Freddy Chavez from Boxel Studios Explains how he uses Leonardo to Supercharge his VFX Workflow
Can you tell us about your background in film and video?
Freddy: I’m originally from Mexico but have been working in the VFX industry in Canada for the past two decades. I’ve contributed to a few fun projects, including “The Mandalorian,” “Blade Runner 2049,” “Pacific Rim,” and “District 9.”
In addition to my VFX career, I’m part of the Directors Guild of Canada where I have been channelling my storytelling skills as a writer/director.
How did you get started using Leonardo.Ai?
Freddy: I’m a big horror fan so when AI started to explode in 2023 I was excited by the possibilities of the tech for filmmakers. I began searching for beta access to AI tools and this quest led me to Leonardo, which not only had a web platform but also boasted customizable features, capturing my curiosity.
How are you currently using Leonardo in your filmmaking process?
Freddy: I’ve always been intrigued by horror and human transformation: zombies, vampires, demons, werewolves, you name it. Leonardo has reignited the excitement that inspired me to join the industry, allowing me to do more with my makeup and VFX background and explore a new wave of ideas and concepts in a rapid way. It almost feels like an extension of myself.
I’ve been focusing my use of Leonardo on training models using personalized datasets that I can use to generate makeup looks using Image Guidance. By creating stylized keyframes in Leonardo and subsequently applying them to dynamic footage, I’ve created a VFX workflow for my projects.
What types of work are you creating with Leonardo?
Freddy: I recently completed a horror short film and I had only two hours to shoot in a virtual production stage. The script included a scene that required old-age makeup effects, but given the tight two-hour time constraint, this was impractical. I opted to address it in post-production using Leonardo and Nuke’s CopyCat, and I am thrilled with the results. The film has already been selected in a few international film festivals.
Has Leonardo changed the type of work you’ve been able to create?
Freddy: Leonardo has become a co-pilot in my creative process. It allows me to transition from writing a pitch or expressing an idea visually immediately to creating full shots that become integral parts of a project.
How do you think AI tools are going to change the way that film and TV is made in the future?
Freddy: I believe AI will revolutionize the way we approach the filmmaking processes by making it more efficient and empowering artists and filmmakers to achieve more with fewer resources.
Both as a supervisor in the VFX industry and as a writer/director, my role has benefited immensely from the use of these new technologies in storytelling.
Freddy Chavez is a VFX artist, filmmaker and the Creative Director of AI at Boxel Studios. You can see more of his work and follow his journey with AI here.