Learn more about being an intern at Cinesite

Juliette Lepage is a CFX intern at our Montreal studio. In this short interview, she shares her journey into simulation, her passion for Houdini, and her advice for aspiring CFX artists.

 

What sparked your passion for the industry?
I’ve always loved drawing and computers, and I wanted a career that would let me combine art and technology. During my research, I discovered a 3D animation program at Cégep du Vieux Montréal, where I came across the discipline that seamlessly blended my two passions: visual effects simulations. That’s where I discovered Houdini, a software that allowed me to recreate the magic of the movies I grew up with, control the majestic chaos of natural phenomena, and apply the laws of physics to any object through the creation of procedural node networks. By learning to grow my Houdini’s skills, I’ve been able to bring my artistic vision to life. That’s when I knew I had found my path.

Tell us a bit about your experience at Cinesite ?
I started about a year and a half ago as a runner, an entry level position that allowed me to get familiar with studio life while benefiting from a mentorship program with the FX Supervisor in VFX, which helped me develop my visual effects skills. Step by step, I also built connections with the artists and expanded my network within Cinesite. That eventually led me closer to the CFX department in the Animation division, the team responsible for simulating character hair, clothing, and muscles in Houdini. While the studio was in full production on Ray Gunn, my Houdini skills became a key asset, opening the door to an internship and eventually a CFX artist role.

What excites you about the CFX ?
I love the balance between technical skill and artistic eye that the work requires. On one hand, I’m always looking for more efficient or procedural solutions to move my work forward in increasingly complex Houdini scenes. On the other hand, I need to work closely with the animation department to enhance the characters’ performances. In short, learning and pushing myself further are part of my everyday life!

What do you enjoy most about Cinesite?
Definitely the atmosphere and my coworkers. From my very first days, I was struck by how kind everyone was, whether they were people I interacted with during my tasks or those I sat with at lunch. Everyone is easy to approach, and conversations are always pleasant and fun!

How do you see your future in the industry, and what advice would you share with future talent?
I’d like to keep developing my CFX skills, but I also hope to eventually join the FX department, since both disciplines inspire me just as much. I think that with both of those strings to my bow, I’ll truly feel fulfilled as an artist.
For future talent, my advice would be to always stay passionate and curious. Your enthusiasm will help you stand out not only in your work and your demo reel, but also in your interactions with your peers. And your curiosity will push you to stay up to date with the latest industry news and the new tools available, knowledge that will also help you stand out..