How would you explain your job to someone who doesn’t know VFX?
A big part of my job involves building 3D environments, and when people ask me what I do, I often compare it to playing with digital Legos. It's a process of experimentation, moving elements around, and testing different arrangements until the composition feels right. Even when we're putting together shots for previsualization (previs), the correct placement of elements in a 3D scene can be a crucial foundation for the final product.
What does a day in the life look like?
Any day I get to work with Ethan Zhao is a blessing. As the two main members of the Realtime department we often start the day by going over the projects we have ongoing and figuring out who tackles what. An average day for me tends to involve building/lighting environments, animating cameras through said environments, or updating ongoing shots when notes are received.
What are some of your favorite projects? Why?
I had an absolute blast working on the ‘Deal or No Deal Island’ commercial. We had the opportunity to craft a vibrant forest environment that highlighted Unreal Engine’s strengths while delivering a polished final pixel shot. I especially enjoyed animating the camera movement through the trees, it’s a challenge I always love taking on.

Deal or No Deal Island - NBC & Peacock
What's something you wish people knew about what you do?
In most cases Unreal is faster at rendering than many traditional 3D programs, however that can sometimes lead people to expect deliveries to be twice as fast. When it comes down to final pixel projects where detail and realism are required, I appreciate as much time as any artist to sculpt and deliver work that I am proud of.
What is something that excites you about your career?
What I love most about my career is the variety, it's rare that two days are ever the same. Each project brings something fresh and exciting. One day, I might be designing a futuristic city; the next, animating a camera fly through the outlets in a wall. Another day, I get to throw on the motion capture suit and pretend to be a zombie! Sure, not every day is a walk in the park, but that unpredictability is what keeps me excited.
Are you learning anything new?
I am currently teaching myself to paint portraits. I had a great figure drawing teacher growing up and quickly learned just how hard it is to draw people accurately. My 2D art will typically shy away from humans (or any other organic subject) for this reason alone, but it is time to change that!
What do you like to do outside of work?
Over the past decade, I’ve attended Burning Man five times, and each experience has profoundly shaped my perspective on life, community, and creativity. Yes, spending a week in the desert with a finite amount of food, water, shelter, and basic comforts gives me a deep appreciation for the things I often take for granted. That being said, an overlooked aspect of Burning Man is its strong stance against marketing, selling, or promoting anything business-related. Instead, it champions the simple act of giving. This shift creates a community built on selfless generosity rather than profit or greed.
This festival is also a haven for some of the most expressive and proudly unique individuals I’ve ever met, and being surrounded by people who embrace their authenticity is incredibly rejuvenating. As someone who works in visual effects, a field that often involves long hours of stationary focus, Burning Man reminds me of the importance of staying active and engaged in the world around me. It’s a refreshing remedy to the routine of sitting for hours, helping me avoid complacency and maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
What's the best advice you've ever received?
Accept change, for it is inevitable. It sounds obvious, but it's a lesson I had to grow into. As a kid, I struggled to let go of sentimental items, concert bracelets, old shoelaces, even gum wrappers with silly jokes on them. My brother once challenged me to throw one thing away and see if I missed it after 24 hours. To my surprise, I forgot about it within an hour! That small act helped me realize my attachments weren’t about the items themselves but my fear of moving on and facing change. Holding onto the past out of fear only robs us of the ability to fully embrace the present and the opportunities the future holds.
Ben Jannasch
Unreal Artist

Ben Jannasch
Unreal Artist
