Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Deere.
Hi richard, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up in Brazil shaped the way I saw the world. Life moved at a gentler pace, giving me the space to dream and imagine without limits. That foundation gave me the courage to pursue bigger things—and today, I’m grateful to be living in a country where dreams don’t just exist, they’re achievable with enough drive.
For years, I lived with a “life is too short” mentality. I traveled, worked as a bartender, and eventually built a successful career as a personal trainer, training high-profile clients and celebrities. I truly lived my twenties to the fullest. But as I’ve grown, my mindset has shifted. I’m now focused on building something lasting—not just for myself, but for the family I hope to have one day.
I launched Eros VFX Studios with that in mind. It’s not just about creating stunning visuals—it’s about laying the groundwork for a future where creativity and legacy go hand in hand. I want to give my future wife and children a life filled with adventure, joy, and stability—the same energy that’s fueled my own journey. Eros is my way of turning that vision into something real, one frame at a time.
I named the studio Eros as a symbol of passion, creativity, and the drive to build something meaningful—not just for myself, but for the people I love and the stories I want to tell.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Adapting to a new culture was definitely one of the biggest challenges. But I embraced it fully. From the moment I arrived in the U.S., I committed to only speaking English—no matter how uncomfortable it felt at first. That decision helped me pick up the language and the accent quickly, and more importantly, it helped me immerse myself in American culture. I learned how things work here, especially in the creative industries, and over time, I began to feel like I truly belonged.
Coming from Brazil, where the film industry is structured very differently, it took time to learn how to navigate the creative world in Los Angeles—especially in such a competitive and fast-paced environment.
When I was studying visual effects—both at Gnomon School in Hollywood and later through Rebelway’s online programs—I noticed a trend: many students were focused primarily on gaming. While that’s a powerful part of the VFX world, I was always drawn to cinematic storytelling and film. Ironically, even in a place like Los Angeles, it was hard to find people actively working in film VFX. Many industry pros are swamped with projects or spend their limited free time teaching.
After graduating, I applied for Nuke compositor roles at major studios across the country, but never heard back. It was discouraging—but it also sparked something in me. I realized there’s a real gap in the market for creative VFX work tied to storytelling, especially in the indie film and music video space. And I already had strong connections with filmmakers, directors, actors, and producers. So I decided to take a leap and start Eros VFX Studios. If the opportunities weren’t coming to me, I’d build them myself.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m the founder of Eros VFX Studios, where we specialize in cinematic visual effects for indie films, music videos, and original sci-fi content. My personal focus is on compositing and creating fully immersive worlds—everything from spaceships and futuristic landscapes to action-packed battle sequences. What sets us apart is that we’re not just about flashy effects—we’re storytellers at heart. Every frame has a purpose, and every visual enhances the emotion of the scene.
I primarily work with Nuke, Houdini, and After Effects, and I’m constantly experimenting with new workflows—including real-time rendering with Unreal Engine—to keep our projects on the cutting edge.
I’m most proud of how far I’ve come without following the “traditional path.” Instead of waiting to be hired by a big studio, I built my own. I wanted to create a space where creativity isn’t limited by studio politics or budget constraints—a space where artists can dream big and actually bring those visions to life. That’s what Eros VFX Studios stands for.
Right now, I’m in post-production on Retrieval, my latest short film. It’s an original sci-fi story about a father who assembles a team to rescue his family after they’re abducted by a mysterious clan on the moon of a distant planet. It’s got Star Wars-style vibes—spaceships, laser weapons, intense action—but there’s also a deep emotional core. I’m handling most of the visual effects myself, and it’s been a great way to demonstrate what’s possible when you blend indie passion with studio-quality visuals.
At the end of the day, my goal isn’t just to create cool effects—it’s to create impact. I want audiences to feel something, to escape into these worlds, and maybe even see a reflection of themselves in them.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My biggest advice is: don’t wait for permission. If you have a vision, start creating it—no matter how small the first step is. When I was starting out, I spent a lot of time thinking I needed to be “discovered” by a big studio or have some kind of perfect setup. But what I’ve learned is that the most important thing you can do is start. Learn by doing. Experiment. Fail forward. Because everything you create becomes part of your story—and your skillset.
I also learned the power of surrounding yourself with people who believe in your vision. For my short film Retrieval, I was incredibly lucky to work with a full crew of friends and collaborators—directors, actors, stunt performers, camera ops, production assistants—who gave their all to help bring this story to life. These weren’t just talented professionals—they were people who believed in the project before it even existed, and that made all the difference. It was one of the most fulfilling creative experiences I’ve ever had, and I can’t wait to make them proud once the final film is done.
So if you’re just starting out: don’t be afraid to ask for help. Don’t be afraid to learn something new. And don’t be afraid to dream big. The right people will show up when your passion is real—and when they do, treat that like gold.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://iamdeere.com/erosvfxstudios
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erosvfxstudios/
- Other: https://iamdeere.com/reel
