We discuss their upbringings, the evolution of VFX, the impacts of AI on the industry, their experiences working on the hit show “Paradise,” their advice for those trying to make it, and so much more!
Fantastic interview. I have seen most of the films mentioned. So, of course I found it fascinating to read what goes on behind the scenes of the visual effects. I had no idea that even romantic comedies can contain over a thousand visual effects shots. I will be paying better attention.
I was also intrigued by their discussion about AI versus traditional CGI. John and Evan did an excellent job explaining that great visual effects are still driven by artists, experience, and countless creative decisions and happy to hear a simple button is not being pushed. Their description of the final 10 to 25 percent being where the true artistry lives was especially insightful. Glad to hear it is still artist driven.
I am now intrigued by Paradise. I don't currently have Hulu but I'm seriously considering subscribing just to watch Paradise. The passion both John Weckworth and Evan Underwood have for the series has made me curious to see what they've created.
The advice about relationships in the industry was valuable as well. Thanks for such an in-depth look into a part of filmmaking that most viewers never get to see.
Happy to hear you enjoyed the interview! I learned a lot talking to both John and Evan as they had so many great insights. If you end up watching the show I would be curious to hear your thoughts!
This was such an insightful interview. What struck me most was the distinction between technology and artistry. Both John and Evan repeatedly returned to the idea that tools alone do not create meaningful work. Whether it is visual effects, writing, music, research, or any other creative field, the final result depends on the people behind the tools and the countless hours spent refining their craft.
I also appreciated the discussion around AI. Rather than framing it as a simple threat or miracle solution, they described something far more nuanced: technology may help create the first 75–90% of a result, but the final layer of judgment, refinement, storytelling, and emotional resonance still requires human experience.
And their advice for newcomers was excellent: Keep learning. Seek feedback. Meet people. Be someone others want to work with. Talent may open a door, but professionalism, curiosity, and collaboration are often what keep it open.
Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful look behind the curtain of an industry most people only experience from the audience side.
I’m happy to hear you enjoyed the interview! All of those components you mentioned are ones that I found extremely insightful as well. I’ll be curious to see how AI affects VFX going forward
I read the interview like someone peeking into a workshop I never knew existed, and suddenly the whole machinery of modern storytelling made more sense. John and Evan talk about VFX not as spectacle but as quiet, invisible labor — the kind that holds a scene together the way unseen beams hold up a chapel. I was struck by how their craft depends on both massive computing power and the stubborn patience of human hands. Even AI, they say, can only take an image to the threshold; the last stretch — the part that feels real — still belongs to people. Their stories about tight deadlines, early concepting, and the discipline of developing an “artistic eye” felt oddly grounding, almost like learning a new liturgy of creation. I walked away feeling a little wiser about how worlds are built, frame by frame, by people who care enough to make the unreal believable.
Another fantastic interview! I didn’t know that even romantic comedies can contain over a thousand visual effects shots. You’ve opened my eyes to John & Evan of VFX!
Happy to hear you enjoyed the interview! I didn’t realize how much of a role VFX played on everything until I spoke with them. They opened my eyes as well
While I do not have much knowledge about the world of VFX, I truly enjoyed reading it and thank you for highlighting the part on impact of AI on the industry.
Happy to hear you enjoyed learning about the world of VFX! I'm also glad they talked about the impact of AI because it's something that's on a lot of people's minds right now
Lovely interview! Saving it to read it later with coffee :) I read it to where it mentions Lord of the Rings and that is my all time fav. So this needs more time and attention from me. Thank you!!
Glad to hear you enjoyed what you’ve read so far and hope you enjoy the rest when you get a chance! The part about how people eventually made an accessible product that could replicate Lord of the Rings style effects fascinated me
Fantastic interview. I have seen most of the films mentioned. So, of course I found it fascinating to read what goes on behind the scenes of the visual effects. I had no idea that even romantic comedies can contain over a thousand visual effects shots. I will be paying better attention.
I was also intrigued by their discussion about AI versus traditional CGI. John and Evan did an excellent job explaining that great visual effects are still driven by artists, experience, and countless creative decisions and happy to hear a simple button is not being pushed. Their description of the final 10 to 25 percent being where the true artistry lives was especially insightful. Glad to hear it is still artist driven.
I am now intrigued by Paradise. I don't currently have Hulu but I'm seriously considering subscribing just to watch Paradise. The passion both John Weckworth and Evan Underwood have for the series has made me curious to see what they've created.
The advice about relationships in the industry was valuable as well. Thanks for such an in-depth look into a part of filmmaking that most viewers never get to see.
Fantastic interview. I have seen most of the films mentioned. So, of course I found it fascinating to read what goes on behind the scenes of the visual effects. I had no idea that even romantic comedies can contain over a thousand visual effects shots. I will be paying better attention.
I was also intrigued by their discussion about AI versus traditional CGI. John and Evan did an excellent job explaining that great visual effects are still driven by artists, experience, and countless creative decisions and happy to hear a simple button is not being pushed. Their description of the final 10 to 25 percent being where the true artistry lives was especially insightful. Glad to hear it is still artist driven.
I am now intrigued by Paradise. I don't currently have Hulu but I'm seriously considering subscribing just to watch Paradise. The passion both John Weckworth and Evan Underwood have for the series has made me curious to see what they've created.
The advice about relationships in the industry was valuable as well. Thanks for such an in-depth look into a part of filmmaking that most viewers never get to see.
Happy to hear you enjoyed the interview! I learned a lot talking to both John and Evan as they had so many great insights. If you end up watching the show I would be curious to hear your thoughts!
This was such an insightful interview. What struck me most was the distinction between technology and artistry. Both John and Evan repeatedly returned to the idea that tools alone do not create meaningful work. Whether it is visual effects, writing, music, research, or any other creative field, the final result depends on the people behind the tools and the countless hours spent refining their craft.
I also appreciated the discussion around AI. Rather than framing it as a simple threat or miracle solution, they described something far more nuanced: technology may help create the first 75–90% of a result, but the final layer of judgment, refinement, storytelling, and emotional resonance still requires human experience.
And their advice for newcomers was excellent: Keep learning. Seek feedback. Meet people. Be someone others want to work with. Talent may open a door, but professionalism, curiosity, and collaboration are often what keep it open.
Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful look behind the curtain of an industry most people only experience from the audience side.
I’m happy to hear you enjoyed the interview! All of those components you mentioned are ones that I found extremely insightful as well. I’ll be curious to see how AI affects VFX going forward
Visual effects are a form of hypnosis. Placed in the right places at the right times can cause an the brain to pay attention. Great article.
Well said on that front! The best visual effects beautifully immerse us in the universe. Happy to hear you enjoyed the interview
GREAT interview.
Happy to hear you enjoyed the interview!
I read the interview like someone peeking into a workshop I never knew existed, and suddenly the whole machinery of modern storytelling made more sense. John and Evan talk about VFX not as spectacle but as quiet, invisible labor — the kind that holds a scene together the way unseen beams hold up a chapel. I was struck by how their craft depends on both massive computing power and the stubborn patience of human hands. Even AI, they say, can only take an image to the threshold; the last stretch — the part that feels real — still belongs to people. Their stories about tight deadlines, early concepting, and the discipline of developing an “artistic eye” felt oddly grounding, almost like learning a new liturgy of creation. I walked away feeling a little wiser about how worlds are built, frame by frame, by people who care enough to make the unreal believable.
Happy to hear you enjoyed the interview! The world of visual effects is certainly a fascinating one. I learned a lot speaking with them about it
Another fantastic interview! I didn’t know that even romantic comedies can contain over a thousand visual effects shots. You’ve opened my eyes to John & Evan of VFX!
Happy to hear you enjoyed the interview! I didn’t realize how much of a role VFX played on everything until I spoke with them. They opened my eyes as well
This is a really good get, Hundred. Wonderful interview.
Happy to hear you enjoyed the interview!
I'm kind of in awe of visual effects artists.
It’s truly incredible what they’re able to accomplish
Great interview, very interesting to learn of their earliest inspiration
Happy to hear you enjoyed the interview! I thought it was interesting how both were inspired by The Matrix
I loved when Evan mentioned Toy Story. I have enjoyed Paradise, not my normal go-to style of entertainment.
That’s great you’ve been enjoying the show! Toy Story is such an iconic franchise so I was happy to hear him mention it in his answer
While I do not have much knowledge about the world of VFX, I truly enjoyed reading it and thank you for highlighting the part on impact of AI on the industry.
Happy to hear you enjoyed learning about the world of VFX! I'm also glad they talked about the impact of AI because it's something that's on a lot of people's minds right now
Fascinating!
Glad to hear you enjoyed the interview! The world of VFX is super interesting
Wonderful interview! I've been interested in watching Paradise for a while. After reading your interview, I am truly looking forward to starting it.
Happy to hear you enjoyed the interview! I would be curious to hear your thoughts on the show if you get a chance to watch it
Lovely interview! Saving it to read it later with coffee :) I read it to where it mentions Lord of the Rings and that is my all time fav. So this needs more time and attention from me. Thank you!!
Glad to hear you enjoyed what you’ve read so far and hope you enjoy the rest when you get a chance! The part about how people eventually made an accessible product that could replicate Lord of the Rings style effects fascinated me
I was just watching ‘The Mummy’ (1999) and thinking that LOTR came out just about 2 years after that and the visual effects were so much better.
I will definitely come back here to reflect on the interview when I am done. Thank you!
Awesome to hear! That’s a great point you raise in how quickly VFX advanced from The Mummy to LOTR
Fantastic interview. I have seen most of the films mentioned. So, of course I found it fascinating to read what goes on behind the scenes of the visual effects. I had no idea that even romantic comedies can contain over a thousand visual effects shots. I will be paying better attention.
I was also intrigued by their discussion about AI versus traditional CGI. John and Evan did an excellent job explaining that great visual effects are still driven by artists, experience, and countless creative decisions and happy to hear a simple button is not being pushed. Their description of the final 10 to 25 percent being where the true artistry lives was especially insightful. Glad to hear it is still artist driven.
I am now intrigued by Paradise. I don't currently have Hulu but I'm seriously considering subscribing just to watch Paradise. The passion both John Weckworth and Evan Underwood have for the series has made me curious to see what they've created.
The advice about relationships in the industry was valuable as well. Thanks for such an in-depth look into a part of filmmaking that most viewers never get to see.