Lighter Darker: The ILM Podcast

Jun 3

In the final episode of season one, Shannon Tindle and John Knoll return to Lighter Darker to discuss the much debated use of lens flares in film and animation. John talks about rejection and how to know when a project isn’t right for you. Our hosts and guests share some of their favorite lens flares and how to use the technique correctly (and incorrectly). Chapter Markers [00:00:00] Intro [00:02:42] Questions from the Mailbag [00:11:29] Rejection Letters [00:17:47] Lens Flare Extravaganza [00:53:39] The Martini [01:00:28] Outro Episode Links John Knoll - IMDb Shannon Tindle - IMDb “Hook” (1991) Tinkerbell Lens Flares “Visions of Light” documentary on cinematography, HD remaster “Star Wars” (1977), timestamp 6:14 The Martini Todd: Hits, Flops, and Other Illusions, by Edward Zwick John: Portrait Artist of the Year Jenny: Batman Resurrection Shannon: LA Taco Colorware Rob: 1Password Apple Passwords Follow Us ilm.com | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | LinkedIn Rob Bredow.com or on Instagram Todd Vaziri Jenny Ely on Instagram Email us at lighterdarker@ilm.com https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/020-lens-flares-with-john-knoll-and-shannon-tindle/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 20

Production designer Jeremy Hindle and VFX supervisor Eric Leven join us to discuss their work on Severance season two. We discuss merging practical designs with the often invisible digital effects to create the atmosphere and environments of the Lumon world. Chapter Markers [00:00:11] Intro [00:01:55] Rejection Letters [00:06:52] Severance [00:52:52] The Martini [01:00:43] Outro Episode Links Jeremy Hindle - IMDb Eric Leven - IMDb Severance (TV Series 2022– ) - IMDb The Martini Todd - Detroiters (TV Series 2017–2018) - IMDb The Studio (TV Series 2025– ) - IMDb Jenny - Andor (TV Series 2022–2025) - IMDb Eric - Swax Training Baseball Rob - The Severance Podcast with Ben Stiller & Adam Scott Follow Us ilm.com | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | LinkedIn Rob Bredow.com or on Instagram Todd Vaziri Jenny Ely on Instagram Email us at lighterdarker@ilm.com Transcript https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/019-severance/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 6

ILM creative director Ben Morris and producer Svana Gisla join us to discuss ABBA Voyage. We talk through details about the technology, collaboration with the band, and the legacy of this one-of-a-kind musical experience. Chapter Markers [00:00:00] Intro [00:02:31] Origin Stories [00:08:57] ABBA Voyage [00:51:40] The Martini [00:58:39] Outro Episode Links ABBA Voyage (Music Video 2022) - IMDb Svana Gisla - IMDb Ben Morris - IMDb The Martini Todd - MacBook Air 13-inch and MacBook Air 15-inch - Apple Ben - Severance (TV Series 2022– ) - IMDb Jenny - Paul Tremblay Rob - Game Changer - Dropout Follow Us ilm.com | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | LinkedIn Rob Bredow.com or on Instagram Todd Vaziri Jenny Ely on Instagram Email us at lighterdarker@ilm.com Transcript https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/ep-18-abba-voyage/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 22

Recorded with a live audience at Star Wars Celebration in Japan, join our Industrial Light & Magic panel as we commemorate a monumental milestone—50 years of groundbreaking visual effects artistry, production mastery, and technological innovation. In this panel, hear from longtime ILM veterans as they take you on a journey through the company's legendary achievements. Chapter Markers [00:00:00] Intro [00:02:07] Starting at ILM [00:24:05] Blending Techniques [00:45:48] Future of VFX [00:47:41] The Martini [00:01:00] 0utro ILM 50th Swag ILM 50th T-Shirt , Sweatshirt , Tumbler Episode Links Fon Davis - IMDb Janet Lewin - IMDb John Knoll - IMDb Lynwen Brennan - IMDb Masa Narita - IMDb Rob Coleman - IMDb The Martini Lynwen - Light & Magic Season 2 and ILM Announces New Book at Star Wars Celebration Japan Janet - ILM 50th Anniversary Merch Andor Season 2 Rob Coleman - The Director's Cut - A DGA Podcast Rob Bredow - Tokyo DisneySea Follow Us ilm.com | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | LinkedIn Rob Bredow.com or on Instagram Todd Vaziri Jenny Ely on Instagram Email us at lighterdarker@ilm.com Transcript https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/017-fifty-years-of-ilm-panel/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 9

Bryce Dallas Howard joins us to talk about her experiences and processes as an actor and filmmaker. She also shares her thoughts on recent exciting news from the world of science! You won’t want to miss this one! Chapter Markers [00:00:00] Intro [00:02:23] Questions from the Mailbag [00:20:35] Storytelling and Innovation in Filmmaking [00:41:02] Film Foundations [00:47:19] Storytelling and Innovation part 2 [00:59:48] The Martini [01:09:26] Outro Episode Links Bryce Dallas Howard - IMDb The Mandalorian (TV Series 2019– ) - IMDb Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018) - IMDb The Brave Little Toaster (1987) - IMDb The Last Unicorn (1982) - IMDb Beth Shapiro, Ph.D. - Colossal The Return of the Dire Wolf - Colossal The Martini Jenny - Merriam-Webster (@merriamwebster) · Springfield, MA Rob - beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO headphones Bryce - Milan Art Institute Follow Us ilm.com | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | LinkedIn Rob Bredow.com or on Instagram Todd Vaziri Jenny Ely on Instagram Email us at lighterdarker@ilm.com Transcript https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/016-bryce-dallas-howard/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 8

We are delaying the release of Episode 16 by one day this week because we will be discussing an exciting topic from the world of science that won’t be publicly announced by our usual publishing time. We have a very special guest this week! Bryce Dallas Howard is joining us to talk about her experiences and processes as an actor and filmmaker. Check back tomorrow to download the episode, you won’t want to miss this one! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 25

For over 30 years, Vicki Dobbs Beck has been at the forefront of innovative storytelling. This week, she shares her remarkable journey as a leader in this dynamic field, and reminisces about some of her favorite projects. Chapter Markers [00:00:00] Intro [00:02:11] Questions From the Mailbag [00:08:52] Rejection Letters [00:22:37] Immersive Innovation [00:55:58] The Martini [01:01:03] Outro Episode Links Vicki Dobbs Beck - IMDb Montage Excerpt of “Paul Park Ranger & The Mystery of the Disappearing Ducks.” on Vimeo CARNE y ARENA (Virtually present, Physically invisible) - Trailer What If...? - An Immersive Story | Marvel Immersive Entertainment | Industrial Light & Magic The Martini Jenny - Soolla Vicki - Runway Research | Introducing Act-One Rob - FUJIFILM X100VI | Cameras | FUJIFILM X Series & GFX - USA Follow Us ilm.com | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | LinkedIn Rob Bredow.com or on Instagram Todd Vaziri Jenny Ely on Instagram Email us at lighterdarker@ilm.com Transcript: https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/015-vicki-dobbs-beck/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 11

Chapter Markers [00:00:00] Intro [00:10:31] Skeleton Crew [00:44:09] Questions From the Mailbag [00:54:16] The Martini [01:02:29] Outro Episode Links John Knoll - IMDb Skeleton Crew (TV Series 2024–2025) - IMDb Colbert Issues 'Green Screen' Challenge to McCainiacs Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) - IMDb Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006) - IMDb Inside ILM: Creating the Razor Crest The Mandalorian Season 1 - Motion Control System The Mandalorian Season 1 - Motion Control System -2 The Mandalorian Season 2 - Motion Control System Ahsoka/Skeleton Crew - Motion Control System The Martini Todd - Rear Window (1954) - IMDb Panic Room (2002) - IMDb John - Tim's Vermeer (2013) - IMDb Jenny - Father Brown - BBC One Follow Us ilm.com | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | LinkedIn Rob Bredow.com or on Instagram Todd Vaziri Jenny Ely on Instagram Email us at lighterdarker@ilm.com Transcript https://www.ilm.com/transcripts/014-skeleton-crew-with-john-knoll/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices