MR. X Adelaide’s latest recruit, VFX Supervisor Malte Sarnes has over 15 years of VFX experience working across feature films, TV and commercials. With his strong background in conceptual design, Sarnes brings a passion for creative challenges and a love of the fast paced to the team at MR. X in Adelaide.

Most recently, Malte worked as the VFX Supervisor on Marvel Studios’ soon to be released Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and Disney’s Jungle Cruise. He also served as VFX Supervisor on Marvel’s Captain Marvel, 20^th Century Fox’s Ford v Ferrari and HBO’s Game of Thrones.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background in VFX?

My name is Malte Sarnes. I’m a VFX Supervisor working for MR. X in Adelaide. I studied industrial design back in Germany and I’m fascinated by all kinds of art and design, so my background is definitely creative, rather than technical. I worked for many years in commercials before moving into VFX for features. I have a strong passion for the aesthetic and design of VFX. 

What are some of your most memorable projects and why?

That’s not easy to answer! I’ve worked on quite a few projects in my career and each one has had memorable moments, both good and bad! Most recently, I liked the extremely consistent and seamless looking effects on Ford v Ferrari; the massive jungle environment with its river networks, snakes and explosion effects on the upcoming Disney film Jungle Cruise; and the beautifully crafted environments and supernatural effects on Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. 

What excites you about working in VFX and more specifically, your new role as VFX Supervisor at MR. X?

That’s a good question! I think what excites me the most is that every project is different, new and has its own challenges that need be solved. I love seeing ideas shaping up, evolving over time, and forming into something stable in the final picture.

“I like the changes and the unknown nature of what we do, so I’m looking forward to tackling this with the talented and diverse team that we have here in Adelaide. MR. X has a long and celebrated history in Canada, but we are new to this part of the world, and I am so excited about working alongside our massive global team to build the studio in Australia.”

Malte Sarnes, VFX Supervisor, MR. X Adelaide

What do you enjoy most about working within the VFX industry in Australia?

I think Australia has a great young and motivated talent pool and plenty of opportunities to get into the VFX industry. Recently there’s been a huge increase in the number of productions, particularly in Australia. As a result, VFX is moving quickly and I think Australia is a place with great opportunity for industry growth.

What inspired you to pursue a career in VFX?

 It’s probably a combination of things that got me into VFX. As I mentioned earlier, I love design; whether it’s classic product design, costume or transportation design, sculptures, interior design, or architecture. I have also a strong passion for photography – I do think there’s no better way to tell stories than with pictures. Beautiful pictures, sad pictures, impressive or depressing pictures – pictures bring stories to life. In VFX, you can combine all those elements. There’s room to design the effects, environments, characters, and worlds. Sometimes you start with an almost blank page and it’s on you to use the ‘tool’ VFX to tell or support a story! The possibilities are endless!

“VFX is the perfect combination of art and technology, bringing together all kinds of unique and talented people.”

Malte Sarnes, VFX Supervisor, MR. X

How do you think the VFX industry is changing, and what do you think that means for the future of filmmaking?

I think virtual productions will continue to grow in the coming years. As it has become less obtrusive to the process, it has been used to drive productions more. As more DPs get exposed to and embrace this technology we will see some very interesting and clever use of it. More consistent looking lighting and endless possibilities on set will increase the quality of VFX.

Featured top image credit: Torrens River, Adelaide, South Australia.