06/22/2026
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Go behind the scenes of âThey Will Kill Youâ with Crafty Apesâ VFX Supervisor Marc Smith and Compositing Supervisor Nicole Smith as they break down the filmâs most intense visual effects.
In this in-depth conversation, they reveal how practical effects and digital VFX were seamlessly combined to create realistic gore, high-impact sequences, and visually striking moments. From early pre-production planning to final compositing, discover the techniques, tools, and creative decisions that brought the directorâs vision to life.
Whether youâre a filmmaker, VFX artist, or film enthusiast, this interview offers valuable insight into professional visual effects workflows, collaboration on set, and the artistry behind complex cinematic scenes.
Topics Covered:
-VFX breakdown of âThey Will Kill You.â
-Practical vs digital effects in film
-Creating realistic gore with VFX
-Compositing techniques and workflows
-Collaboration between the VFX team and the director
-Behind-the-scenes filmmaking process
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With over 23 years of VFX experience across multiple disciplines and global locations Marc Smith is a well rounded and versatile VFX Supervisor with extensive experience in both pre and post production. Some of his notable credits include "Alita: Battle Angel" (2019), "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" (2011) and "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" (2014).
Nicole Smith has 14 years of experience in the visual effects industry and is a compositing supervisor with a passion for seamless visual storytelling. With a strong eye for detail, she specializes in integrating live action and CGI into cohesive, cinematic images. Her background includes leading teams across high-end film and television projects, most recently on They Will Kill You, where she oversaw the delivery of visuals that met both creative and technical goals. She is always looking for ways to refine the work and elevate the final result. Outside of work, she enjoys home renovation projects, experimenting with new recipes, and spending time exploring with her dog.
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Manhattan Edit Workshop's mission is to provide the highest-quality education for filmmakers and editors, focusing on the art and technology inherent to our craft. We foster a "learn by doing" approach in an atmosphere where mistakes are encouraged as part of the process and the only "silly" question is the one that isn't asked.
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