This week, we\u2019re pleased to introduce Antoine Boyer, one of our bright VFX Production Assistants. Antoine joined The Yard a year ago for his first professional experience and quickly found his place at the core of our production team. In this interview, he shares his journey into VFX, the challenges of getting started, and what he\u2019s learned from working on diverse and dynamic projects.<\/span><\/h6>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=\u00a0\u00bbcustom\u00a0\u00bb border_width=\u00a0\u00bb2″ accent_color=\u00a0\u00bb#bdae8d\u00a0\u00bb][vc_column_text]Hello Antoine ! Could you please explain your role at The Yard ?<\/strong><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\nHi everyone !\u00a0<\/span>My role as a Production Assistant at The Yard is truly multifaceted. I support the production team on a daily basis\u2014taking notes during meetings related to the project I am assigned to, preparing the content for reviews or any supporting documents, and helping to communicate information across departments. That’s only part of it ! Everything that comes in or out of a project passes through me, whether it’s from clients or external vendors. This means the role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to react quickly to help keep things on track, especially when timelines get tight.<\/p>\nThe Production Assistant also needs to have a solid understanding of the production software used in the studio \u2014 in our case, ShotGrid \u2014 as they’re often responsible for making a large number of media files and playlists available or passing them along through the tool. So, knowing a few handy tips and tricks to make things easier is definitely recommended!<\/p>\n
If I had to sum it up, I\u2019d say the Production Assistant is first and foremost a support role \u2014 one that\u2019s essential to keeping a project running smoothly and involves working closely with many different people across the studio, from producers and supervisors to IT. It\u2019s a vital position for ensuring daily production flow.<\/p>\n
[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=\u00a0\u00bb10284″ img_size=\u00a0\u00bbfull\u00a0\u00bb][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]What do you find great about your department <\/strong><\/span>?<\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\nThe production department feels like its own world within the studio. While we\u2019re at the heart of the creative process, we\u2019re not directly involved in creating the content. Our main focus is fostering collaboration, whether that\u2019s with the supervision teams or among production members. What I really love is this blend of creative insight and project management. Being part of a project from its earliest days all the way through to final delivery, alongside many departments and artists, is incredibly rewarding.<\/p>\n
To make this work, we don\u2019t hesitate to support each other or share solutions to challenges that some of us have faced before. It\u2019s this true team spirit that I really appreciate at The Yard\u2014the sense that we\u2019re all moving forward together toward a successful, finished project.<\/p>\n
[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
What brought you to VFX production ?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve always loved movies, even if I wasn\u2019t a huge moviegoer. Growing up, I was a fan of films like A\u00a0Knight\u2019s Tale<\/em>, Monsters, Inc.<\/em>, Paul<\/i>, and others. Over time, I became interested in behind-the-scenes content and making-of documentaries to understand what happens \u201cbehind the camera.\u201d I was particularly struck by the work done on Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean<\/em> or\u00a0Game of Thrones,\u00a0<\/em>to name a few.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
Antoine’s early screen inspirations:<\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_masonry_media_grid element_width=\u00a0\u00bb2″ initial_loading_animation=\u00a0\u00bbnone\u00a0\u00bb grid_id=\u00a0\u00bbvc_gid:1756306797155-32f9ad12-810c-10″ include=\u00a0\u00bb10302,10277,10360,10357,10279,10280″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
So, after high school, it felt natural to pursue a degree in Performing Arts with a focus on cinema at the University of Rennes 2 \u2014 even though it wasn\u2019t my first choice \u2014 followed by a Master\u2019s in Digital and Interactive Media for Film and Audiovisual. During those five years, I took a wide range of courses, most of which weren\u2019t directly related to VFX. I began specializing in production through two internships at documentary production companies.<\/p>\n
However, I quickly realized that documentaries didn\u2019t really excite me. I asked myself: how can I combine my interest in production with the dynamic and thrilling world of action\/adventure films? That\u2019s when I remembered a friend working in VFX. I gave him a call to learn about his career, the projects he\u2019d worked on, and the company he worked for \u2014 The Yard. (Fun fact: that friend is Fabian Nowak<\/a>, the studio\u2019s Head of FX.) From that moment, I set my goal: to work in VFX production.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
What were the key challenges you faced on starting your career ?<\/b><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
At the start of my career, I faced several key challenges. The first was landing my first job, which turned out to be particularly difficult \u2014 especially during a period marked by the writers\u2019 strike in the U.S., which stalled much of the industry and slowed down hiring.<\/p>\n
To stay active during that somewhat discouraging time, I kept a steady work routine, splitting my days between outreach and training on ShotGrid. This helped me strengthen my skills and better position myself. Looking back, that phase was essential in shaping my approach \u2014 it taught me the importance of having a clear strategy and direction when entering the professional world.<\/p>\n
Once I joined The Yard, coming from a general academic background without formal training in VFX, animation, or 3D, I had to learn a whole new set of terms and workflows very quickly. The first few weeks were intense \u2014 getting up to speed with my responsibilities while absorbing a new vocabulary kept my days full. And of course, production doesn\u2019t slow down for newcomers. Fortunately, I was well supported and trained from the start by the studio’s VFX production team and all the department supervisors I interacted with on my initial production. This allowed me to quickly gain confidence and perform my role efficiently and calmly.<\/p>\n
[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=\u00a0\u00bb10286″ img_size=\u00a0\u00bbfull\u00a0\u00bb alignment=\u00a0\u00bbcenter\u00a0\u00bb][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
Since you\u2019ve joined the Yard, you\u2019ve worked on different projects. Could you tell us a bit more about the experience you\u2019ve gained so far ?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=\u00a0\u00bb1\/4″]
<\/a>![\"ETOILE\"](\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%203%202%27%3E%3C\/svg%3E\")
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][vc_column width=\u00a0\u00bb3\/4″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\nWhen I joined The Yard, I started on \u00c9toile<\/em><\/a>, a series produced by Amazon Prime. It was a particularly exciting project, as it involved a heavy dose of FX work \u2014 especially a sequence set on a boat in the middle of a storm.<\/p>\nWe had to recreate the ocean\u2019s complex dynamics, weather effects, and CG ships, all while integrating them seamlessly into a continuous live-action shot. On the production side, that meant meticulous tracking of each artist\u2019s work, since even the smallest miscommunication in scenes like these can cost time and money.<\/p>\n
[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
At the same time, I also had the chance to contribute to three other productions \u2014 some of which are still in progress and under NDA. Managing that many projects simultaneously required strong organizational and communication skills, as well as a high level of adaptability. It was definitely an intense period, but a rewarding one. I came out of it with much more confidence in my abilities, the quality of my work, and my capacity to manage pressure across multiple productions.<\/p>\n
Lastly, my time at The Yard has allowed me to develop my skills through constant discussions with artists, supervisors, producers, developers, and more. Whether technical or casual, these daily interactions really strengthen team cohesion \u2014 and make the experience all the more enjoyable and enriching.<\/p>\n
[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
How do you see your job evolving in the future ?<\/b><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
Looking ahead, I see myself gaining more experience in production and evolving into a Production Coordinator role, where I can take on more responsibilities and have a broader impact on the production process.<\/p>\n
I\u2019d also love to gain international experience to discover new ways of working and grow within a different creative environment, potentially by seizing the chance to evolve within The Yard in London<\/a> ! At the same time, I\u2019m eager to keep working on ambitious, high-end VFX projects that are both creatively and technically challenging.<\/p>\nEach new step is an opportunity to grow, both personally and professionally, and I\u2019m excited to see where this path takes me.<\/p>\n
[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
Any advice you’d give someone interested in VFX production for their career ?<\/b><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n\n
Hi everyone !\u00a0<\/span>My role as a Production Assistant at The Yard is truly multifaceted. I support the production team on a daily basis\u2014taking notes during meetings related to the project I am assigned to, preparing the content for reviews or any supporting documents, and helping to communicate information across departments. That’s only part of it ! Everything that comes in or out of a project passes through me, whether it’s from clients or external vendors. This means the role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to react quickly to help keep things on track, especially when timelines get tight.<\/p>\n The Production Assistant also needs to have a solid understanding of the production software used in the studio \u2014 in our case, ShotGrid \u2014 as they’re often responsible for making a large number of media files and playlists available or passing them along through the tool. So, knowing a few handy tips and tricks to make things easier is definitely recommended!<\/p>\n If I had to sum it up, I\u2019d say the Production Assistant is first and foremost a support role \u2014 one that\u2019s essential to keeping a project running smoothly and involves working closely with many different people across the studio, from producers and supervisors to IT. It\u2019s a vital position for ensuring daily production flow.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=\u00a0\u00bb10284″ img_size=\u00a0\u00bbfull\u00a0\u00bb][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]What do you find great about your department <\/strong><\/span>?<\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n The production department feels like its own world within the studio. While we\u2019re at the heart of the creative process, we\u2019re not directly involved in creating the content. Our main focus is fostering collaboration, whether that\u2019s with the supervision teams or among production members. What I really love is this blend of creative insight and project management. Being part of a project from its earliest days all the way through to final delivery, alongside many departments and artists, is incredibly rewarding.<\/p>\n To make this work, we don\u2019t hesitate to support each other or share solutions to challenges that some of us have faced before. It\u2019s this true team spirit that I really appreciate at The Yard\u2014the sense that we\u2019re all moving forward together toward a successful, finished project.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n What brought you to VFX production ?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n I\u2019ve always loved movies, even if I wasn\u2019t a huge moviegoer. Growing up, I was a fan of films like A\u00a0Knight\u2019s Tale<\/em>, Monsters, Inc.<\/em>, Paul<\/i>, and others. Over time, I became interested in behind-the-scenes content and making-of documentaries to understand what happens \u201cbehind the camera.\u201d I was particularly struck by the work done on Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean<\/em> or\u00a0Game of Thrones,\u00a0<\/em>to name a few.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n Antoine’s early screen inspirations:<\/span><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_masonry_media_grid element_width=\u00a0\u00bb2″ initial_loading_animation=\u00a0\u00bbnone\u00a0\u00bb grid_id=\u00a0\u00bbvc_gid:1756306797155-32f9ad12-810c-10″ include=\u00a0\u00bb10302,10277,10360,10357,10279,10280″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n So, after high school, it felt natural to pursue a degree in Performing Arts with a focus on cinema at the University of Rennes 2 \u2014 even though it wasn\u2019t my first choice \u2014 followed by a Master\u2019s in Digital and Interactive Media for Film and Audiovisual. During those five years, I took a wide range of courses, most of which weren\u2019t directly related to VFX. I began specializing in production through two internships at documentary production companies.<\/p>\n However, I quickly realized that documentaries didn\u2019t really excite me. I asked myself: how can I combine my interest in production with the dynamic and thrilling world of action\/adventure films? That\u2019s when I remembered a friend working in VFX. I gave him a call to learn about his career, the projects he\u2019d worked on, and the company he worked for \u2014 The Yard. (Fun fact: that friend is Fabian Nowak<\/a>, the studio\u2019s Head of FX.) From that moment, I set my goal: to work in VFX production.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n What were the key challenges you faced on starting your career ?<\/b><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n At the start of my career, I faced several key challenges. The first was landing my first job, which turned out to be particularly difficult \u2014 especially during a period marked by the writers\u2019 strike in the U.S., which stalled much of the industry and slowed down hiring.<\/p>\n To stay active during that somewhat discouraging time, I kept a steady work routine, splitting my days between outreach and training on ShotGrid. This helped me strengthen my skills and better position myself. Looking back, that phase was essential in shaping my approach \u2014 it taught me the importance of having a clear strategy and direction when entering the professional world.<\/p>\n Once I joined The Yard, coming from a general academic background without formal training in VFX, animation, or 3D, I had to learn a whole new set of terms and workflows very quickly. The first few weeks were intense \u2014 getting up to speed with my responsibilities while absorbing a new vocabulary kept my days full. And of course, production doesn\u2019t slow down for newcomers. Fortunately, I was well supported and trained from the start by the studio’s VFX production team and all the department supervisors I interacted with on my initial production. This allowed me to quickly gain confidence and perform my role efficiently and calmly.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=\u00a0\u00bb10286″ img_size=\u00a0\u00bbfull\u00a0\u00bb alignment=\u00a0\u00bbcenter\u00a0\u00bb][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n Since you\u2019ve joined the Yard, you\u2019ve worked on different projects. Could you tell us a bit more about the experience you\u2019ve gained so far ?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=\u00a0\u00bb1\/4″] When I joined The Yard, I started on \u00c9toile<\/em><\/a>, a series produced by Amazon Prime. It was a particularly exciting project, as it involved a heavy dose of FX work \u2014 especially a sequence set on a boat in the middle of a storm.<\/p>\n We had to recreate the ocean\u2019s complex dynamics, weather effects, and CG ships, all while integrating them seamlessly into a continuous live-action shot. On the production side, that meant meticulous tracking of each artist\u2019s work, since even the smallest miscommunication in scenes like these can cost time and money.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n At the same time, I also had the chance to contribute to three other productions \u2014 some of which are still in progress and under NDA. Managing that many projects simultaneously required strong organizational and communication skills, as well as a high level of adaptability. It was definitely an intense period, but a rewarding one. I came out of it with much more confidence in my abilities, the quality of my work, and my capacity to manage pressure across multiple productions.<\/p>\n Lastly, my time at The Yard has allowed me to develop my skills through constant discussions with artists, supervisors, producers, developers, and more. Whether technical or casual, these daily interactions really strengthen team cohesion \u2014 and make the experience all the more enjoyable and enriching.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n How do you see your job evolving in the future ?<\/b><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n Looking ahead, I see myself gaining more experience in production and evolving into a Production Coordinator role, where I can take on more responsibilities and have a broader impact on the production process.<\/p>\n I\u2019d also love to gain international experience to discover new ways of working and grow within a different creative environment, potentially by seizing the chance to evolve within The Yard in London<\/a> ! At the same time, I\u2019m eager to keep working on ambitious, high-end VFX projects that are both creatively and technically challenging.<\/p>\n Each new step is an opportunity to grow, both personally and professionally, and I\u2019m excited to see where this path takes me.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n Any advice you’d give someone interested in VFX production for their career ?<\/b><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n![\"ETOILE\"](\"https:\/\/theyard-vfx.com\/stage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Etoile.png\")
<\/div>