Barnstorm VFX is an Emmy-nominated studio behind the visual effects on Amazon Studios’ THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE, HBO’S SILICON VALLEY and CBS’ STRANGE ANGEL. Barnstorm’s team embodies the pioneering ingenuity, daring creativity and freewheeling spirit of the first aviators.

Founded in 2011 with the original location in Los Angeles, Barnstorm VFX now has a second office in Vancouver, British Columbia. 

In this Podcast, Allan McKay interviews Co-Founders of Barnstorm VFX Cory Jamieson and Lawson Deming about the lessons of entrepreneurship, how to land clients, the balance of risk and decisiveness, as well their advice to up-and-coming VFX Artists.

For more show notes, visit www.allanmckay.com/413.

John Romero is an award-winning game designer, level designer and programmer whose work spans over 130 games, 107 of which have been published commercially, including the iconic works Wolfenstein 3D, DOOM and Quake. He has worked in the mobile, hardcore, mid-core, casual and MMO space. 

John has co-founded eight successful game companies including the likes of id Software, Gazillion Entertainment and, most recently, Romero Games which celebrated its 7th anniversary in 2022. He is considered to be among the world’s top game designers, and his games have won well over 100 awards. 

One of the earliest indie developers, John began working in the game space in 1979 on mainframes before moving to the Apple II in 1982. He is a completely self-taught programmer, designer and artist, having drawn his inspirations from early Apple II programmers. He co-owns Romero Games. 

John’s autobiography DOOM Guy: Life in First Person is getting released in July 2023. Industry-redefining breakthroughs in design and tech during his time at id Software made DOOM and Quake cultural phenomena, and this thrilling story recounts every step of the process, from collaborative, heavy metal–fueled days spent crafting the industry’s most revolutionary and cutting-edge games to a high-profile falling-out with id cofounder John Carmack. After years in the gaming spotlight, Romero is now telling his story—the whole story—shedding new light on the development of his games and his business partnerships, from the highest highs to the lowest lows, sharing insights about design, code, the industry, and his career right up to today. Sharing gratitude for a lifetime in games, Romero reveals the twists and turns that led him, ultimately, to be called DOOM Guy. A copy of the book can be purchased here: https://www.amazon.com/Doom-Guy-Life-First-Person/dp/141975811X.

In this Podcast, Allan McKay interviews John Romero, the legendary Creator of DOOM and Co-Creator of id Software, about his start as a programmer, overcoming life struggles, getting his start as a programmer, launching id Software and the success of Commander Keen, the cultural impact of DOOM, transitioning to 3D – and the release of his first autobiography DOOM GUY: LIFE IN FIRST PERSON.

For more show notes, visit www.allanmckay.com/412.

As Global President & Chief Operating Officer at Digital Domain, Lala oversees the company's global VFX services and operations. As part of her duties, Lala partners with production management, finance, production accounting, recruiting, artist management, technology management and operations to steer Digital Domain to success. She communicates closely and helps to coordinate work between DD’s global studios, ensuring that production and operations practices are properly aligned to keep the quality of work at the highest levels.

Lala’s experience began in northern California with a strong start in the accounting and banking field. She developed her visual effects pedigree after spending nine years at Industrial Light and Magic, and Lucasfilm Animation. There she became a seasoned veteran of talent acquisition and management.

In 2007, Lala joined Digital Domain as the Director of Human Resources, Talent Acquisition and Development, and rose to the role of EVP/General Manager for the North America operation. Over her tenure, Lala’s strong leadership and mentorship was responsible for the development and retention of DD’s key talent, who are widely recognized throughout the industry for their outstanding work in the field of visual effects.

Under her leadership, Digital Domain’s supervisors, artists and technicians have continued to push the envelope, taking on ever more challenging and groundbreaking work.

In this Podcast, Allan McKay interviews the Global President and COO of Digital Domain Lala Gavgavian about the history and growth of D2, her previous experience at ILM, the lessons of her career, how the VFX industry has changed and diversified, as well as the importance of soft skills for artists in the global market.

For more show notes, visit www.allanmckay.com/411.

Gabriel Aguiar is a YouTube Creator and a Unity Expert. Focused on his work in Blender and Unity, Gabriel’s YouTube Channel currently has over 100K followers. He also provides assets for game developers on his Patreon.

In 2021, Gabriel launched a game studio Golden Bug Studios in Coibra, Portugal. The studio is currently working on a project called Rabbit's Tale.

In this Podcast, YouTube Creator and Unity Expert Gabriel Aguiar talks to Allan McKay about his experience launching a YouTube Channel and his own studio, developing an original IP, as well as gives advice to young VFX artists and entrepreneurs about resources, skills and branding.

For more show notes, visit www.allanmckay.com/410.