456 - Stephan Fleet - The Boys VFX Supervisor

The Allan McKay Podcast

Stephan Fleet is the VFX Supervisor for the hit Amazon series The Boys and serves as Associate Producer and Co-Producer on its spinoff Gen V. With a diverse background in visual effects and production, Stephan has become a leading innovator in television VFX.

Stephan has developed a reputation for creative problem-solving and empathetic leadership in high-pressure production environments. His work on The Boys has set new standards for tv series visaul effects, balancing realism with the show's signature style while pushing the boundaries of what's possible in episodic content.

In this Podcast, Stephan Fleet talks to Allan McKay about the unique challenges of creating grounded superhero powers for The Boys, his innovative approaches to monitor comps, and the intricacies of on-set VFX supervision. He shares insights on workflow optimization using custom database solutions, and the importance of empathy in VFX leadership. Stephan also discusses his transition into producing roles with Gen V and how his VFX background influences his approach to overall production.

This episode offers valuable advice for both aspiring and established VFX artists, as well as producers and directors interested in the evolving landscape of visual effects in high-end television production. Stephan's unique perspective, spanning both the creative and managerial aspects of VFX production, provides a comprehensive look at the current state and future potential of visual effects in prestige TV series.

Key Highlights:

1. Superhero Power Development

Stephan reveals the intricate process behind crafting iconic effects like Homelander's laser eyes and Butcher's grotesque tentacles. Learn how the team balances realism with the show's signature style.

2. Innovative VFX Techniques

Discover the groundbreaking "monitor leader" approach that revolutionized on-screen graphics in "The Boys". Stephan explains how this technique has set a new standard for monitor comps in the industry.

3. Cutting-Edge On-Set Technology

Get an inside look at how the VFX team utilizes state-of-the-art tools like Polycam for 3D scanning and Tentacle Sync devices for seamless timecode synchronization across multiple cameras.

4. Workflow Optimization

Explore the custom solutions developed by Stephan's team, integrating Airtable and FileMaker for efficient VFX tracking and financial management within the production pipeline.

5. Leadership in VFX

Stephan shares his philosophy on empathetic leadership in the high-pressure world of VFX production, offering valuable insights for industry professionals at all levels.

6. Cinematic Techniques in TV

Learn how "The Boys" adapts high-end cinema techniques for television, including the use of Sony Venice cameras to achieve feature-film quality in a TV production schedule.

Resources Mentioned:

1. The Boys (TV series)

2. Gen V (TV series spinoff)

3. Polycam (3D scanning app)

4. Tentacle Sync (timecode devices)

5. PTGui (panorama stitching software)

6. Nuke (compositing software)

7. Airtable (database software)

8. ShotGrid (production management software)

9. Stephan Fleet's Instagram

10. Tamron 35-150mm F2-2.8 lens

11. XY Short Film

Don't miss this insightful conversation with one of the industry's most innovative VFX supervisors. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring VFX artist, this episode is packed with valuable knowledge and inspiration for pushing the boundaries of visual effects in television.