“The results are insane. AI is such a powerful tool for creativity and efficiency.” - Jake Maymudes, Founder of Wylie VFX (Dune 1-2, Project Hail Mary)
Ever wondered what really goes into the visual effects behind films like Dune or Project Hail Mary?
Or how someone builds a long-term career in VFX while everything from tools to workflows keeps changing?
This is a breakdown of a recent conversation with Jake Maymudes, covering:
One of the most overlooked challenges in films like Dune is something simple:
Keeping sand clean.
When actors walk across dunes, they leave footprints everywhere. That means every shot has to be either:
This isn’t flashy work. But it’s critical.
A single wide shot can take hours or days of cleanup just to maintain the illusion of untouched terrain.
Why it matters:
The audience never notices this work, but without it, the world falls apart.
A lot of artists chase the big, visible shots.
But work like:
…is where real opportunities exist.
If you're getting into VFX:
Learning cleanup and environment work can open doors faster than chasing hero shots.
Jake’s path started like many artists, learning tools like Photoshop and After Effects.
But what made the difference was how he built his business.
1. Keep it lean
Small team. Low overhead. Scale when needed.
2. Be easy to work with
In this industry, reputation spreads fast.
3. Deliver consistently
Quality + reliability = repeat clients
That’s how you end up working on projects like:
There’s a lot of talk about AI right now.
Here’s what’s actually happening in production:
AI is not replacing artists.
It’s making good artists faster.
One of the most interesting moves right now is artists creating their own IP.
Jake is doing this with an animated project, building something he owns instead of only working on client projects.
But it’s not easy.
Breaking through with original content still takes:
If you're trying to break in or level up:
That’s what doesn’t get automated.
The VFX industry is shifting fast.
Between AI, real-time tools, and new workflows, the people who succeed will be the ones who:
Whether you're working your way into the industry or already inside it, the path forward isn’t about chasing every new tool.
It’s about understanding how everything fits together.
And then building something of your own. Full episode:
👉 https://youtu.be/yQ2446NAMK4
If this is something you're thinking about in your own work, we’re breaking down how these ideas translate into real workflows.
💥We’re going live 5/21 to walk through what’s actually working right now across AI, Unreal, and production pipelines. Sign up to learn about the most recent theme: AI Camera and Layout Control, Elements for Comp
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