Rob Bredow

Ian Failes from befores & afters chats to Rob Bredow, Senior Vice President, Creative Innovation at Lucasfilm, about his time at ILM.

Jedi master of visual effects Rob Bredow, known for his work at Industrial Light & Magic and Lucasfilm, takes us on a cinematic journey through the evolution of visual effects, with behind-the-scenes stories from the making of fan favorites like “Jurassic Park,” “Star Wars,” “Indiana Jones” and more. He shares how artist-driven innovation continues to blend old and new technology, offering hope that AI won’t replace creatives but instead will empower artists to create new, mind-blowing wonders for the big screen.

When we think of art, we picture canvases, sculptures, and galleries. But what happens when the canvas becomes a digital wall, or when an algorithm helps design a masterpiece? In this talk, curator Nora Atkinson and VFX artist Rob Bredow share eye-opening examples of how technology is changing art — from immersive installations and virtual production stages to digital creations that raise tough questions about ownership and authenticity. Is the artist still in charge when machines join the process? Can digital art carry the same soul as a painting? And how should museums preserve something that lives in code? This episode takes you inside the real stories where creativity and technology collide — and shows the exciting (and sometimes unsettling) future of art. Don’t miss out — listen now to join the conversation. 🎧 Source: TED Intersections – Nora Atkinson & Rob Bredow 🔗 Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moZMjD3imN8 #FutureOfArt #ArtAndTech #DigitalArt #Creativity #Innovation #Podcast #NoraAtkinson #RobBredow 🎙️ InnovaMind delivers daily, bite-sized episodes featuring bold, creative, and thought-provoking ideas from across disciplines and cultures. Our mission is to ignite curiosity and inspire deeper thinking — one idea at a time. Subscribe for your daily spark of insight, wherever you are in the world. 🌐 Learn more at: www.innovamind.life Liked the episode? Leave a rating or share it with a curious friend. #InnovaMind #DailyIdeas #CuriousMinds #CreativeThinking #TedTalk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How will AI and new technology change art? Visual effects artist Rob Bredow, known for his work on Star Wars, and curator Nora Atkinson, who brought Burning Man to the Smithsonian, dive deep into the future of creativity, trading behind-the-scenes stories that show how to blend stop‑motion, LED walls and algorithms in art — while still keeping the soul in the work. (This conversation is part of “TED Intersections,” a series featuring thought-provoking conversations between experts navigating the ideas shaping our world.) For a chance to give your own TED Talk, fill out the Idea Search Application: ted.com/ideasearch . Interested in learning more about upcoming TED events? Follow these links: TEDNext: ted.com/futureyou TEDSports: ted.com/sports TEDAI Vienna: ted.com/ai-vienna TEDAI San Francisco: ted.com/ai-sf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jedi master of visual effects Rob Bredow, known for his work at Industrial Light & Magic and Lucasfilm, takes us on a cinematic journey through the evolution of visual effects, with behind-the-scenes stories from the making of fan favorites like “Jurassic Park,” “Star Wars,” “Indiana Jones” and more. He shares how artist-driven innovation continues to blend old and new technology, offering hope that AI won’t replace creatives but instead will empower artists to create new, mind-blowing wonders for the big screen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jedi master of visual effects Rob Bredow, known for his work at Industrial Light & Magic and Lucasfilm, takes us on a cinematic journey through the evolution of visual effects, with behind-the-scenes stories from the making of fan favorites like “Jurassic Park,” “Star Wars,” “Indiana Jones” and more. He shares how artist-driven innovation continues to blend old and new technology, offering hope that AI won’t replace creatives but instead will empower artists to create new, mind-blowing wonders for the big screen.

Jedi master of visual effects Rob Bredow, known for his work at Industrial Light & Magic and Lucasfilm, takes us on a cinematic journey through the evolution of visual effects, with behind-the-scenes stories from the making of fan favorites like “Jurassic Park,” “Star Wars,” “Indiana Jones” and more. He shares how artist-driven innovation continues to blend old and new technology, offering hope that AI won’t replace creatives but instead will empower artists to create new, mind-blowing wonders for the big screen.

Jedi master of visual effects Rob Bredow, known for his work at Industrial Light & Magic and Lucasfilm, takes us on a cinematic journey through the evolution of visual effects, with behind-the-scenes stories from the making of fan favorites like “Jurassic Park,” “Star Wars,” “Indiana Jones” and more. He shares how artist-driven innovation continues to blend old and new technology, offering hope that AI won’t replace creatives but instead will empower artists to create new, mind-blowing wonders for the big screen.

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

Todd and Rob break down the process of how films are selected for nomination in the Oscars' Best Visual Effects category. We discuss highlights from the five nominated films— Alien Romulus , Better Man , Dune: Part Two , Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes , and Wicked —and we revisit the shower door myth. Chapter Markers [00:00:00] Intro [00:01:11] Misinformation Corner [00:05:36] VFX Oscars Nomination Process [00:18:32] Nominee Highlights [00:53:27] The Martini [01:00:05] Outro Episode Links Ralph McQuarrie - IMDb Alien: Romulus (2024) - IMDb Better Man (2024) - IMDb Dune: Part Two (2024) - IMDb Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024) - IMDb Wicked (2024) - IMDb The Martini Todd - Trade Coffee Jenny - Nurtured By Nature International Otter Survival Fund Rob - French Cleat Hanger 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/011-vfx-oscar-nominations/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rob, Todd and Jenny share their own rejection letters and answer some lingering questions from the mailbag. Todd corrects another VFX myth in Misinformation Corner. The team shares their favorite things from the year as we say farewell to 2024 in this bonus episode of Lighter Darker! Chapter Markers [00:00:00] Intro [00:01:19] Mailbag [00:07:41] Misinformation Corner [00:22:30] Rejection Letters [00:48:33] The Martini [00:54:15] Outro Episode Links Skeleton Crew (TV Series 2024– ) - IMDb Director Jake Schreier on the set of Skeleton Crew Cadrage Director's Viewfinder The Mandalorian (TV Series 2019– ) - IMDb Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) - IMDb Charmaine Chan - IMDb Right Up Our Alley - FPV Drone Fly Through FXRant: "Skeleton Crew", Neel and Misinformation One Star Wars: Skeleton Crew Character Is A Stunning Blend Of Incredible Visual Effects - SlashFilm The Martini Todd - 2024 Total Eclipse: Where & When - NASA Science Jenny - Podcast Episodes Archive | Industrial Light & Magic Rob - EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump, Digital Tire Inflator 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/009-bonus-episode-2024-wrap/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we delve into the world building techniques behind two of the year's most anticipated films: Gladiator II and Wicked . VFX Producer Ed Randolph ( Gladiator II ) and VFX Supervisor Anthony Smith (Wicked) give us behind-the-scenes stories of building these worlds and share insights into some of their favorite shots from their impressive careers. Chapter Markers [00:00:10] Intro [00:03:07] Questions from the Mailbag [00:17:42] One Final and One CBB [00:28:15] Worldbuilding in WIcked and Gladiator II [00:49:13] The Martini [00:58:30] Outro Episode Links Wicked (2024) - IMDb Gladiator II (2024) - IMDb Edward Randolph - IMDb Anthony Smith - IMDb Color Decision List Explained - Lowepost Ready Player One (2018) - IMDb Spectre (2015) - IMDb Gravity (2013) - IMDb Sherlock Holmes (2009) - IMDb The Martini Todd - The Wild Robot (2024) - IMDb Robot Dreams (2023) - IMDb Ed - Wicked: Tiny Desk Concert The Remarkable Life of Ibelin (2024) - IMDb Anthony - Old Masters Academy Jenny - A Smoky Mountain Christmas (TV Movie 1986) - IMDb A Smoky Mountain Christmas (1986 TV Movie, 2022 HD Circle TV Broadcast Edit) Rob - Clarkson's Farm (TV Series 2021– ) - IMDb 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-007-worldbuilding-in-wicked-and-gladiator-ii/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices