The Voice of Virtual Production Episode 2: Andrew Fowler on the Art and Business of Modern Filmmaking

The second episode of The Voice of Virtual Production (TVOVP) has officially dropped. TVOVP is a video interview series co-created by Synapse Virtual Production (Synapse) and Little Black Book (LBB) which is assembling industry-leading experts in order to shine a light on the ways in which the production world is transforming, and discuss how to get the most out of cutting-edge virtual production technology. 

This second installment sees Andrew Fowler - former vice president at both Netflix and The Walt Disney Company - join Synapse co-founder and CEO Justin Diener to reflect on how to balance the financial side of the production world with an ever-increasing demand for both volume and quality. They also consider how, when used with craft and expertise, virtual production technology can play a key role in overcoming these challenges. 

Andrew’s history in VFX and filmmaking began with 1998’s Lost in Space, but has since evolved over a career which has seen him receive an Emmy (for HBO’s ‘The Life and Death of Peter Sellars’), and build a global team from scratch servicing Netflix’s content across both features and series. Andrew is a true trailblazer in virtual production, being one of the first to leverage the technology in order to change the way content is created as far back as 2016 whilst at Netflix. 

And Justin has worked as an award-winning executive and line producer on feature films, music videos, commercials and branded content for huge global companies and studios such as Paramount, Universal, Google, Pepsi, Anonymous Content and Caviar. At Synapse, he’s now leading the charge for the virtual production-led transformation of the production industry. 

You can check out the full discussion, moderated by LBB’s Adam Bennett, below:

Over the course of the wide-ranging conversation, Andrew recalls how his experience on modern blockbuster TV - like Netflix’s Stranger Things - has shaped his view on the role and potential of technology in the production process. At the same time, Justin breaks down precisely how a better understanding of virtual production can yield the best results when it comes to both efficiency and quality. 

“It was fantastic to hear Andrew’s perspectives on how virtual production is evolving to meet the needs of the modern industry. The aim of this series has always been to inspire and empower creators with knowledge and tools to embrace the transformative power of VP, and I’d like to thank Andrew for adding his expertise to that mission”, says Justin. “It’s exciting to share these insightful conversations, and we look forward to engaging with the global filmmaking and creative technology community on our YouTube and other social channels so that, together, we can keep pushing the limits of what’s possible and shape the future of our industry.”

“The economics of the industry has always been a thorny and intriguing topic, and that’s especially true now”, adds Adam. “So it was a pleasure to be part of such a frank and insightful conversation between two production experts who know precisely what it takes to bring ideas onto screens in the best possible way”. 

For more information about or to register your interest in getting involved with The Voice of Virtual Production please contact lily@lbbonline.com and abi@lbbonline.com.