Inquiry directed towards the VFX Mastermind: Ruben Rodas
Ruben Rodas, also known as 'Biggie', has been a fixture in the visual effects (VFX) industry for over 15 years. His journey began in high school, where he took a video class with Robert Garcia, which sparked his interest in the field[1].
With a foundation in visual storytelling and imagery from his extensive experience in the film and photo industry, Ruben Rodas gradually immersed himself in VFX roles, eventually becoming a VFX Supervisor[1]. His work spans across various popular productions, including A Quiet Place, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Leftovers, Cosmos, Spider-Man 3, and Pan's Labyrinth[2].
Ruben Rodas is motivated by challenges and is inspired by Dwayne Johnson's attitude of being the hardest worker in the room[3]. This drive is evident in his reliance on advanced tools like Boris FX plugins Mocha Pro and Sapphire, which offer robust tracking and procedural effects capabilities[3].
When faced with creative burnout, Ruben Rodas tends to step away from creative tasks to tackle other problems or tasks[4]. To fuel himself during long work sessions, he relies on caffeine and visualization techniques[4].
Pre-visualization plays a significant role in Ruben Rodas's approach. He prefers to visualize shots in his head, articulating the aspects that will make the shot successful and rich in imagery for the audience[5]. For invisible effect work, he often seeks real-world photography references to guide implementation[5].
Ruben Rodas encourages others to strive for visual richness in their work, to dream big, and to become a 'beast' with their work to increase their booking desirability[6]. He values knowing oneself and knowing one's worth in the industry[7].
Ruben Rodas's career has been significantly influenced by his friends Edwardo Mendez and Bob Lowery[8]. He aspires to collaborate with industry heavyweights like James Cameron or Quentin Tarantino[3].
The industry, according to Ruben Rodas, is changing, with shots being asked to be completed quicker and to reach a higher quality standard[9]. Despite the challenges, he believes in the power of Nuke to Mocha python script as his most valuable shortcut for post-work efficiency[10].
Currently, Ruben Rodas works as the VFX Supervisor at PowerHouse VFX, where he is working on Black Monday[11]. They are particularly proud of developing a full CG Lamborghini (converted to a limousine) for the project[11].
Ruben Rodas's favourite films include The Matrix, The One, and The Core, and his favourite TV shows are Black Monday, Ballers, and Billions[12].
Looking back, Ruben Rodas advises his younger self not to be afraid of change and to not limit himself based on geographic opportunities[13]. He is particularly proud of his work on Pan's Labyrinth due to the creative innovation and learning opportunities it provided[14].
[1] Source [2] Source [3] Source [4] Source [5] Source [6] Source [7] Source [8] Source [9] Source [10] Source [11] Source [12] Source [13] Source [14] Source
In his leisure time, Ruben Rodas enjoys watching entertainment shows such as Black Monday and sports-themed programs like Ballers and Billions, which showcase the power and intrigue of the industry he works in.
Drawing inspiration from Dwayne Johnson's work ethic, Ruben Rodas also incorporates advanced technology, like the powerful Boris FX plugins Mocha Pro and Sapphire, in his visual effects work to produce high-quality and effects-rich imagery.
