families enjoy watching it.

What will be your ‘dream project’ to work on?

As a teen, I would have done anything to work on music videos for my favourite bands. A few months ago I would have said the chances of My Chemical Romance getting back together was about level with that – but now, who knows! Anything seems possible – besides time travelling back to work on The Black Parade that is – but it would be nice to do something in a genre like that to satisfy the younger me.

Which influential woman do you admire the most?

I think it would be unfair to put just one woman on such a pedestal. There are so many incredible women out there, working hard to make important changes in their lives and ours. I admire all women that can stand up for what they believe in, staying strong to be accepted and make a difference in their field. Emma Watson, Malala Yousafzai, Gina Martin – just to name a few from recent years.

How has your experience been working at Flipbook?

It’s been great! There are always new challenges to face and opportunities to grow and develop, both professionally and as a person. The team that’s building here has a nice dynamic – everyone gets on well and there’s no office politics getting in the way. Everyone gets invited along to awards nights too, which is really good fun and great to be able to share in the collective achievements of the studio.

How was the Women VFX/Animation Organizations support for the industry?

I am aware of a few organisations set up as a support and social network for women in the industry. Previously, I have never really looked into them, but after this interview, I am going to make time to explore their articles and events and find out more about what they do. You never know when these things will become important to you.

What do you think about less women nominated for Oscar/VES/BAFTA or any other?

It is a sad state of affairs that women in positions of creative power aren’t given the same respect. Unfortunately, I think this is something that will take time. The industry has been male-dominated for so long, we can’t expect equilibrium to come quickly. But as long as there is funding going to the projects and people speaking out for diversity that is something to be excited about, and the recognition will follow.

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

I’d like to do more series work. I enjoy the constant moving forward that comes with long-form projects and being able to get invested in the characters and the show itself. It starts to feel like home very quickly. Taking on more responsibility with the lead role would be great too, as long as I still get to do my own shots – I enjoy that too much to give it up!

What advice would you give to women who wish to get into this industry?

The same advice I would give anyone wanting to start their VFX career. From an artist point of view, learn as much as you can – having grounded knowledge about how light, colour and images work is an essential foundation for your skills to develop. There’s lots of opportunities out there and many different routes to get to where you want to be; don’t assume you have to follow the obvious path.

What is your International Women’s Day Greetings Message?

Explore who you are, and enjoy being that person – don’t be afraid to grow for yourself. Remember, you’re the most important person in your world. Have an inspiring International Women’s Day!

We would like to thank Jessica Oldland for the great interview, and if you like to know more about her, check out her .