I'm Mike James, a VFX Supervisor and generative AI specialist based in Sydney. Over the past decade I've built a career blending traditional VFX pipelines (Maya, Nuke, Houdini) with cutting-edge AI tools to streamline production from concept to final delivery. I love collaborating across teams, Supervising shoots, Finishing large comp start to end and prototyping AI-driven workflows for on-set and post-production. Recently I've been focused on integrating generative AI into production pipelines, from training LoRA models to developing AI-powered automation tools.…

Mike James

PRO

I'm Mike James, a VFX Supervisor and generative AI specialist based in Sydney. Over the past decade I've built a career blending traditional VFX pipelines (Maya, Nuke, Houdini) with cutting-edge AI tools to streamline production from concept to final delivery. I love collaborating across teams, Supervising shoots, Finishing large comp start to end and prototyping AI-driven workflows for on-set and post-production. Recently I've been focused on integrating generative AI into production pipelines, from training LoRA models to developing AI-powered automation tools.…

Available to hire

I’m Mike James, a VFX Supervisor and generative AI specialist based in Sydney. Over the past decade I’ve built a career blending traditional VFX pipelines (Maya, Nuke, Houdini) with cutting-edge AI tools to streamline production from concept to final delivery.

I love collaborating across teams, Supervising shoots, Finishing large comp start to end and prototyping AI-driven workflows for on-set and post-production. Recently I’ve been focused on integrating generative AI into production pipelines, from training LoRA models to developing AI-powered automation tools.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

VFX Supervisor / Generative AI Specialist
January 1, 2025 - Present
Independent VFX supervisor and generative AI specialist delivering VFX supervision and AI-driven workflows on short formats; recent work includes VFX supervision and Nuke compositing on multiple music videos and contract VFX supervision, Unreal Virtual Production and compositing on multiple TVCs. Delivering complete projects from home facility running Maya, Nuke, Unreal, Houdini, Resolve.
Digital Matte Painter at Luma Pictures (Remote)
February 1, 2025 - May 1, 2025
End-to-end shot production using Photoshop, Unreal Engine, Maya, Houdini, Nuke and SpeedTree; explored generative AI integration using Comfy UI for conceptual development, demonstrating emergent work teams.
Senior 3D Generalist at Heretic Foundation / Epic Games Collaboration
March 1, 2021 - February 1, 2025
Led generative AI research and development for conceptual augmentation and production work. Advanced virtual production capabilities through UE5 environment development for LED wall shots. Collaborated on vehicle system integration for Mercy Road and mentored junior artists while managing technical implementation of complex 3D datasets.
CG Supervisor / Senior Retoucher at The Gingerbread Man
September 1, 2018 - January 1, 2021
Generated CGI assets and immersive environments for feature projects; managed multiple high-resolution deliverables under tight deadlines, collaborating with agencies, photographers, and producers. Reconstructed and composited in Photoshop from basic comps to full background rebuilds.
Digital Matte Painter at Method Studios
September 1, 2012 - August 1, 2015
Created digital matte paintings for feature/television using advanced 2.5D projection techniques; worked with globally distributed teams across USA and London; produced concept style frames for creative director pitches on commercial projects.
Digital Matte Painter at The Gingerbread Man
September 1, 2015 - August 1, 2018
Created digital matte paintings for feature/television end-to-end shot production using Photoshop, Nuke, Maya, and Resolve; mentored junior artists while working directly with directors and editors.
Volunteer Lifesaver (Bronze Medallion) at Royal National Park Lifeguards
September 1, 2018 - Present
Bronze Medallion Patrol Member; active lifesaver on weekends during the season. Represented Burning Palms at multiple national surf carnivals and earned silver at Lifesaving World Championships (2018).

Education

Diploma in Desktop Publishing in Computer Graphics at Computer Graphics College Sydney
January 1, 1996 - January 1, 1996
OpenCV with Python in Computer Vision and Machine Learning at OpenCV University Online
November 1, 2024 - February 12, 2026

Qualifications

Bronze Medallion (Lifesaving)
September 1, 2018 - February 12, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment