Andor VFX Editing Takes Center Stage at Emmy Awards 2023
In the bustling world of visual effects (VFX) for television, Liyana Mansor stands out as a beacon of precision and creativity. As a VFX Editor, Mansor's role is pivotal, bridging the gap between the editorial and VFX teams, and playing a crucial part in the creation of temp VFX compositing.
Mansor's work on shows like "Andor", "Chernobyl", and "Black Mirror" involves the quick mocking up of VFX shots during the editing process to visualize how the final visual effects will integrate with the live-action footage. To perform these compositing tasks efficiently, she relies on a combination of tools: Avid Media Composer, Boris FX Continuum and Sapphire plugins, and a Wacom Intuos Pro tablet.
The Wacom tablet provides a more intuitive, tactile, and fluid way to interact with the software, making the pen feel like an extension of her hand. This setup allows her to manipulate VFX elements quickly and comfortably, critical for the iterative and experimental nature of temp compositing in VFX editing.
The Boris FX products expedite the process in various ways, saving time and streamlining work. For instance, S_Laserbeam was used to animate lasers into the cut with specific characteristics, while BCC Rain was employed for weather continuity. Continuum's Primatte Studio was used for removing blue screens and dropping in temp background plates across episodes of "Andor". Sapphire's S_FogExponential was used for fog continuity in Aldhani.
Moreover, Primatte, integrated with Mocha, provided excellent tracking and integration, minimizing unwanted attention. BCC_Scanline, BCC Rays Textured, BCC Rays Radiant Spotlight, and S_Laserbeam were combined to affect the images transmitted by holoprojectors in "Andor".
In the temp compositing phase, Mansor either sources or creates temporary elements and uses concept art or reference photography as a guide to help fill in the gaps until the shots are ready to be turned over to the VFX Artists. The role of a VFX Editor is to ensure the tracking of visual effects shots from the assembly edit stage to the final delivery of the show.
Mansor's dedication and collaboration with the team on "Andor" were instrumental in managing the high number of VFX shots, meeting the delivery schedule, and achieving the show's high level of realism. This dedication was recognised with a nomination for an Emmy in the category of Outstanding Special Visual Effects in A Season Or A Movie for her work as Lead VFX Editor on "Andor".
However, Mansor is quick to emphasise that her nomination is a result of the collaboration of the entire team working on "Andor". Having an incredibly supportive and skilled VFX Editorial team was crucial for the successful execution of the show's VFX.
In summary, Liyana Mansor's work as a VFX Editor involves managing and organising visual effects elements during the post-production phase of filmmaking. Her use of advanced tools like Boris FX products streamlines the process, allowing her to create temp VFX compositing that balances speed and accuracy, finding "fluidity in the editing suite". This approach has been showcased in her work on "Andor" and other high-profile projects.
Movies-and-TV are enriched by Liyana Mansor's work in the entertainment industry, particularly in the VFX department. Her dedication and reliance on advanced tools like Boris FX products contribute to the creation of compelling temp VFX compositing that enhances the overall quality of shows like "Andor".
