Episode 15: Kevin Szmir
Welcome to Behind the Pixels, an exclusive interview series that takes you on a captivating journey into the world of visual effects through the perspectives of our talented individuals.
In this episode, we are joined by Kevin Szmir, VFX Producer for UFX Studios.
Hi Kevin! To get started, could you please briefly introduce yourself and describe your journey that led you to become a VFX Producer at UFX Studios?
I always knew I was passionate about cinema, so I studied film and started out as a camera assistant on set for a couple of years.
Working alongside production teams, I realized my real strengths were organization, structure, and rigor, qualities that are highly valued in production. That pushed me to step away from set work and move into production roles, which later led me deeper into post-production.
I’ve now been working in visual effects for over four years, currently at UFX Studios.
How would you describe the role of VFX producer to someone unfamiliar with the industry? What does a typical day look like for you as a VFX Producer?
A VFX Producer is essentially a project manager specialized in post-production. The role is about delivering all the digital shot work for a film while acting as the link between the client’s expectations – whether that’s timeline, budget, or artistic quality -, our internal studio team, and resources.
A typical day is a constant balancing act between the recurring priorities and whatever urgent issue that pops up, so you’re always juggling between what’s important and what’s urgent.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Contributing to a collective work that is instantly recognized when I mention it. There’s something special about working on projects people have actually heard about.
Beyond that, contributing to culture itself is something I’ve been personally committed to for years, and that’s just as meaningful to me.
What is a common misconception people have about the job of a VFX Producer?
People often assume VFX Producers work in a small team and personally handle the image manipulation.
In reality, we have exceptional teams of artists who specialize in that work. People are surprised to learn major Belgian VFX studios can enlist up to hundreds of people at certain times.
My role is purely centered around project leadership and coordinating all the teams involved. I’m never involved in the actual image work myself.
Was there a specific piece of art that has motivated you to pursue a career in VFX? And now that you are part of the VFX industry, is there a specific project you are proud to have worked on?
Watching the behind-the-scenes documentary on Finding Nemo‘s DVD as a teen completely blew my mind! I remember thinking it was incredible that people actually got to do this as a job, and I wanted to do the same.
As for a specific project I’m proud of, I can’t really pick one as a favorite. What matters most to me is the recurring feeling of seeing my name listed alongside all colleagues I’ve collaborated with for weeks or months. It’s a kind of recognition you don’t often get in other lines of work.
What’s something your colleagues know you for?
I’d say I’m known for staying upbeat and positive, even when things get tough, while also being easy to work with. I try to keep a good balance between rigor and warmth, with both clients and colleagues.
Is there a filmmaker, artist, or creator whose work inspires you?
Like a lot of people from my generation, I grew up on two things that gave me stars in my eyes: Steven Spielberg – especially his science fiction work, for always balancing excitement with genuinely captivating characters and stories -, and Pixar, for pushing technical innovation further with every single film. Both shaped how I grew up, as a teenager and an adult.
What underrated movie, series or niche references do you think everyone should watch?
Not niche at all, but Back to the Future is, for me, the perfect crowd-pleaser. Everyone should have watched it once. Every element works: the story, the iconic characters, the cultural references. It’s fun without ever being mindless, and it holds up for every age.
What excites you the most about the future of VFX and the creative industry?
It’s impossible not to mention artificial intelligence at this point. I think culture is at risk of settling for lower quality if we’re not careful, so we need to stay attentive to ensure that people remain genuinely moved by work made by humans, for humans.
That doesn’t mean tools like artificial intelligence can’t be part of the process, but I really hope people keep connecting with work made with love, passion, and real creativity.
What advice do you wish you got earlier in your career? And what advice would you give to someone interested in joining UFX Studios or pursuing a career in the VFX industry?
The advice I’d give to anyone starting out in VFX is to get hands-on as early and as often as possible. Some of this job can be learned through books or studies, but practice is key, and there are so many resources available today to make that possible.
Beyond that, be ready to stick it out. The early years are tough while you’re proving yourself, and it takes patience, determination, and resilience. Learn to take feedback well, surround yourself with mentors who give you honest input, and be prepared for the occasional gap between projects, which can sometimes last longer than expected.
Thank you, Kevin, for answering our questions and shedding light on your role as VFX Producer within the team!