Zhe Chong

Head of Compositing

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

When you watch a movie or TV show with flying cars and dazzling magic, those elements are likely created with VFX. If the movie has a scene of a cup dropping and water spilling, it could also be done in VFX. My job in VFX is to create those visual elements that either can’t be achieved or preferred to be done digitally rather than through traditional film-making and live-action shooting.

Much like painting, photography and other art fields, we need to have a solid understanding of composition, light and color so that the visuals we create are aesthetically pleasing. At the same time, technical skills are very crucial because we work with specialized computer software, and during the production process, troubleshooting is oftentimes required. Essentially, my job is a blend of art and technology. I help bring imagination and creative visions to life on screen, adding that extra layer of magic and realism to the stories you see.

What does a day in the life look like?

Since I work the mid-shift from noon to 8:30 PM local time, I have the entire morning to myself. I like to use this time for exercising and going on walks, to get me energized and ready for the day ahead.

My tasks at work vary from day to day. Some days I focus on modeling and texturing some assets, while on other days I handle shot lighting and rendering. I work closely with my project lead and supervisor for guidance and feedback, making sure all elements in the scene are visually appealing and aligned with our artistic objectives. I also communicate with my coordinator frequently to make sure things can be done in order, and we are on track with our deadlines.

What are some of your favorite projects? Why?

One of my favorite projects has been the TV show “The Night Agent”, which was my very first assignment at Ingenuity. I was responsible for modeling and texturing a CG metro station environment, and some shot lighting. It was a fantastic opportunity to get me acquainted with the company’s pipeline and CG workflow, as well as meet the team. I enjoyed the learning process and found it to be a great introduction to my role.

Another standout project for me is the live-action TV adaptation “One Piece”. Growing up with the manga and anime, it was incredibly thrilling to see the Straw Hat crew come to life in the CG world we created. Watching their adventures unfold felt almost surreal. I had the chance to work on a wide range of tasks, including the dramatic Loguetown opening scene, the playful poster shots, and the intricate ocean sequences, etc. These experiences significantly enhanced my skills as a CG generalist. Lots of challenges, yet lots of growth.

Additionally, both are very good shows that I genuinely enjoyed watching!

The Night Agent - Netflix

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

When people hear about CG, they may often think of dramatic explosions, fantastical creatures, and more flashy effects. While these are certainly part of our job, there’s so much more to it.

As a CG generalist, my role covers a broad range of tasks within the CG pipeline, including 3D asset modeling, texture painting, shading, scene assembly, lighting setup, and rendering. Our work spans from complex tasks like lighting an entire ocean sequence, to more subtle ones such as replacing a book on a table. Sometimes, these changes might go unnoticed by the audience, but that’s exactly the point! When done well, our work seamlessly integrates into the scene, enhancing the overall visual experience without drawing attention to itself.

What is something that excites you about your career?

The most exciting part about my career as a CG artist is the sheer variety and unpredictability of each project. Every assignment brings its own unique set of challenges and surprises, keeping the work dynamic and ever-evolving. You never quite know what the next project is or what kind of CG elements the client wants. It truly feels like going on a new adventure with your team each time.

Moreover, the industry evolves at an incredibly fast pace. While it can be a bit daunting, it's also incredibly exciting. I’m always fascinated by the rapid advancements in technology, and I am eager to explore the cutting-edge tools and techniques that continue to push the boundaries of visual creativity.

Are you learning anything new?

Yes I am! At work, I’ve been diving into Pixar’s RenderMan and Houdini's USD workflow, immersing myself in extensive documentation and exploring the technical intricacies of these tools. I also have been picking up knowledge of FX and compositing here and there to make the collaboration and communication more seamless across departments.

Outside of work, I am learning baking, starting with the basics like making egg tarts (easy-recipe version!)

Besides, I’ve been studying Spanish for the past three months. My skills are still quite elementary, but I am confident that with continued practice, I’ll become fluent and eventually be able to converse comfortably in Spanish-speaking countries!

What do you like to do outside of work?

In my spare time, I love to read books and watch movies and TV shows. There's something so captivating about losing myself in a good story, whether it’s fictional or non-fictional. Recently I have been reading “Born a Crime” by Trevor Noah, and “The Chinese Life” by Philippe Ôtié and Li Kunwu. Both are very good books if you are interested in history, culture, and humanities in general.

On weekends and during long holidays, I cherish the opportunity to escape into nature, going hiking and camping with family and friends to refresh my mind and explore.

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

“Don’t hesitate to ask questions.” This might sound cliché, but it’s the advice I’ve taken to heart. When I first started at Ingenuity, I once was stuck on a technical issue and spent an excessive amount of time trying to resolve it on my own. Despite my efforts, I couldn’t find the solution. My lead later knew this and told me, “Next time if you find yourself struggling with a problem for too long, please come ask me. We will either solve it together or come up with a plan B.” In a collaborative and fast-paced environment like ours, seeking assistance not only saves your time but also the entire team’s time. Additionally, it fosters open communication and demonstrates your commitment to learning and growth.