Zhe Chong

Head of Compositing

How would you explain your job to someone who doesn’t know VFX?

As a CG lead, my job is to ensure we deliver the best quality CG for a show with the time and resources we have. I ensure consistency across the show, gather references, provide feedback to artists, and set up templates to streamline workflows. A big part of my role is managing tasks, keeping the team on track, and diving into R&D to tackle challenges that might come up later in the project.

What does a day in the life look like?

I start the day by confirming all meetings, prioritizing chat messages, and checking for any urgent fires ("911s") that need immediate attention. Once that’s handled, I review my to-do list, which usually involves improving workflow, creating content for our department wiki, training artists, and assisting other CG leads.

What are some of your favorite projects? Why?

Definitely The Sympathizer, an exciting HBO show where I had my first big role as a CG lead. It had a great mix of organic assets like rats, crocodiles, cockroaches, and flies, along with a face replacement on Robert Downey Jr.! There were also historical environmental elements, as well as some really cool water and explosion effects. It was an incredible learning experience and a major milestone in my career.

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The Sympathizer - HBO

What's something you wish people know about what you do?

I wish people knew that VFX isn’t just animating—my mom still doesn’t fully understand what I do, haha! There are so many departments and specializations involved, from modelling and lighting to compositing and FX, all working together to create beautiful CG.

What is something that excites you about your career?

Every day brings a new challenge, with countless ways to approach any problem, so I’m never bored. The constant innovation in the industry and the need for creative problem-solving keep my mind 100% engaged, and the workdays fly by so fast.

Are you learning anything new?

On a personal level, I’m focused on being the best dad I can be—even staying fit so I can keep up with my son as he grows. Professionally, I’m diving deeper into USD, Houdini Solaris, and Python coding, while keeping an eye on the latest AI advancements.

What do you like to do with your outside of work?

I love spending quality time with my son and wife, whether it’s going to the beach, hanging out at the lake, or trying out new restaurants. I wish I had more time for gaming, but I’m waiting for my son to get a bit older so we can dive into games together!

What's the best advice you've ever received?

In VFX, efficiency is everything. Nowadays, any studio can achieve a hyper-realistic shot, but what matters is how quickly and with minimal effort you can achieve that quality.