Film instructor and alumnus Dan Bartolucci is in demand as an Autodesk Flame® artist and VFX editor.
With the Oscars just days away, we decided to chat with Film instructor and alumnus Dan Bartolucci who, as a member of the Lola Visual Effects team, is Academy Award nominated for best visual effects for Lone Ranger. Visual effects tends to be one of the more mysterious and mystifying categories, capable of stealing the spoils of a perfectly predicted Oscar pool from the savviest of movie buffs. With that in mind, we sought answers from the ultimate insider. Bartolucci is an esteemed Autodesk Flame® artist and VFX editor who remains very dedicated to his alma mater, where he currently teaches two classes. He can’t reveal the title of his current project but we’ll be sure to find out and let you know when it’s available for public consumption.
Immediately after completing Art Center’s undergraduate film program in 2010, Bartolucci ignited a VFX career that’s been soaring ever since. He has conjured many memorable feats of special effects magic, including shrinking Chris Evans in Captain America, aging the lead actors at the end of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, and emaciating Bella in Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1.
AC: How do you describe what you do to people who are unfamiliar with the world of visual effects?
DB: At our company a lot of our work is most successful when it isn’t perceived as an effect. What we do, when dealing with plot-driven effects, is anything from face-replacements, aging (upwards or downwards), increasing or decreasing proportions/sizes/weights/muscle, and any kind of beauty or cosmetic work you can imagine.
AC: How do you think movie fans view visual effects? What do they seem to like and why?
DB: I think the general population has mixed feelings about visual effects. Some love it, some hate it. The people who hate it, in my opinion, are responding mainly to the big action movies. There are some great articles out there addressing the apparent ‘numbness’ people can acquire from seeing so much of it. However, some people will always love to indulge in the big crashes, explosions and creatures. Personally, I love both worlds.
AC: What do you consider pure artistry in the field?
DB: I’m fascinated by the incredible evolution in creatures and their inherently life-like qualities. I’m not excluding any effects specifically, but off the top of my head I really dig well done creatures. From real animals to aliens, I love it. I was a huge fan of the creatures in Life of Pi and Prometheus.
AC: As a member of the Lola Visual Effects team, nominated for best visual effects for Lone Ranger, what is it that you think stood out to voters?
DB: Realism, regarding the application of effects, is always a good start. I think people appreciate effects that ‘sit’ in the scene, regardless if their background is in practical or visual effects, and the team at Lola did an incredible job applying the work.
AC: What are your favorite films this year?
DB: I didn’t see as many movies in theaters as I would have liked this year, but I was a big fan of [Film alumnus Zack Snyder's] Man of Steel and Fast and Furious. Always a fan of movies that I can get lost into!
AC: What is it about teaching that brings you back to Art Center?
DB: Art Center is a creative powerhouse. I went through the school so fast (six terms, 21+ units each term) that I missed some of what I would have experienced if I had stayed longer. It’s a very rewarding environment and I love the ambition of the creatives here. Working with such ambition and creativity makes me never want to lose that connection.
AC: What is it like riding a motorcycle from Santa Monica to Pasadena during rush hour?
DB: Let’s just say that if I didn’t ride a motorcycle I wouldn’t be able to teach. I’ve heard stories of it taking 2-3 hours going from Santa Monica to Pasadena during rush hour. I refuse to see for myself! I enjoy riding, and it certainly keeps things interesting during my commute!
