Hugo's Desk

29/05/2026

This is the way. Hugo and Ian dive into Jon Favreau’s big-screen ve...

28/05/2026

This is the way: Brand new VFX Notes Podcast - Ian and I dive into Jon Favreau’s big-screen version of The Mandalorian and Grogu, breaking down our favourite scenes and sharing insights on the great combination of different effects techniques in the film, from practical puppets, miniatures and stop-motion to expertly crafted CG and digital visual effects. Enjoy the podcast with chapters exclusively on YouTube.

Listen to the audio version on the YouTube Music App: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=rDuuw02HWK0&si=zbDuDlwYp0n9BiW-

Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rDuuw02HWK0

This is the way.

This is the way. Hugo and Ian dive into Jon Favreau’s big-screen ve...

19/05/2026

XPPen Pilot Pro Editing Console: An amazing modern Jog Shuttle for editors.

I’ve always used editing consoles, jog shuttles, and grading surfaces, so the new XPPen Pilot Pro really surprised me. I really liked the tactile response and precision I get from its k***s and dials, and the haptic feedback was amazing. It has truly become a part of my editing and grading pipeline. I hope you enjoy this "first impressions" video.

Find out more about the XPPen Pilot Pro Editing Console at: https://www.xp-pen.com/product/pilot-pro.html

Or buy it here: https://amzn.to/4tOjhp0

01/05/2026

Going to ⁨ in Germany next week? Join me for a keynote presentation for ⁨⁩ called "Experimental hybrid compositing workflows with Nuke, machine learning & AI"

In this keynote, I will share some tips, tricks, and potential pipeline strategies for merging traditional compositing, machine learning, and AI. In the experimental session, I will also showcase research and tests done using Nuke’s new 3D System, CopyCat, and Beeble AI.

During the session, I will showcase the new USD pipeline and the new ScanlineRender node for improved motion blur and filtering. I will also use normals and position passes for relighting, Deep renders to occlude stock footage, and CopyCat Machine Learning pipelines for deflickering and upscaling.

What’s more, I’ll use Beeble AI to generate fake reflection passes and PBR VFX passes to help relight the shot. In this talk, I will create a fast turnaround hybrid comp/ML/AI pipeline to enable quick responses to client feedback, as well as dramatic changes to VFX shots, without re-rendering the CG.

Join me at Raum Mannheim, Wednesday, May 06, 12:30

Get your tickets today: https://fmx.de/en/tickets

Hope to see you there.

20/04/2026

Back tomorrow LIVE: The honest showreel reviews have a new format! This time, no booking is necessary; just send your showreel to the link below, and I will review your work during the streams. (first come first serviced). You can also submit the showreels during the stream, if slots are still available.

This is your opportunity to have your work reviewed by me, an award-winning VFX supervisor with over 25 years of experience. I will always provide honest, constructive and professional feedback to help you in your journey as a VFX artist.

Of course, it goes without saying that if you want to join the review and chat with me, you are more than welcome. If not, that’s ok too, I will still review your reel.

This stream is brought to you by BenQ Creative Pro and their range of professional monitors for designers, video editors and photographers.

Submit your showreel, shot, and portfolio on the link below. Please don’t forget to add your name to the files. You can upload h264, h265, and ProRes for videos or JPGs for stills. Please try to upload the highest quality possible. If you would like to join the stream live and chat with me, just contact me on social media to confirm your slot for the review. Thanks

Link to upload the files: https://www.dropbox.com/request/Dme02oKIz021uVc0LHGj

There will also be a giveaway of my Nuke Courses during the stream. A link will be provided during the live stream.

I hope you can join the stream.

We go live on Tuesday, the 21st of April, from 16:00 BST on YouTube and Twitch: https://youtube.com/live/GKl3eqYxJxA

4 likes. "Honest showreel reviews 43 | Powered by & "

20/04/2026

Unboxing the BenQ Creative Pro PV3200U monitor for Video Creators｜32" 4K Monitor for Video Editing, 95% P3, 100% Rec.709/sRGB, USB-C, 2.1ch Sound

More info here: https://www.benq.eu/en-uk/monitor/creative-pro/pv3200u.html

If anyone is interested, I have a 10% discount up for grabs, just send me a private message.

07/04/2026

With FMX – I just got recognised as one of their top fans! 🎉

06/04/2026

Even with AI and ComfyUI, you still need to know compositing. Nuke is the industry standard for film and television, and VFX companies are looking for good artists to join their teams. Not to mention, with AI, you still need to fix plates, clean artefacts, and composite CGI and footage together.

Want to learn the fundamental core skills of Compositing? Join my Online Foundry Nuke courses. Our SPRING SALE is on for a limited time! Until the 30th of April. This is the biggest discount ever for my Nuke courses! 75% OFF right now to celebrate springtime, on both courses!

Use code SPRINGSALE26 during checkout.

Sign up today: https://hugosdesk.myshopify.com/

Both courses also have a 3X interest-free instalment option.

I have two courses on offer right now!

Nuke compositing course:

- Access to 150 pre-recorded classes
- Over 50+ hours of training
- Real Production Footage
- Industry Standard techniques
- Student license path (paid separately*)
- Showreel material (Over 200GB of professional footage)
- Access to a Private Discord (With over 2800 students)
- New classes on CopyCat, Machine Learning and the new Nuke 17’s 3D system dropping during 2026

"The Workshops" course:

- D-Love Clean-up Workshop
- Gural CG Compositing workshop
- GOK Production Compositing Workshop
- Conform and VFX editorial workshop (coming soon)
- Racetrack DEEP workshop (75% available to watch)
- Pint CG workshop (75% available to watch)
- Sniper Elite CG workshop (coming soon)
- Nuke CG Compositing Workshop View Conference 2022
- Real Production Footage
- Access to a Private Discord

*These courses also give you a path to get a Foundry student license at an exceptional price (paid separately). The license can be upgraded to a commercial license for a fraction of the regular price.

Both courses are endorsed by Foundry

Join our fantastic community of more than 3000 students.

06/04/2026

Back tomorrow LIVE: The honest showreel reviews have a new format! This time, no booking is necessary; just send your showreel to the link below, and I will review your work during the streams. (first come first serviced). You can also submit the showreels during the stream, if slots are still available.

This is your opportunity to have your work reviewed by me, an award-winning VFX supervisor with over 25 years of experience. I will always provide honest, constructive and professional feedback to help you in your journey as a VFX artist.

Of course, it goes without saying that if you want to join the review and chat with me, you are more than welcome. If not, that’s ok too, I will still review your reel.

This stream is brought to you by BenQ Europe and their range of professional monitors for designers, video editors and photographers.

Submit your showreel, shot, and portfolio on the link below. Please don’t forget to add your name to the files. You can upload h264, h265, and ProRes for videos or JPGs for stills. Please try to upload the highest quality possible. If you would like to join the stream live and chat with me, just contact me on social media to confirm your slot for the review. Thanks

Link to upload the files: https://www.dropbox.com/request/Dme02oKIz021uVc0LHGj

There will also be a giveaway of my Nuke Courses during the stream. A link will be provided during the live stream.

I hope you can join the stream.

We go live on Tuesday, the 7th of April, from 16:00 BST on YouTube and Twitch: https://youtube.com/live/Jt0Sm8NNVOU

The honest showreel reviews are back with a new format! This time, no booking is necessary; just send your showreel to the link below, and I will review your...

30/03/2026

The honest showreel reviews are back this week with a new format! This time, no booking is necessary; just send your showreel to the link below, and I will review your work during the stream. (first come first serviced). You can also submit the showreel during the stream, if slots are available.

This is your opportunity to have your work reviewed by me, an award-winning VFX supervisor with over 25 years of experience. I will always provide honest, constructive and professional feedback to help you in your journey as a VFX artist.

Of course, it goes without saying that if you want to join the review and chat with me, you are more than welcome. If not, that’s ok too, I will still review your reel.

This stream is brought to you by BenQ Creative Pro and their range of professional monitors for designers, video editors and photographers.
Submit your showreel, shot, and portfolio on the link below.

Please don’t forget to add your name to the files. You can upload h264, h265, and ProRes for videos or JPGs for stills. Please try to upload the highest quality possible. If you would like to join the stream live and chat with me, just contact me on social media to get a Google Meet link. Thanks

Link to upload the files: https://www.dropbox.com/request/Dme02oKIz021uVc0LHGj

There will also be a giveaway of my Nuke Courses during the stream. A link will be provided during the live stream.
I hope you can join the stream.

We go live on Tuesday, the 31st of March, from 16:00 BST on YouTube and Twitch: https://youtube.com/live/VWs46SiUk_Q

The honest showreel reviews are back with a new format! This time, no booking is necessary; just send your showreel to the link below, and I will review your...

26/03/2026

I'm a speaker at FMX 2026. I'm so happy to return to my favourite festival, and of course, very humbled to have been invited to present at FMX once again! I'm doing 3 presentations.

Doing a live episode of the VFX Notes Podcast with Befores & Aftersmag, a keynote with Foundry and a masterclass in Nuke for the online day.

Grab your tickets today. Early bird prices are ending on the 30th of March. I hope we can meet in Stuttgart, Germany, at FMX.

Visit https://fmx.de to know more.