Zhe Chong
Head of Compositing
How would you explain your job to someone who doesn’t know VFX?
Explaining my job to someone who doesn't know VFX, like my parents, goes something like this: First, I introduce them to what VFX is. 'You see that cool background in the movie? It's not real; it's us! That awesome spaceship flying through space? Also not real; it's us.
Then, I explain my role. I get assigned to specific projects, and my job is to follow up on everything, ensuring the team has all the resources they need and that everything runs smoothly within our deadlines. I'm not the one actually creating the amazing visuals you see on screen; I'm the person behind the curtain, making sure nothing catches fire and everything comes together perfectly.
What does a day in the life look like?
A day in my life is full of variety and action. I'm the go-to person for solving problems and handling any emergencies that come up. As a communication bridge between producers, leads, supervisors, and artists, I work to keep everyone connected and on the same page. I often have over 30 chats open with artists and staff, making sure everyone has what they need and that any issues are quickly addressed.
When I'm not handling immediate tasks, I'm focused on planning schedules for upcoming projects, tracking our progress in ShotGrid, or collaborating in meetings with my project team. It’s a fast-paced and dynamic environment, and I really enjoy the energy and creativity it brings.
What are some of your favorite projects? Why?
'Sunny' was particularly special because it was a huge challenge for us. The work was complex, and it came to us right in the middle of the writer's strike, making it difficult to define due dates and turnover dates. Creating a schedule for the project was tough, but seeing the final result on screen was incredibly rewarding—it turned out amazing.
Another project I’m proud of is 'Supacell'. The entire team had an amazing attitude, and we were working with superpowers, which was a first for me. The project lasted a long time, and throughout it, I built a lot of friendships with the team members. The combination of the unique challenges and the great team made it a truly memorable experience.
Supacell - Netflix
What's something you wish people knew about what you do?
One thing I wish people knew about what I do is how much I genuinely enjoy connecting with everyone I work with. My job involves talking to people, we have artists from all around the world, whether they're with us for a short-term project or something that spans over a year. I love getting to know each person and having conversations.
Creating a fun and open environment is important to me because it makes my job so much easier. I consider many of the artists I work with as friends. A perfect example of this is when I moved to BC. Meeting in person with people I had only talked to online was a fantastic experience; they turned out to be amazing characters who provided a lovely and safe environment.
What is something that excites you about your career?
What excites me most about my career is that no two projects are ever the same. In this industry, boredom is never an option because each project brings its own unique challenges. Whether it’s a tight deadline, creating an effect we’ve never done before, or testing out something entirely new, there’s always something different to tackle. The constant variety and action keep things fresh and make every day an adventure.
"You see that cool background in the movie? It's not real; it's us! That awesome spaceship flying through space? Also not real; it's us."
Are you learning anything new?
Yes! I usually play tennis with friends just for fun, but this summer, I decided to take it up a notch and start some tennis lessons. I’ve had five classes so far, and I’m really excited about how my skills are leveling up. It’s been a fun challenge, and I’m loving the progress!
What do you like to do outside of work?
In my spare time, I’m all about sports. I love staying active and practice a variety of disciplines like tennis, squash, beach volleyball, bouldering, yoga, and indoor cycling. I have different groups of friends for each sport, and getting out there with them after a long day of work is a huge relief. It’s not just about staying fit; it’s also a great way to unwind, have fun, and keep my energy up.
"Treat others as you wish to be treated"
What's the best advice you've ever received?
The best advice I’ve ever received is to "treat others as you wish to be treated". This is something my mom always told me, and it’s become my mantra throughout life. It’s an incredibly simple yet powerful tool that has helped me build strong relationships, both personally and professionally. By approaching every interaction with kindness and empathy, I’ve been able to create positive connections that make collaboration and teamwork so much more enjoyable and effective.
Sunny - AppleTV+
Paola Pitalua Ortiz
Senior Compositing Coordinator
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