Cuppa with UNIT's Senior Online Editor and VFX Artist Simon Giblin

We sat down for a chat with Simon to discuss all things UNIT. Here’s what he had to say…

Q> What inspires you and drives you as a VFX artist?

Simon> The creative collaborative process is what interests and drives me. It's exciting to be part of a team of talented and dedicated individuals all pulling together to deliver a polished final product. I always see myself as working alongside the clients, offering solutions to resolve the challenges of the project.

Q> How is it being part of such a creative artist team?

Simon> Everyone is open to sharing techniques and ideas, which is very refreshing and stimulating. Within a creative environment it's easy to be inspired, and allows you to expand your skillset and explore different approaches to the VFX work.

Q> Tell us about your previous post experience? 

Simon> After graduating from Film School I started off as a runner at Complete Video. I worked my way up through the company to the position of online editor. I became one of the initial members of Pepper working across features and episodic content. From there I joined Technicolor and then Picture Shop, before joining Unit in August 2024.

Q> What first inspired you to get into this career?

Simon> I blame George Lucas! Seeing Star Wars in the cinema in 1978 was a mind-blowing experience. That was coupled with a great deal of behind the scenes content, which made me realise that Film and Television was a career that I could pursue. My dad sparked my imagination also. He had a super 8mm camera and was also a big fan of the Goodies, so we would often be found in parks creating camera tricks, so that was my first taste of VFX trickery. He influenced many of my friends as well, some of whom have gone on to be award winning filmmakers in their own right. Quite a legacy!

Q> Tell us about historical creative highlights?

Simon> Too many to mention, but working on the first series of Andor was a career highlight. Who would have thought that youngster in the cinema would one day be involved in the very universe that inspired him. I'm forever grateful for the opportunity to do that. Several series of Black Mirror are also highlights. The challenges of such an anthology series were multiple, and there were a great many late nights pulled in order to deliver all the shots. The reception such an innovative programme receives, though, makes it all worthwhile.

Q> Tell us about a recent creative highlight project you have been proud to bring in?

Simon> I'm proud to be working on the third series of The Devil's Hour with Hartswood Films. It's a privilege to retain a client's business and I hope we can collaborate on many more projects together.

Q> What are you watching / reading / listening to right now? 

Simon> I'm currently flicking between multiple streaming services waiting for something to catch my eye!