5 Minutes With... Senior FX TD Coco Lee

Can you tell us briefly how you started with VFX and how you got where you are now?

I went to a Visual Effects school after I completed my Economics BS. I then started working at an animation company which focused on producing animation streams. I started as an Animator then I transferred to Rigging. After that, I touched on some FX knowledge and became instantly interested, so I transferred to be an FX artist.

What do you like about working in VFX?

My passion comes from creating stunning FX as well as working with peers to complete a show.

FX can be a very technical discipline; how important is the connection between artistry and technical ability in your field?

I would say that for me, the artistry and technical come together so the connection is already there. FX are all around me in my life, such as cooking and the weather. I also like to explore cool tutorials within FX and doing tests for my own ideas.

What brought you to Outpost?

I got a chance to connect with my old friend and they told me about the job. They gave me the information I needed to know and it sounded great! It was also a bonus to be able to work with them again.

Can you talk us through some of the highlights of your career?

Over the ten years I’ve worked in the VFX industry, I've made FX for a movie that was nominated and won the Oscar Best Visual Effects awards this year which is a huge highlight.

It always feels very cool to be able to prepare early concept FX work for client bidding especially when we get the show.

And what about the biggest challenges you’ve faced?

Generating a giant dust cloud from a crowd of running animals.

Have you ever found yourself banging your head against a wall with one particular brief, and if so, what advice would you give someone in that situation?

Be patient, be gentle and find someone who may be able to help.

What’s your favourite kind of effect to achieve?

Burst of fire or powerful eruption.

Do you have any advice to give artists looking to get into the industry?

Keep building your own FX tool library or scenes for a quick resource.

How would you describe the team and environment at Outpost?

I’m very delighted to work with my colleagues; they are gentle, funny, and very talented. They always help and give me great advice if I’m stuck on any work.

Finally, some quickfire questions:

What’s the one thing you always keep on your desk? Nail Clipper

You can eat one thing for the rest of your life – what is it? Sushi

What would be your superpower? Freeze Time

You’ve got a couple of hours to kill – what do you watch? Some reality TV shows. Recently I'm watching LOL: Last one Laughing Canada. These episodes are humorous.

What are you currently learning? Python

Any pets? Nope.

Favourite way to relax? Playing little phone games. Recently I’ve been playing Bloon TD 6

If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go? Egypt

What irritates you? Being hungry

Guilty pleasures? Drinking bubble tea with regular sugar

Favourite song? I like to listen to OSTs. Recently I like to listen to Odyssey - Fish Whispers, it's a beautiful song and fun to sing when working at home.

Last present you bought yourself? Espresso Coffee Machine