How VFX Really Work in Hollywood | BANSHEE & THUNDERBOLTS VFX Artist Dave Funston

In this interview, VFX artist Dave Funston breaks down the reality of working in visual effects — from creating cinematic storytelling on the hit series BANSHEE to contributing to massive studio productions like THUNDERBOLTS. We discuss how visual effects have evolved since 1993’s CLIFFHANGER, why great VFX should serve story first, and the enormous difference between working on a small 9-person creative team versus contributing to a giant Hollywood pipeline with hundreds of artists. Dave also shares insight into the growing conversation around VFX unionization, the overlap between VFX and animation, the pressures of modern blockbuster filmmaking, and what aspiring filmmakers often misunderstand about visual effects work. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, VFX artist, editor, cinematographer, animator, or movie fan, this conversation offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look into how modern visual effects are created in both indie and studio filmmaking. Topics Include: • VFX as a storytelling tool • BANSHEE visual effects breakdown • THUNDERBOLTS and Marvel VFX workflows • CLIFFHANGER (1993) vs modern visual effects • Small VFX teams vs massive studio productions • VFX unionization discussion • Visual effects vs animation • Behind the scenes of Hollywood filmmaking • Career advice for aspiring VFX artists • Independent film vs studio filmmaking If you enjoy filmmaking podcasts, visual effects breakdowns, movie industry interviews, behind-the-scenes filmmaking content, and conversations with working Hollywood artists, make sure to subscribe for more interviews with filmmakers, editors, producers, actors, cinematographers, composers, and VFX professionals.