Ian Failes

Ian Failes is a former lawyer and now specialized visual effects and animation writer based in Sydney. He also collects memorabilia from the film 'Speed'. Seriously.

Entertainment

How 'King Kong' Movies Changed VFX History, Over and Over Again

From the 1933 original to the new 'Skull Island,' the big ape has left his mark.

ByIan Failes
Entertainment

Rouge Won: The Greatest Practical and CGI Makeup in 'Star Wars'

From prosthetics and puppets to cutting-edge tech, the franchise has the most distinctive creatures

ByIan Failes
Entertainment

Lucasfilm Lost the Old Death Star, So It Made a New One With CGI

'Rogue One' brings back many old ships, made in a very new way.

ByIan Failes
Entertainment

Harry Potter and the VFX Revolution

From Hogwarts minis to lifelike Quidditch, here are the eight films changed the game.

ByIan Failes
Entertainment

How the King of Practical Effects Conquered ‘Hacksaw Ridge’

“You've got your blood bag and choosing your blood is important."

ByIan Failes
Entertainment

The History of Godzilla Is the History of Special Effects

The iconic Japanese monster has gone from rubber suit to CGI.

ByIan Failes
Entertainment

The Dark Magic of Tim Burton's Legendary Special Effects

From stop-motion to groundbreaking CGI, Burton has led a VFX revolution

ByIan Failes
Entertainment

The Secrets Behind Spike Jonze's Insane Mirror-Filled Perfume Ad

The hidden — and not so hidden — special effects of the coolest spot in years

ByIan Failes
Entertainment

The Magic Behind Killer Zombies and the Battle of the Bastards

A look at TV's best visual effects

ByIan Failes
Entertainment

How to Get a Great Performance from a VFX Artist

It takes a very particular skill set to work with many artists to realize one vision.

ByIan Failes
Entertainment

Stop-Motion Animation Looks Old School, But its Tech Is Incredible

From 3D printing to digital graphics, it's more advanced than you think

ByIan Failes
Science

This Augmented Reality App Could Make Instant CGI a Reality

Inside Pinscreen's highly secretive new tech

ByIan Failes
Entertainment

How to Train Your Digital Dragon

The history of cinematic fire-breathers is the history of VFX.

ByIan Failes
Entertainment

How 'Star Trek' Changed Visual Effects History

From miniatures and glitter to cutting edge computer graphics, the franchise has led the way

ByIan Failes
Entertainment

How 'Ghostbusters' Reboot Revived Slimer and Stay Puft as CGI

They honored the analog original while using cutting edge VFX

ByIan Failes
Entertainment

How VFX Arists Helped 'Independence Day: Resurgence' Rain Death

The massive teams that helped Roland Emmerich achieve his dreams

ByIan Failes