Jack Lynch
Visual effects artist
Manchester based visual effects artist and supervisor. Talented in Nuke compositing, Houdini FX and procedural modelling.
What I do
I am a Manchester-based visual effects artist and supervisor with four years of experience working on commercials, often under tight deadlines. I specialise in seamlessly integrating CG images with live-action footage, using techniques such as clean-up, tracking, wire removal, keying, and screen replacement. With extensive experience in compositing, including 2D and 3D tracking, green screen extraction, and deep compositing, I excel in creating cohesive and compelling visuals. I collaborate closely with directors and DPs on set, leveraging my technical knowledge and eye for composition. I also develop VFX pipeline tools and teach Nuke workshops. I work well both independently and as part of a team, ensuring smooth and efficient project workflows.
CG Artist
As a CG artist, I utilise Houdini FX for simulation, 3D modeling. I excel in creating realistic simulations, including particle effects, fluid dynamics, and cloth simulations, adding an additional layer of realism to my projects. My 3D modeling skills enable me to build detailed characters and environments from scratch, ensuring they fit seamlessly into live-action plates.
Supervision
As a VFX supervisor, my role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities throughout pre-production, on-set, and post-production phases. In pre-production, I collaborate closely with directors and DPs to plan visual effects, providing previs work to visualize complex scenes. On set, I make crucial decisions to ensure the successful integration of VFX elements, including capturing HDRI images, conducting set scans, and taking reference photography to ensure consistency in lighting and texture.
During post-production, I lead a small team to execute the planned VFX work, overseeing tasks such as compositing, clean-up, and CG integration. My role involves coordinating with various departments to ensure that the visual effects are seamlessly integrated into the final product, maintaining high standards of quality and coherence throughout the project.
Compositing
In the realm of compositing, I handle invisible VFX and clean-up, ensuring that the visual effects are seamless and undetectable. My work includes tasks such as set extensions, where I digitally enhance physical sets, and clean-up, which involves removing unwanted elements like wires, rigs, or crew reflections from shots. I am skilled in green screen extraction, allowing for the replacement of backgrounds and integration of CG elements into live-action footage. My expertise also extends to grading, relighting, projection, match moving and deep compositing, where I work with complex layers of visual elements to create a final, cohesive image
Pipeline Tools and Custom Scripting
I have developed VFX pipeline tools to streamline workflows and improve efficiency in VFX production. One notable tool I created is ShotBox, a standalone GUI application designed to manage VFX tasks and project workflows. ShotBox functions as a Nuke shot dashboard that simplifies the entire process by breaking down whole edits into shots. It automates file structure management, sets up Nuke scripts with templates, and handles reconforming in Premiere Pro or Davinci Resolve, ensuring a seamless workflow from initial editing to final VFX integration. Additionally, ShotBox allows for notes and shots to be allocated to artists over a server, facilitating efficient communication and task management within the team.
In addition to ShotBox, I am proficient in custom scripting using Python and QT, which allows me to build specialised tools tailored to specific project needs. These tools enhance productivity by automating repetitive tasks, managing assets, and ensuring consistent workflows across different stages of production. My scripting skills enable me to implement solutions that not only speed up individual tasks but also optimise the overall pipeline, benefiting the entire team.
Bentley Motors
In July 2024, Bentley Motors showcased their new Continental GT Speed with the commercial “Start Something Powerful,” shot over four days in Valencia, Spain. Produced by Chief Productions, the commercial featured direction by Anders Hallberg, cinematography by Jallo Faber, and editing by Davide Quatela.
As the lead VFX artist and on-location supervisor, I collaborated closely with Anders, Jallo and Bentley’s marketing team. My main priority was overseeing the key transitions between different characters. This was a vital element in conveying the commercial’s dynamic narrative.
One of the biggest challenges was seamlessly transitioning from the green dress to the landscape, which required extensive paint work and precise coordination. Each transition had to embody Bentley’s signature blend of sophistication and power.
Despite the tight four-week deadline, our three-artist team completed all VFX work to a high standard. Working on this project was a rewarding experience, showcasing what can be achieved through dedication and teamwork.
Bentley Motors
In June 2024, Bentley Motors unveiled their brand commercial, “How Do You Bentley?” Produced by Chief Productions and directed by Anders Hallberg, with cinematography by Jallo Faber and editing by Davide Quatela, this ambitious project spanned multiple locations:
- A set build in Manchester
- A ski scene in Canada
- A driving scene in Miami
- A piano hall in Manchester
As lead VFX artist and on-set supervisor, I managed key visual effects elements, including:
- Green Screen Composites: For lift scenes
- Set Extensions: Enhancing physical sets
- Paint Work: Refining street scenes
- Magical Effects: Houdini-simulated orbs for the piano hall
The project’s global scope and tight deadlines presented significant challenges, but our team’s dedication ensured high-quality VFX that perfectly complemented Bentley’s brand narrative.
Poundland
In March 2024, Poundland rolled out another humorous commercial, “Making Every Pound Go Further.” The two-day shoot, featuring green screen work and a set build, was directed by Ben Tonge and Yoni Weisberg, with James Watson as the DOP.
As the VFX supervisor, this project was my third collaboration with Poundland, following our first commercial in 2022. This latest ad continued the tradition of playful antics, including:
- Yeti Stealing Alan’s Doritos: A fun, whimsical sequence that required creative compositing.
- Alan on a Baby Body: A humorous visual effect where Alan was composited onto a baby’s body.
- Snack Simulation: RBD and Vellum simulations for 850 packets of snacks and sweets pouring out of wellies.
- Set Extensions: Enhancing the set to match the ad’s comedic tone.
The commercial’s lighthearted and imaginative elements showcased our team’s ability to deliver engaging and visually entertaining effects.
Heide Park
Demon’s Crypt
Crafting the Spooky Visuals for Heide Park’s Latest Ride
For Heide Park’s latest attraction, “Demon’s Crypt,” directed by Yoni Weisberg and with James Watson as DOP, we created a spine-chilling, VFX-heavy commercial. Shot on bluescreen in Manchester, the project centered around three core visual elements:
- Digital Environment: Using Houdini, I procedurally built the environment, allowing for rapid development of a highly detailed and dynamic space that enhanced the eerie atmosphere. This involved designing intricate textures, scattering rocks and skulls, and simulating puddles and haze to make the setting truly immersive.
- Atmospheric Compositing with Digital matte painting: To deepen the sense of dread, atmospheric effects such as fog, mist, and eerie lighting were meticulously composited into the scene. This atmospheric comp in Nuke integrated seamlessly with the Houdini-generated environment, adding layers of depth and realism.
- Demon Character: The demon, a focal point of the ad, was rendered in Redshift with realistic dribble effects. This included simulating complex fluid dynamics to ensure the demon’s movements and interactions were convincingly grotesque.
The intricate work in Houdini and Nuke was crucial in delivering the spooky ambiance of “Demon’s Crypt,” making the ride’s terrifying experience come to life.