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

My job is to bring imagination to life. I take ideas, scenes, and moments that could only exist in someone’s mind and turn them into something you can actually see on screen. That’s the magic of VFX. Whether it’s a mythical creature, a futuristic city, or an impossible event: I use CGI to create visuals that couldn’t be filmed in real life. It’s like painting with pixels, and it’s amazing to be part of an industry that turns pure imagination into visual reality.

What does a day in the life look like?

As a CG Lead, a typical day is a mix of creative oversight and team coordination. I usually start by reviewing work from our CG artists, checking everything from modeling and texturing to lighting and animation, and providing detailed feedback to keep everything aligned with the project’s vision. There are lots of meetings throughout the day: syncing with other departments, discussing technical challenges, and ensuring the team is on track. While I still get hands-on with the work when needed, a big part of my role is guiding the team, solving problems, and making sure the visual quality stays top-notch from start to finish.

What are some of your favorite projects? Why?

Two of my favorite projects have been The Nun 2 and The Watchers.
Working on The Nun 2 was a blast because of the horror genre. It gave us the chance to really push atmospheric effects, eerie lighting, and subtle visual tricks to build tension. Horror relies so much on what you feel rather than just what you see, so crafting those effects was both creatively challenging and super rewarding.

The Watchers was another standout for me, mainly because of the creature work. There’s something really exciting about developing creatures from concept to final shot; making sure they feel grounded, yet otherworldly.

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The Nun II | Warner Bros.

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

I wish more people knew how much thought and collaboration goes into every frame. VFX isn’t just about making things look cool—it’s about storytelling. Every shadow, texture, or movement has a purpose. Also, a lot of what we do is invisible—seamless enhancements or fixes that you’re not even supposed to notice. It takes a whole team working closely together, often under tight deadlines, to make the impossible look effortless.

What is something that excites you about your career?

What excites me most about my career is the constant evolution. VFX is an industry that’s always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, whether it's new software, techniques, or real-time rendering. It’s exhilarating to be part of a field that’s at the forefront of technology and creativity. I love the challenge of turning an abstract idea into something visual and impactful, and there’s always something new to learn and explore. Every project is a chance to create something groundbreaking, which keeps me inspired.

Are you learning anything new?

Definitely! Learning never really stops in this field. Lately at work, I’ve been diving deeper into real-time workflows and exploring how tools like Unreal Engine are changing the way we approach CG and look-dev. Never late to learn new things!

What do you like to do outside of work?

Outside of work, I like to recharge by mixing creative outlets with physical activity. I enjoy going to the gym to stay fit and unwind after a long day in front of the screen. I also love catching up on films, traveling when I get the chance, and spending time with friends and family. It’s all about balancing work with things that help me relax and stay inspired.

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

The best advice I’ve ever received is: ‘Don’t be afraid to fail, because that’s where the real learning happens.’ In this industry, especially in VFX, we’re constantly experimenting and problem-solving. Not every idea will work the first time, but every misstep teaches you something valuable. It’s about adapting, improving, and staying open to new ways of thinking, whether in terms of creativity or technical challenges.

Lev Hakobyan

CG Lead

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Lev Hakobyan

CG Lead

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