5 Minutes With... VFX Producer Danielle Malambri

Tell us a bit about your background.

I graduated from Emerson College in Boston and moved out to Los Angeles shortly after. I worked in on-set production for a few years as an APOC and Production Supervisor, until I transitioned to working in VFX in 2015. I’ve been fortunate to get to work as a VFX producer on some amazing shows, like Ted Lasso, Silicon Valley, and The Man in the High Castle.

What brought you to Outpost?

I came to Outpost to continue to learn and get to work on exciting projects. Some trusted friends gave Outpost (and LA’s Managing Director, Andy Williams, and LA’s VFX Sup, Jeremy Fernsler) high praise, and I knew I’d thrive working here. I can’t wait for some of our current work to air.

Did you always know you wanted a career in film and TV?

I knew I wanted to work in film and television since the age of nine, when I saw Titanic on the big screen. The film was so epic. It created such an impression on me. I knew, even at nine, that I wanted to create something that had that same effect on others. Twenty-four years later, the VFX in Titanic still impresses!

For you, what are the fundamentals of being a great producer?

The core of production is twofold. You need to be communicative and caring. Both your team and your clients need to know that you hear and understand them. If you can both listen and understand, you can work through anything that comes your way.

Is there any advice you'd pass on to people looking to progress into a producer role?

Pay attention to all roles so you can see the big picture, not just what you think a producer needs to do on a day-to-day basis. As you’re coming up as a coordinator, talk with artists, editorial, etc., so you can gain an understanding of some technical foundations and how best to support the team.

How do you see the industry changing over the next few years?

One thing is for sure, the various technologies will keep being pushed in new directions to support the creative goals. It’s never boring. I think Virtual Production techniques will be part of many many more productions. We’ll see!

What's it like seeing something you've produced on screen?

It’s both thrilling and unnerving. Creatives tend to worry how the aired work could have been improved. Some say a shot is never truly finished, the deadline just comes to pass. But when it all comes together, seeing and hearing audiences react to something your team made from nearly nothing is incredibly rewarding.

Is there anything we do as VFX people that still surprises you?

A lot of what we do still surprises me. The time and energy put into researching what something really looks like (or would look like) always impresses me the most. An art teacher of mine always said, “Draw what you see, not what you know.” VFX artists do that every day and with such intent. It’s inspiring.

Finally, some quickfire questions:

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

A notebook. I love jotting down notes or my to-do list with pen on paper instead of digitally.

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

This is one of the great debate questions in my house. I go back and forth between great sushi and the perfect taco. If I had to choose, I’d go with sushi.

What would be your superpower?

Teleportation. I’d love to travel to another country or across the U.S in the blink of an eye!

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

A baseball game or Buffy reruns.

What are you currently learning?

How to cook. I never really learned as a kid. Sorry, Mom!

Any pets?

Yes! Avery is a three-year-old Australian Shepard. He’s 65 lbs. of pure love.

Favourite way to relax?

With a delicious beer at a baseball game.

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

Anywhere in Spain or Croatia.

What irritates you?

When people let water run unnecessarily, like when brushing teeth or just before getting into the shower.

Guilty pleasures?

Sometimes bad TV is good TV.

Favourite song?

Sardonic by Saro is my top played track on Spotify. The Leftovers Main Title Theme is a close second.

Last present you bought yourself?

An oat milk latte with a chocolate croissant.