Interview with Composer Gillian Simpson
Gillian Simpson: A Talented VFX Compositor with a Passion for Art
Gillian Simpson, a London-based VFX compositor, has made a name for herself in the film industry with her impressive work on various projects. Originally from Scotland, Simpson graduated from the National Film and Television School with an MA in Digital Effects.
During her busy work periods, Simpson often turns to coffee and sweet snacks for a boost of energy. But when it comes to unwinding and combating creative burnout, she turns to her passion for art. Simpson enjoys drawing, painting, pottery, and watching films, and she finds artistic inspiration from visiting galleries, particularly the Tate.
Simpson's career path is a testament to her dedication and versatility. She transitioned from Avid editing to VFX compositing by building on her extensive editing experience in documentary and children’s television for over 15 years. Her career shows a progression from editor to director and involvement in VFX, indicating a gradual shift through acquiring complementary skills likely aligned with post-production and compositing work.
Simpson's credits include notable films such as Isle of Dogs, The French Dispatch, Dumbo, Venom, The King's Man, and HBO's House of the Dragon. She recently wrapped up work on the first season of House of the Dragon, and is particularly proud of this project.
Simpson's work on House of the Dragon was heavily reliant on Mocha Pro's PowerMesh tracking feature. Mocha Pro was essential for set extensions, fast-moving camera moves, face replacements, and clean-up on people in the series.
In addition to her work in films, Simpson is a fan of Marvel films and TV shows, with The West Wing and Ted Lasso among her favorite TV series. Recently, she has enjoyed films like Promising Young Woman, Everything Everywhere All At Once, and Spider-Man: No Way Home. If given the opportunity, Simpson would like to collaborate with Gareth Edwards, citing his film Monsters as a major influence.
Simpson's work setup is simple yet effective. She uses her own computer, Nuke, Mocha Pro, and starts each new job with a fresh notebook. Even in the midst of her busy schedule, Simpson finds time for a little indulgence – she has a secret stash of dark chocolate in her workroom.
Throughout her career, Simpson has had the support and encouragement of a mentor. She advises her younger self to be more confident, a piece of advice that resonates with many aspiring professionals in the industry. Simpson admires the work of J.M.W. Turner for his atmospheric paintings, and her work reflects a similar attention to detail and artistic flair.
Gillian Simpson, in her downtime from utilizing technology for her VFX compositing work, finds solace in her passion for traditional gadgets like drawing materials and pottery tools. Her appreciation for art extends beyond her professional life, as she enjoys visiting galleries to immerse herself in various forms of art, including paintings and sculptures.
