6th June 2022
Welcome back to Milk Mondays…
Where we get to show off our lovely lot and share a little bit of their wisdom, what makes them tick and what they get up to when they’re not making VFX ?
For this week’s edition, we got together with the FABulous Fabian Peters, one of our VFX Editors here at Milk. We chatted about life in Milk’s editorial team; working in Soho’s film industry in the 2000s; Fabian’s favourite pizza toppings (which he balances out with some hatha yoga) and much more…
Read on to find out!
How long have you been working at Milk?
Six months now!
What do you like about working here?
The team in Editorial is simply awesome. My colleague John Cooper’s knowledge is world class and the camaraderie of the crew makes the inherent pressures of the job totally worth it. Whether virtual or IRL, everyday at Milk I dive into new and fascinating challenges in an industry I’m personally obsessed with.
Did you always want to be a VFX Editor?
Not exactly. I always dreamt of working in cinema. I started as a self taught editor out of college, a film geek determined to master the craft of editing and grading. Dedicating countless time in pursuit of that dream, cutting in all genres, locked away like a caveman trying to discover fire.
How did you get into VFX Editing?
I was very fortunate to be offered a break reversioning film titles and dust busting film negs in Soho. I learned a lot there before transitioning into broadcast TVCs at the Mill, where I learned even more until I was seized by the advertising world. I soldiered on there and beyond for over a decade, made tons of mistakes and learned a ton more. A hugely creative time with deadline pressures unlike anything I had experienced before.
Afterwards, responding to a post on LinkedIn, I was offered a role at Passion Animation. There, my technical knowledge grew, as did my experience collaborating with bigger creative teams, complex builds and longer schedules. Director Jim Jarmusch once said “working on film is like running away to join the circus”…I can confirm this is true! https://youtu.be/tfTgQV6UF14?t=128
Do you have a favourite kind of VFX editing work? (why?) What’s the best bit of your job?
I do relish the pressure of a deadline and updating elements on shows. Being in the flow then delivering perfection, that sense of accomplishment is the best.
What’s been the most exciting project you’ve worked on in the last year?
Netflix’ upcoming feature The Swimmers has been really exciting! I can’t mention any details as it is yet to be released…
Your favourite project at Milk and why?
It’s one that we’re currently deep into post with now, I can’t say too much…but it’s a show with an epic history & scale with present day relevance. I’ve worked in VR with a similar vibe and to evolve the story with the team at Milk and our amazing client is even better!
What does your typical day look like?
After an early gym sesh of lifting, pull/push or a run I’ll dive into my inbox, catch up on the progress of each project in our team threads before greeting my colleagues and starting the day.
The Editorial department is constantly inundated with requests so it’s like a team sport. On a typical day I’m so caught in the flow of tasks, of technical challenges and being in comms with colleagues that the day is done before I can even realise. And once it’s all delivered, it’s on to a glass of wine, a healthy meal and planning my next holiday…
Your top 3 key ingredients for creating amazing work?
Vision. Talent. Hard work.
What do you love about working in VFX?
Peeling back the stages of post on our shows. Seeing our animation evolve, cities being built, crowds and environments transforming locations is so exciting to be a part of.
I love being challenged with building and maintaining the edit in Baselight, whilst remaining totally faithful to the edit and delivering accurately to the amazing team and our clients. VFX tends to draw wonderfully obsessive and passionate minds and takes me back to the early short film days of teamwork and drive towards a common goal with the highest standards to uphold. The industry is demanding, long commitments are made, although the results are very rewarding.
Advice to your younger self (when starting out in the industry)…
Hold your mistakes up. Wear them proudly or they’ll wear you down.
What’s the secret of your success?
The people. Leaving the edit desk and networking makes all the difference. I have only risen this far by standing on the shoulders of giants. And working really, really, damn hard.
Your top tip for those stepping up into HOD roles? What’s the secret to being a good team leader?
Leading by example, understanding the nuances of the crew. And being a storyteller, because life is nothing without our stories.
What do you like doing when you’re not editing?
Watching indie films and blockbusters, walking my dog Sooty, going to gigs, listening to new electronic or rock music, messaging my Oz family in Sydney (although I was born in Melbourne). And exercise, so I can bulk up and eat more cheesy, meaty, sourdough pizza.
Tell us something that might surprise us about you?
During the pandemic, a specialist diagnosed me with ADHD. It was a life changer, explained so much and will form the path to a clearer and happier future. Know thyself!
And just for fun..
What’s the one thing you always keep on your desk?
Water. Sedentary worker must hydrate.
Pets?
A dog named Sooty. Pomeranian, chihuahua cross. Everyone loves Sooty.
Last present you bought yourself?
Pair of killer adidas trainers.
What would be your superpower?
Intuition. Powerful self doubt that I destroy and rebuild every day.
What are you learning at the moment?
Patience. Planning. And hatha flow yoga. Every day is a school day.
Bonus questions:
Tea or coffee ? one sugar or two?
Decaf latte, half a sugar.
Add anything else you’d like to tell us?!
Just excited to be on the Milk journey.
Thank you Fabian ?