How Directors and VFX Artists Should Work Together for Cinematic Results
How Directors and VFX Artists Should Work Together for Cinematic Results
Simple strategies for smoother productions and better visuals.
Simple strategies for smoother productions and better visuals.
When directors and VFX artists work well together, the results are often seamless. You'll find effects that feel invisible, moments that hit hard, and shots that stay in the audience’s mind. But great collaboration doesn’t just happen on its own - it comes from clear communication, good timing, and the right setup.
Whether you're deep in post or planning your next shoot, here’s how to get the most out of working with a VFX artist:
When directors and VFX artists work well together, the results are often seamless. You'll find effects that feel invisible, moments that hit hard, and shots that stay in the audience’s mind. But great collaboration doesn’t just happen on its own - it comes from clear communication, good timing, and the right setup.
Whether you're deep in post or planning your next shoot, here’s how to get the most out of working with a VFX artist:
1. Involve VFX Early
1. Involve VFX Early
Many directors wait until post-production to bring in VFX, but the best results come when it’s part of the planning process.
Got a tricky scene in your script? A VFX artist will tell you the best way to get it done.
Not sure how much to build on set? They can tell you exactly what can be added later, saving time and money.
Even a quick chat in pre-production can avoid major headaches down the line.
Many directors wait until post-production to bring in VFX, but the best results come when it’s part of the planning process.
Got a tricky scene in your script? A VFX artist will tell you the best way to get it done.
Not sure how much to build on set? They can tell you exactly what can be added later, saving time and money.
Even a quick chat in pre-production can avoid major headaches down the line.
2. Use Visual References
2. Use Visual References
Directors and VFX artists sometimes speak different creative languages, which is why visuals make things easier.
Create a shared folder with references you both like. These could be movie stills, concept art, or even other music videos or commercials. Point to what works, and what you want the scene to feel like. It helps the artist hit the mark faster and avoids unnecessary revisions.
Directors and VFX artists sometimes speak different creative languages, which is why visuals make things easier.
Create a shared folder with references you both like. These could be movie stills, concept art, or even other music videos or commercials. Point to what works, and what you want the scene to feel like. It helps the artist hit the mark faster and avoids unnecessary revisions.
3. Set Clear Expectations
3. Set Clear Expectations
Things move fast in production, and when timelines get tight, communication matters most.
Here’s what helps:
Decide when VFX will start. Is it after the rough cut? After color? The earlier you plan it, the smoother the handoff.
Group similar shots together. That way, the artist can work more efficiently without jumping around the timeline.
Know your deadlines. Give your VFX artist the real delivery date, not just the one you tell the team.
Things move fast in production, and when timelines get tight, communication matters most.
Here’s what helps:
Decide when VFX will start. Is it after the rough cut? After color? The earlier you plan it, the smoother the handoff.
Group similar shots together. That way, the artist can work more efficiently without jumping around the timeline.
Know your deadlines. Give your VFX artist the real delivery date, not just the one you tell the team.
4. Choose a Workflow That Fits
4. Choose a Workflow That Fits
Every project is different, so the way you work with your VFX artist should fit the pace and scale of your production.
Priority Projects - If you’re on a tight deadline or need something handled quickly, book a priority sprint. The artist clears their schedule and works on your project full-time until it’s done. It’s the fastest way to get high-end results under pressure.
Monthly Support - If you’re working on multiple pieces of content, or have recurring post needs, consider a monthly agreement. You’ll always have access to help when you need it, without having to re-hire or renegotiate every time.
Every project is different, so the way you work with your VFX artist should fit the pace and scale of your production.
Priority Projects - If you’re on a tight deadline or need something handled quickly, book a priority sprint. The artist clears their schedule and works on your project full-time until it’s done. It’s the fastest way to get high-end results under pressure.
Monthly Support - If you’re working on multiple pieces of content, or have recurring post needs, consider a monthly agreement. You’ll always have access to help when you need it, without having to re-hire or renegotiate every time.
5. Keep Feedback Simple
5. Keep Feedback Simple
While revisions are part of the process, too much back-and-forth slows everything down.
Try this with your VFX artist - have them send you updates throughout these stages and revise the work along the way.
Rough Pass: Check layout and timing.
Style Pass: Lock in the color, lighting, and overall look.
Final Pass: Make small tweaks, clean up details, and export.
Keep your notes clear, and limit feedback to one person per round. There is no need for multiple people commenting or leaving notes. It helps avoid confusion and keeps things moving.
While revisions are part of the process, too much back-and-forth slows everything down.
Try this with your VFX artist - have them send you updates throughout these stages and revise the work along the way.
Rough Pass: Check layout and timing.
Style Pass: Lock in the color, lighting, and overall look.
Final Pass: Make small tweaks, clean up details, and export.
Keep your notes clear, and limit feedback to one person per round. There is no need for multiple people commenting or leaving notes. It helps avoid confusion and keeps things moving.
6. Ask for Proper Deliverables
6. Ask for Proper Deliverables
Once the project wraps, make sure you get:
Final video files in high quality
Project files, in case future updates are needed
Optional: a before/after breakdown - great for showing clients, investors, or sharing online
Having everything organized now saves time later.
Once the project wraps, make sure you get:
Final video files in high quality
Project files, in case future updates are needed
Optional: a before/after breakdown - great for showing clients, investors, or sharing online
Having everything organized now saves time later.
Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
When directors and VFX artists work together early and clearly, it shows in the final product. The visuals hit harder. The process runs smoother. And your project stands out.
To get things done best, find yourself a professional who cares, puts in 110% effort, and guarantees quality every time - Blendist3D
When directors and VFX artists work together early and clearly, it shows in the final product. The visuals hit harder. The process runs smoother. And your project stands out.
To get things done best, find yourself a professional who cares, puts in 110% effort, and guarantees quality every time - Blendist3D
If you’re a creator in post or planning your next project and want to explore what’s possible, feel free to reach out. I’d love to collaborate.
If you’re a creator in post or planning your next project and want to explore what’s possible, feel free to reach out. I’d love to collaborate.