Hot Redhead Media is delighted to launch the sixth episode of our new podcast HEAT: Spotlight on Women, By Women, In Hollywood. With this episode, we focus on talented Women in Visual and Special Effects. Genius industry women highlighted include Lori J. Nelson, Mara Bryan, Sheena Duggal, and Lindy DeQuattro.
Check out the curated watchlist below by this episode's featured cohosts, Jennifer Mondfrans, Heather Fowler, Cari Sudmeier, and Kiki Watkins.
Listen to the full episode here.
Heather Fowler's Pick:
Mara Bryan - “Dark City”
Mara Bryan was the Visual Effects Supervisor for the 1998 sci-fi cult classic "Dark City." Mara’s work on the film showcased her innovative approach, blending practical effects, models, and CG. Working closely with Peter Doyle, Mara helped create memorable scenes like the morphing city and space sequences. Despite the male-dominated industry, Mara thrived, later contributing to iconic films such as "GoldenEye" and "Avatar." The egalitarian, experimental team environment in "Dark City" allowed for creative freedom and impactful visual storytelling. Mara Bryan's collaborative approach and the groundbreaking visual effects in 'Dark City' reflect her passion for films that blend artistry with technical innovation.
Kiki Watkins's Pick:
Sheena Duggal - “Venom”
Sheena Duggal is an award-winning visual effects supervisor, director, compositor, and designer known for her work on films like "The Hunger Games," "Agent Carter," "Body of Lies," "Venom," and "Ghostbusters: Afterlife." She won the 2020 Visual Effects Society (VES) Award for Creative Excellence and was nominated for a Best Special Visual Effects BAFTA in 2022. Sheena, who was born in Manchester, UK, and now resides in Venice, CA, believes in the importance of diversity and inclusion in the industry. Her work on "Venom," particularly the transformation scenes, showcases her ability to blend art and technology seamlessly. Sheena Duggal's transformative visual effects in 'Venom' underscore her appreciation for films that vividly portray inner conflict through innovative special effects.
Jennifer Mondfrans's Pick:
Lindy DeQuattro - “The Great Gatsby”
Lindy DeQuattro, Visual Effects Supervisor at Industrial Light and Magic (ILM), boasts an impressive career with credits including "Atlas" (2024), "Dora and the Lost City of Gold," and "The Great Gatsby" (2013). She began in computer science and art, later specializing in technical direction at USC. Lindy's journey at ILM, navigating from animator to Technical Director, showcases her versatility and leadership in visual effects. Her work on "The Great Gatsby" highlights her ability to merge technical prowess with artistic vision, enhancing Baz Luhrmann's lavish cinematography and creating memorable scenes like the enchanting snowfall and fantastical party sequences. Lindy DeQuattro's meticulous work on "The Great Gatsby" showcases her love for films where visual effects enhance narrative depth and aesthetic grandeur.
Cari Sudmeier's Pick:
Lori J. Nelson - “The Suicide Squad”
Lori J. Nelson, served as the Senior Visual Effects Vice President for Warner Brothers Pictures, on the film "The Suicide Squad." Lori's journey to this esteemed position was anything but easy, especially as one of the first women to break into the male-dominated field of VFX in the 1980s. Starting her career at Industrial Light and Magic (ILM), she worked on groundbreaking films like "Star Wars" and "Back to the Future II," where she tackled complex shots such as the iconic pizza rehydration scene. Her impressive career includes high-profile films like "The Fast and the Furious," "Batman Returns," and "Hunter Killer," culminating in her role on "The Suicide Squad," where her team brought characters like King Shark to life with innovative visual effects and enhancing action scenes with practical explosions and intricate makeup effects. Lori's career exemplifies the blend of creativity and technical skill in the visual effects industry.
Cool Snack for the Viewing Session:
Are you hungry? This episode, we feature a movie-watching Cool Snack offered by Cari Sudmeier!
Delicious for light and healthy snacking!
Stars, Berries, Cherries Summer Salad
Ingredients:
8 cups of cubed watermelon, I used a medium-sized watermelon
4 cups fresh blueberries
2 cups fresh jicama, cut into stars
1 cup of pitted Bing cherries
I cup of stemmed strawberries
Juice of one lime
Zest of fresh ginger
Agave nectar
Directions:
Squeeze one lime, add zest of fresh ginger, and drizzle with agave
Place cut-up fruit in a chilled fruit bowl, add dressing, and gently toss
Garnish with fresh mint
Eat and enjoy!
Check out this episode and subscribe to HEAT on Spotify, iHeart Radio, Apple Podcasts, Deezer, and more by visiting our Audioboom HEAT Channel and connecting via your favorite listening venue so you don't miss out on our next curated snacks and featured episodes! Episodes are released on the first of the month.
See you next time!
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