5 Minutes With... VFX Executive Producer Tom Barber

Can you give us an overview of how you got into visual effects?

I used to work in Ecology, with a focus on implementing new processes and managing the time of my team in the field. I got into VFX through my partner who has always worked in the industry. When we moved to Montreal for his work, I decided to give VFX a go and I’ve never looked back!

Did you always aspire to be a VFX Executive Producer? What route did you take to get there?

Six months after starting as a runner, I was lucky enough to work on a show with some very inspiring people who showed me how a great production team is pivotal. From then on, I was focused on absorbing and developing as much as I could. I knew that I wanted to grow to Producer, with the aim of leading a successful show that was organised and had a happy team. It wasn’t until joining Outpost that I considered becoming an EP. I would only take on this role at a company that shares my values, which Outpost does.

What brought you to Outpost?

I found out about Outpost and its culture from people I trust and knew instantly that it was a company I’d love to be part of.

What part of being a VFX Executive Producer do you enjoy most?

I love representing our crew, company, and the work we produce to clients, both old and new. Saying that, being able to support our internal teams to do great work and grow is still something that gives me a lot of satisfaction.

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

Having clients and colleagues who’ve enjoyed working with me enough to want to work with me again is always very satisfying – this is something that will always be the most important part of the work for me. In terms of projects, I was most proud to work on The Martian and Alien: Covenant. Getting the opportunity to witness a livestream of Ridley Scott grading his movie in the DI (and cracking jokes as he did it) was an experience I’ll never forget!

What would you say the culture is like at Outpost?

Outpost has a great culture where we prioritize our team’s work-life balance above all else. Other studios say this line all the time, but I left big studio mentality behind after seeing the exact opposite, as did everyone else in the Outpost leadership team. We are building something very special together at Outpost.

As a VFX Executive Producer, what is the most rewarding aspect of leading large-scale productions?

The larger the project, the more amazing work we can do, but also the easier it is for people to burn out. It’s crazy that the default for our industry still seems to be that overworking your team is the norm and even expected! Being able to run a big show well, with appropriate crewing, and have the team tell us they enjoyed their time on a show once it has delivered is extremely rewarding.

What’s it like leading and managing a VFX Production team?

There is nothing I love seeing more than my colleagues learn, grow and succeed. I’ve been lucky enough to see so many people do this over the years, and it makes me incredibly proud *cries*. 

What’s the most import quality for a successful VFX Production team?

Being able to communicate, with a focus on listening to each other.

What one piece of advice would you give to aspiring VFX Executive Producers?

Surround yourself with good people that you can have honest conversations with.

Finally, some quickfire questions:

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

A coffee mug.

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

Vegan nachos.

What would be your superpower?

Ability to fly.

You’ve got a couple of hours to kill – what do you watch?

Drag Race.

What are you currently learning?

French.

Any pets?

Luma – a 2-year-old white Jack Russell. 

Favourite way to relax?

Dancing with friends.

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

The Amazon rainforest is high up the list.

What irritates you?

Watching someone type a reply very slowly for 2 mins, only for it to come through as a massive block of text. 

Guilty pleasures?

Ben & Jerry’s vegan peanut butter and cookies ice cream.

Favourite song?

Innerbloom – Rufus Du Sol.

Last present you bought yourself?

A new plant for my office.