Today we’d like to introduce you to Olcun Tan.
Hi Olcun, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey in the visual effects industry began at an early age. From the moment I started tinkering with 3D graphics and computers, I knew that this was what I wanted to do. I was fascinated by the idea of creating stunning visual effects that would help bring movies and TV shows to life.
I started my career in Frankfurt am Main in the early 90s, when 3D computer graphics was a new and emerging technology. At that time, only the largest companies with high-end computing capabilities and government contracts could afford this technology. Despite this, I was determined to learn and grow, and I eventually found work as a generalist for various system integrators.
My work caught the attention of Roland Emmerich, who hired me to work on his film “The 13th Floor.” I was responsible for motion control, 3D effects, and set extensions, and my contributions helped bring the movie to life. This opportunity led to more work with Roland and his team, including “The Patriot,” where I continued to refine my skills in creating cutting-edge visual effects for film.
From there, I worked on projects such as “Enemy at the Gates,” a film by Jean-Jacques Annaud, and I eventually caught the attention of Ridley Scott’s company. This led to work on some of the most iconic and memorable films of the time, including the first two Harry Potter movies, Tomb Raider, and Black Hawk Down. In particular, my work on the helicopter crash scene in Black Hawk Down was groundbreaking, and I am proud to have been able to create this sequence using a combination of 3D technology, software engineering and motion control setups in the studio.
In 2003, I was hired by Dreamworks Animation as the lead FX developer, where I oversaw the creative side of the effects process while also developing the software needed to bring these effects to life. My work at Dreamworks was so impactful that it was recognized and published at Siggraph, a premier graphics conference in the industry.
As an VFX supervisor and a software developer, I’ve always believed that our company name should reflect our focus and expertise. When we started Gradient Effects back in 2006, we wanted a name that would represent our background in engineering and math, as well as our ability to develop our own software solutions to achieve our client’s creative goals.
The name “Gradient Effects” just made sense to me, as i was using it constantly in my work. A gradient is a mathematical function used to represent complex vectors, which is essential to achieving the 3D dimensional effects that are so prevalent in VFX today. But we didn’t want our name to be limited to just VFX. We also saw the potential for AI to become a significant part of our industry in the future.
As it turns out, our choice of name was quite forward-thinking. In recent years, we’ve seen AI become more prevalent in VFX and other fields, and gradients are an essential part of many AI algorithms. The name Gradient Effects not only reflects our long-standing experience in the VFX industry, but it also speaks to our forward-thinking approach to the future of the industry.
You can see for yourself when you do a combined google search for “gradient” and “AI”.
I’m proud to say that our company has stayed true to our name and our vision over the years. We continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in VFX and AI, and our name represents that commitment to excellence and innovation.
We have worked on some of the most high-profile and successful projects of recent years, including the last two Harry Potter movies, “The Revenant,” and “Stranger Things.” At Gradient Effects, we are pioneers in the field of de-aging, and our AI-based software, Shapeshifter, has been used to de-age actors in films and TV shows such as “Righteous Gemstones.” Our technology has been recognized by news outlets such as The Atlantic and The Guardian, further cementing our position as a leader in the FX industry.
In 2016, my contributions to the entertainment industry were recognized by Variety in their “below-the-line impact report,” and I am honored to have been an Academy member since 2020. I am also proud of our company’s work in the field of virtual production, using mobile devices to create high-quality visual effects and revolutionizing the way that films and TV shows are made.
All in all, my journey in the visual effects industry has been one of hard work, dedication, and innovation. I am committed to continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible with 3D computer graphics and advanced technology, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for this exciting and dynamic field.
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?
In the film industry, one of the biggest challenges is working with clients who may not have experience in the technical aspects of the work, leading to underestimation of the scope and complexity of a project. It’s not uncommon for clients to have a vision of what they want to create, but have difficulty understanding what is required to achieve it. This can sometimes result in difficult conversations about budget and expectations, as the client may have trouble understanding the work required to bring their vision to life.
Additionally, the industry can be highly competitive, with vendors vying for contracts with clients. As a result, clients may try to negotiate on price or shift costs onto vendors. While this can sometimes lead to difficult conversations, it is important for vendors to be clear about the scope and price of a project from the outset, and to maintain open and honest communication with clients throughout the process.
Working in the film industry can also require long hours and intense dedication. In some cases, the pressure to deliver high-quality work can put a strain on family life. However, those who succeed in the industry are often those who have a deep passion for their work and are willing to put in the time and effort required to achieve their goals.
For those who choose to pursue a career in the film industry, it’s important to be multitalented and adaptable. The industry demands a range of skills, from artistic ability to technical expertise. In my own case, I am a traditional artist with years of software development experience, combining left and right-brain skills to create impactful visual effects for my clients. The ability to manage the creative and technical aspects of a project simultaneously is key to success in this field.
Ultimately, navigating the challenges of the film industry requires a combination of technical expertise, creative vision, and strong communication skills. By staying up-to-date on the latest technology and industry trends, and maintaining a dedication to delivering high-quality work, it’s possible to create impactful and memorable visual effects that captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As an artist, I have spent over three decades in the field of visual effects, developing my skills and honing my craft to become a pioneer in the industry. My journey in this field started at an unusual young age of 16 when I began experimenting with 3D graphics and software development, learning the ins and outs of the latest technology and the emerging trends in the field.
One of the things that set me apart from others is my unique background as a traditional artist, photography and with years of software development experience. Combining the left and right brain is a skill that not many people possess, but it’s something that has allowed me to excel in my work and be a leader in the field. I have always believed that the technical and creative aspects of the industry are intertwined, and my ability to understand both has been a key factor in my work.
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work on some of the most memorable and impactful projects in the entertainment industry. My work on the early days of optical VFX using Motion Control in Germany and the UK, and my experience growing up with digital skills, has given me a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the different techniques involved in creating visual effects.
One of the things I am most proud of is my work on Black Hawk Down, the Harry Potter franchise, Stranger Things, The Revenant, the opening sequence for Mortal Kombat. I have contributed to more than 100 Projects to this date. Each of these projects presented its unique set of challenges, and I was able to apply my skills and expertise to bring the vision of the directors to life. Additionally, I had the privilege of designing the 3d version of Ted in collaboration with Seth McFarland, which we pitched to the studios, and that became a huge hit.
As an artist, my work is not just about creating visual effects; it’s about designing and implementing solutions that help our clients achieve their vision. I am constantly engineering and using math to achieve our goals, much like building a custom Formula 1 race car for our clients. Our solutions are tailor-made to the unique needs of each project, and it’s my responsibility to ensure that everything is executed to perfection.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Yes, I have found that networking and seeking mentorship are both incredibly valuable for career development in the entertainment industry. One of the most effective ways to find a mentor is to attend industry events and meet people in person. Conferences, film festivals, and networking events are great places to make connections and get to know people who are experienced in the field. It’s important to be proactive and reach out to people who you admire and respect in the industry, and ask for their advice and guidance.
In addition to attending industry events, I have found that building relationships with colleagues and clients is key to success in this field. Collaborating on projects and delivering high-quality work can help build a positive reputation and lead to new opportunities. In my experience, word-of-mouth referrals are some of the most effective ways to land new clients and projects.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gradientfx.com
- Instagram: gradienteffects
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gradient-effects
- Other: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/feb/06/de-ageing-on-screen-ai-artificial-intelligence-film
Image Credits
Downloaded from the internet, Marvel/Disney, Netflix, Newline (Mortal Kombat), Regency
