Women’s Day Special VFX Interview – Lin Liu, VFX Producer, Pixomondo

Women’s Day Special VFX Interview – Lin Liu, VFX Producer, Pixomondo

March 6, 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

Lin Liu started her professional career in San Francisco. After graduating from the Academy of Art University, she moved to Los Angeles and worked as a freelance compositor and motion graphics artist. Not satisfied with her narrow field and longing to see the overall picture of the VFX industry, Lin changed her focus from an artist to a VFX producer when she moved back to China. After six years of working as a VFX producer and getting a broader view of the industry, Liu is looking forward to even more challenges.

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

// From Lin Liu, VFX Producer, Pixomondo

How do you describe yourself professionally?

I’m a VFX producer.

What sparked your interest in visual effects?

Loneliness. I am the only child in my family, which meant that most of the time I was alone. I did not play video games, so watching movies and reading books become my only entertainment at that time. When I first saw Steven Spielberg’s “E.T. the Extra –Terrestrial,” I was touched. The cute little alien became my friend. At that time I deeply believed that E.T. was real and really wanted to meet him.

Even E.T. was created using animatronics (a mechanized puppet), when I grew up, I came to realize that many memorable creatures on screen were created using CGI. That’s when I realized that good visual effects have the power bring soul to fictional characters and creatures.

How did you enter this industry?

To be honest, I entered this industry by accident. My parents picked an art university near my uncle’s home in San Francisco. They were planning to use this university as a transition and let me enter a comprehensive university to study finance after one or two years. My first year in art university was not as enjoyable as I had imagined. I had no art background before then, the foundation classes like Figure Drawing made me suffer a lot at that time. However, after I started to take some other classes, like Photography and Film History, I became addicted and really enjoyed it. I could stay in the library the whole day to watch all kinds of films (silent, comedy, black humor, horror, etc). That’s the moment I finally decided to stay in this industry.

What does the idea of empowerment mean to you?

It means more responsibility.

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

My greatest achievement is organizing a talented team that is passionate about the work and doing their best within the budget and time. That is more precious than any award in the world.

What is the current state for women in the industry?

More and more women are stepping into the VFX industry, especially in the business and management field. I feel that women instinctively get along with other people very easily. Also, possessing natural problem solving skills and having an attentive quality is also an advantage for women in the industry.

What are some important skills or characteristics to have your line of work?

Having a good understanding of the VFX pipeline, being up to date on film markets and budgets, having problem solving skills, being flexible, and most importantly, having patience!

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

VFX: E.T. the Extra -Terrestrial
Animation: Inside Out

Which influential woman do you admire the most?

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

How has your experience been working at Pixomondo?

Pixomondo is the company that gave me a chance to go from being an artist to a VFX producer. I have worked there for 6 years on and off. It’s been a great experience. I love the casual environment and high level of professionalism there.

What do you think about the number of women nominated for Oscar/VES/BAFTA or other award shows this year? Is it reflective of the work that’s out there? Did more women need to be recognized?

I wish we would see more women nominated at these award shows. But the positive side is that it’s much better than before. I believe that in the near future, more and more women will be.

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

Film investment.

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

This industry may look awesome and glamorous from the outside, but the reality is that that you need to put in a lot of time and effort, and be able to handle a lot of pressure and responsibility in order to succeed. Nothing is easy, but having passion helps to overcome many of the challenges.

What is your International Women’s Day Greetings Message?

Be strong, be healthy, be happy!

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