Behind The Magic | Superman
Go behind the magic of ILM’s Oscar‑shortlisted, BAFTA‑recognised vfx for Superman.
9th January 2026
Industrial Light & Magic
2026
2025
Behind the Magic | Real-Time Rocket
Stepping in front of a TVA Timedoor, fans at D23 Expo last summer were able to directly interact and speak with Rocket Raccoon from Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy as he answered their most burning questions! The experience won a VES Award for “Outstanding Visual Effects in a Special...
31st October 2025
Real-Time Stitch | Behind the Magic
Stitch went LIVE, now he’s coming HOME 💙 Go behind the scenes and learn how we brought our interactive Stitch to life in partnership with Disney Studios and Skywalker Sound, then be the first to watch #LiloAndStitch at home on Digital! ILM
23rd July 2025
Lighter Darker | EP 020: Lens Flares
In the final episode of season one, Shannon Tindle and John Knoll return to Lighter Darker to discuss the much-debated use of lens flares in film and animation. John talks about rejection and how to know when a project isn’t right for you. Our hosts and guests share some of...
3rd June 2025
Behind the Magic | The Visual Effects of Severance
Refined at Lumon. Revealed here. Take the elevator down and explore how @ILMVFX brought the second season of Severance to life. ILM
30th May 2025
Industrial Light & Magic: 50 Years of Innovation
Since 1975, Industrial Light & Magic has created thousands of images across hundreds of films, series, attractions, and immersive experiences that have challenged our perceptions and inspired our imaginations. We salute the past 50 years as we look ahead to the next half century of storytelling. ILM
28th May 2025
Lighter Darker | EP 019: Severance
Production designer Jeremy Hindle and visual effects supervisor Eric Leven join us to talk through their work on Severance season two. We discuss merging practical designs with the often invisible digital effects to create the atmosphere and environments of the Lumon world. Chapter Markers [00:00:11] Intro [00:01:55] Rejection Letters [00:06:52]...
21st May 2025
Lighter Darker | EP 018: ABBA Voyage
ILM creative director Ben Morris and producer Svana Gisla join us to discuss ABBA Voyage. We talk through details about the technology, collaboration with the band, and the legacy of this one-of-a-kind musical experience. ILM
6th May 2025
Lighter Darker | EP 017: ILM 50th Anniversary Panel
How did John Knoll decide to pitch the story for Rogue One? What does Rob Coleman recall about the audience’s reaction to Yoda’s first lightsaber fight? What was it like for Fon Davis on his first pyrotechnic model shoot on the Star Wars prequels? How did Masa Narita decide to...
26th April 2025
Lighter Darker | EP 016: Bryce Dallas Howard
On Episode 16 of Lighter Darker: The ILM Podcast, Bryce Dallas Howard joins us to talk about her experience and process as an actor and a filmmaker. She shares some of her earliest childhood memories of visiting film sets, to revealing a few secrets regarding the famed Darksaber. ILM
24th April 2025
Lighter Darker | EP 015: Immersive Entertainment
For over 30 years, Vicki Dobbs Beck has been at the forefront of innovative storytelling. In her role as VP of Immersive Content at ILM and Lucasfilm, she has championed a variety of groundbreaking experiences like Vader Immortal and CARNE y ARENA. In Episode 15 of the Lighter Darker podcast,...
23rd April 2025
Lighter Darker | EP 014: Skeleton Crew with John Knoll
This week, VFX legend John Knoll joins us to discuss his work on Skeleton Crew, answer listener questions, and share behind-the-scenes stories. Chapter Markers [00:00:00] Intro [00:10:31] Skeleton Crew [00:44:09] Questions From the Mailbag [00:54:16] The Martini [01:02:29] Outro ILM
22nd April 2025
ILM Celebrates 50th Anniversary and Announces New Book & Merch
It all began in May of 1975 with a handshake between director George Lucas and visual effects supervisor John Dykstra. Industrial Light & Magic formed as Lucasfilm’s visual effects division to work specifically on one project: Star Wars: A New Hope (1977). 50 years later, ILM now spans the globe with studios in five...
22nd April 2025
Lighter Darker | EP 013: Virtual Production
This week, we’re exploring Virtual Production. Industry experts Shivani Jhaveri and Justin Talley share their insights on when this technology truly shines and, just as importantly, when it might not be the best fit for your project. They also offer tips and advice for working on set and share some...
21st April 2025
Lighter Darker | EP 12 Wicked & Alien: Romulus
This week, we discuss the work behind two films nominated for Oscars in Best Visual Effects. From the whimsical world of Wicked and the acidic atmosphere of Alien: Romulus—Pablo Helman, David Shirk, and Nelson Sepulveda-Fauser share their insights and learnings in crafting the visual effects behind these blockbuster hits. Chapter...
20th April 2025
Lighter Darker | Ep 11: VFX Oscar Nominations
Todd and Rob break down the process of how films are selected for nomination in the Oscars’ Best Visual Effects category. We discuss highlights from the five nominated films—Alien Romulus, Better Man, Dune: Part Two, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, and Wicked—and we revisit the shower door myth....
20th April 2025
Joe Johnston Goes Behind the Scenes
Warning: This article contains spoilers from Light & Magic Season 2 Among the first group hired at Industrial Light & Magic in 1975, Joe Johnston began his career as a storyboard artist and concept designer. After 10 years with ILM on three Star Wars and two Indiana Jones films, among others, he went to the University...
19th April 2025
Lighter Darker | Ep 010: Shaping Characters for Tomorrow with Amy Beth Christenson
ILM Art Director Amy Beth Christenson (Transformers One, Star Wars Rebels) discusses the complexities and pure joy of working with established Star Wars and Transformers characters while introducing new elements for today’s audiences. Amy shares stories of adapting her portfolio to catch the attention of recruiters and highlights from her...
18th April 2025
Lighter Darker | EP 009: Bonus Episode 2024 Wrap
Rob, Todd and Jenny share their own rejection letters and answer some lingering questions from the mailbag. Todd corrects another VFX myth in Misinformation Corner. The team shares their favorite things from the year as we say farewell to 2024 in this bonus episode of Lighter Darker! Chapter Markers [00:00:00]...
17th April 2025
Lighter Darker | Ep 008: The Magic of Film with Dean Cundey
Join legendary cinematographer Dean Cundey (Apollo 13, The Mandalorian) on our final episode of 2024. From his early days collaborating with John Carpenter on horror classics like Halloween and The Thing to groundbreaking work on Jurassic Park and Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Cundey has shaped the visual landscape of cinema....
16th April 2025
Lighter Darker | Ep 007: Glicked: Worldbuilding in Wicked and Gladiator II
This week, we delve into the world building techniques behind two of the year’s most anticipated films: Gladiator II and Wicked. VFX Producer Ed Randolph (Gladiator II) and VFX Supervisor Anthony Smith (Wicked) give us behind-the-scenes stories of building these worlds and share insights into some of their favorite shots...
15th April 2025
Lighter Darker Ep 006: Ultraman Rising with Shannon Tindle and Hayden Jones
Director Shannon Tindle (Kubo and the Two Strings, Lost Ollie) and VFX supervisor Hayden Jones join us to discuss the role of empathy in animation. We talk about Tindle’s latest film, Ultraman: Rising as well as the importance of collaboration and infusing personal experiences into characters and storytelling. Chapter Markers...
14th April 2025
Lighter Darker | The ILM Podcast Ep 005: Ghostbusters II with Bill George
For this special Halloween Edition, we flash back to Ghostbusters II with VFX legend Bill George who shares stories from the model shop. We talk with Bill about the evolution of visual effects over his 40-year career. Episode Links Bill George – IMDb The Ewok Adventure (TV Movie 1984) –...
13th April 2025
Lighter Darker: Ep 004: Twisters with Lee Isaac Chung and Ashley Jay Sandberg
Director Lee Isaac Chung (Minari, Twisters) and Executive Producer Ashley Jay Sandberg (Twisters, The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart) discuss working together to balance science and storytelling with their latest film, Twisters. They share stories from the set, including real-life challenges from Mother Nature. The filmmakers...
12th April 2025
Lighter Darker | Episode 3 | “Camera & Composition”
Beth D’Amato, ILM digital paint supervisor, joins Todd, Rob, and Jenny to discuss their favorite camera moves, compositions, and notable “oners”. Beth shares how she got her start in VFX, and we learn that sometimes the phrase, “We will keep your resume on file” is a good thing! The ILM...
11th April 2025
Lighter Darker | Episode 2 | “Transformers One with Josh Cooley”
In Episode 2 of the #LighterDarker podcast, the team welcomes #TransformersOne director Josh Cooley to talk about combining heart and humor in his filmmaking. Josh also shares the story of getting his dream shot at Pixar, working on Toy Story 4, and how he almost had a very different career...
10th April 2025
Lighter Darker | Episode 1 | “The Premiere”
Welcome to Lighter Darker: The ILM Podcast hosted by ILM Chief Creative Officer, Rob Bredow, ILM Compositing Supervisor, Todd Vaziri, and Producer Jenny Ely who talk about the creative process of filmmaking and the art of visual storytelling. In our premiere episode Rob and Todd share thoughts on beautiful final...
10th April 2025
Behind the Magic | Pablo Helman Discusses Wicked
Join Production Visual Effects Supervisor Pablo Helman for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at #Wicked as he discusses the incredible work that brought Jon M. Chu’s vision to life. ILM
5th February 2025
The Visual Effects of Wicked
Ready to experience Oz like never before? Step behind the curtain with ILM for an exclusive breakdown of their magic on Jon M. Chu’s #Wicked. Now nominated for an #Oscar for Best Visual Effect ILM
1st February 2025
RSS – Posts