Why These Executive Producers Believe Humility Is Key in Production

Dez Macleod-Veilleux and Zach Fortin, executive producers at global content creation studio and VFX specialist, Method Studios, both agree on a few characteristics that make a successful producer. Humility, curiosity, versatility, and a passion for collaboration - all elements, among several others, that they believe are key to solving the complex demands of the VFX industry.

Hoping to strike the right balance between professionalism and empathy, Zach says that the duo operate as "facilitators" rather than "dictators", fostering lifelong friendships and connections across the production landscape, the tight bonds of which he describes as "the true treasures of this ever-evolving industry". This philosophy was in part borne from Zach's start in New York's hospitality scene, running and consulting for bars in the city post-college. This offered a surprising springboard into the realm of creativity when his wife - then an edit assistant - suggested his skillset would translate well into production.

Having now produced for the best part of a decade at studios like The Mill, Imaginary Forces and Preymaker, he says, "Mentors like [Glassworks COO] Chris Kiser and Will Mok [veteran VFX producer, now freelance] recognised my potential and championed my move from client services to my true calling – production. Their support solidified my belief that hospitality's blend of service and stress management translates perfectly to this demanding field."

Whereas for Dez, growing up in a small Canadian town, the world of production always seemed like a distant dream. Though he studied communication and business at college, seeing his friends working on film animation ignited a spark within him that he never knew existed, and was soon connected to a VFX company. "And I haven't looked back," he says. Dez's producing journey has also taken him through some of the industry's greats from The Mill to Framestore, Psyop and MPC, where he was head of production for over three years.

Speaking to LBB's Ben Conway the EP pair discuss some of the work they're proudest of, accidentally falling off a moving train in Romania, and why the best producers "combine expertise, adaptability, and stellar communication with a genuine understanding and respect for the industry's human element."

LBB> What were some of the most formative experiences and lessons from your early days in production? How did you learn to be a producer?

Zach> A key lesson for me was the importance of vulnerability - admitting when I didn't understand something and actively seeking clarity. Early on, there's a tendency to want to appear fully knowledgeable, but the complexity of VFX demands a more humble approach. This not only helped me learn faster but also built trust with the artists, which has been crucial for my growth.

Dez> Being a great producer also means you must wear many hats: managing daily tasks, fostering team spirit, prioritising creativity, and client communication. One of the most important things I learned early on is that relationships are crucial and apply to all aspects of the job. A mentor also instilled the importance of staying humble, curious, and forever excited by the work.

LBB> A good producer should be able to produce for any medium, from film to events to digital experience. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why?

Zach> Yes, I do. But it's more than just versatility - it's about understanding the creative process intimately, regardless of the medium. The deeper I've ventured into my career, the more I've realised how intertwined production and creative roles are. There's a synergy there that, when harnessed, can significantly amplify the impact of our work.

Dez> Absolutely! However, finding your passion is key. It can take you on incredible journeys, open many opportunities, and expose you to various mediums. For example, I started as a telecine producer and have since been exposed to VFX, VR, live action, animation, and live events. The common thread is the underlying commitment to creativity and excellence.

LBB> What's your favourite thing about production and why? Has this changed as the industry has evolved?

Zach> For me, the essence of production lies in the power of collaborative problem-solving. It's about turning ideas into tangible realities, often under tight deadlines. Over time, my focus has shifted towards mentoring the next generation of producers. The pandemic has transformed our learning environments, and I'm keen to ensure that the pathway for knowledge exchange remains open and fruitful.

Dez> Production has brought me incredible experiences, including traveling the globe, meeting inspiring people, and forging lifelong friendships. These connections are the true treasures of this ever-evolving industry, and I'm excited to keep building them in the years to come.

LBB> What do you think is the key to being an effective producer? What advice would you give to someone interested in becoming a producer?

Zach> Humility is key in production. We're facilitators, not dictators. For aspiring producers, remember: we only sometimes have all the answers. Understanding every aspect, from the granular details to the broader project vision, is crucial for navigating the complexities of production.

Dez> Stay curious, but be willing to make mistakes, and never stop learning.

LBB> Which production project from across your career are you most proud of and why?

Zach> The Verizon Super Bowl spot 'Can't B Broken', featuring Beyoncé, is a standout. It was a convergence of high stakes, immense talent, and collective dedication. The project exemplified the essence of teamwork and the exhilarating rush of bringing an ambitious vision to life.

Dez> A standout project for me was a Dell computer commercial called 'Thomas', released around twelve years ago. It was the first campaign I worked on that received industry recognition. I still cherish the sense of accomplishment I felt alongside my talented colleagues today.

LBB> And in terms of recent work, which projects have you found to be particularly exciting or have presented particularly interesting production challenges?

Zach> The dynamic nature of client relationships, especially when mutual trust allows for deeper creative collaboration, is always thrilling. In these scenarios, we find ourselves pushing the boundaries, innovating with new solutions and ideas that keep our work at the cutting edge.

Dez> Every project has its challenges and requires creative problem-solving, attentive communication, and collaboration.

LBB> Producers always have the best stories. What's the hairiest / most insane situation you've found yourself in and how did you work your way out of it?

Zach> The onset of covid was a watershed moment. The sudden shift in how we operated tested us all, but the collective brilliance and problem-solving capacity of my team and our clients saw us through. It reinforced the value of unity and adaptability.

Dez> In addition to what Zach mentioned, I have also been involved in a few hairy situations. I once fell off a moving train while shooting in Romania, an experience that I'll never forget. How did I get out of it? I stood up, brushed off the dust, swallowed my pride, and jumped back onto the train. This is a metaphor for being a producer; you must roll with the punches and keep moving along.

LBB> Producers are problem solvers. What personally fuels your curiosity and drive? What do you get up to outside or work?

Zach> I've always been drawn to puzzles and the satisfaction of solving them. This translates into my hobbies, whether it's working on cars or cooking. These activities offer a reprieve from the digital world and sharpen my problem-solving skills.

Dez> It's unrelated to my profession, but I've always wanted to be and do better. As such, I've always been thrilled by learning new things, seeing new places, and experiencing things outside my comfort zone. Outside of work, I love to travel to remote corners of the world and enjoy all its natural beauty.

LBB> What are the ingredients for a successful production-client relationship, and more widely, a successful production?

Zach> We combine expertise, adaptability, and stellar communication with a genuine understanding and respect for our industry's human element. We strike the right balance between professionalism and empathy, ensuring that we're not just meeting expectations but also building meaningful connections.

Dez> Honesty, dedication, open communication, mutual respect, and knowing we are all human. And you never know – a client might become one of your best friends one day.