How are movie special effects really made? Go behind the scenes of practical movie effects with SPFX Supervisor John Milinac as he explains how professional special effects are created safely and effectively on a film set.

In this episode of the Roll Camera Podcast, John takes us inside the world of movie special effects and practical effects, sharing what a Special Effects Supervisor actually does and the planning, creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and safety that happen long before the cameras roll.

Special effects are much more than explosions. Practical SPFX can include fire, smoke, rain, wind, mechanical effects, atmospheric effects, and many of the physical elements filmmakers use to create believable action on camera.

John shares his experience working in the film industry and gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how the SPFX department works on Chicago Fire !! What it takes to get an idea from the script and make it happen safely in front of the camera.

Whether you're a filmmaker, film student, aspiring crew member, or movie fan, this conversation gives you a look at filmmaking from the perspective of someone who has actually done the work.

If you've ever watched a movie and wondered, “How did they do that?”, this episode is for you.

0:00:40 John Milinac background SPFX Supervisor

0:04:11 What do you need to learn SPFX

0:08:53 When are you ready to work in SPFX

0:10:25 Your audition 0:11:40 Pressure test

0:14:21 The Learning System

0:15:40 Old Techniques

0:17:10 SPFX and CGI 0:22:10 Episodic TV Prep (Chicago Fire)

0:26:00 Backdraft

0:28:56 Courage Under Fire

0:46:30 What else is SPFX

0:50:17 Hop, Underdog, Weather man

0:52:05 Road to Perdition, Groundhog Day

0:54:30 Safety

1:03:29 Understanding camera Angles and Cut

And we get some behind the scene stories from...

The Fugitive

Wonder Boys

The Weather Man

Chicago Fire

Groundhog Day

Courage Under Fire

Under Dog

Backdraft

Road to Perdition

Also mentioned

https://www.specialeffectsunlimited.com

🎬 Roll Camera Podcast Real conversations with the professionals behind the camera about filmmaking, film careers, movie departments, and the people who bring stories to life.

Subscribe to Roll Camera Podcast for more behind-the-scenes conversations with working film professionals.

I'll see you on set.

#MovieSpecialEffects #PracticalEffects #SPFX #Filmmaking #BehindTheScenes #Chicago Fire SPFX Supervisor #John Milinac

Brace yourself for some amazing filmmaking stories from a film industry legend! Jamie Barber is a veteran cinematographer and television director with over 30 years of experience in Hollywood. His credits include Titanic, Demolition Man, Roswell, The O.C., Knight Rider, Covert Affairs, and Quantico, making him one of the industry's most accomplished visual storytellers. And with those 30 years of experience comes some fantastic advice and UNBELIEVABLE stories.

This is one episode you won't want to miss! 🎬

🍿HOST: Linda Gacsko

🎥CO-HOST: Steven Hiller

🎞️ CO-HOST: Jeremy Michael Hull

🎬 GUEST: Jamie Barber

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE for more Film 5.0 content 🙌

This week on The Film 5.0 Podcast, Roll Camera, we're thrilled to have the talented writer and director Kyle Rankin as our special guest! You might know Kyle from his work on films like "The Battle of Shaker Heights," "Infestation", and his latest intense thriller, "Run Hide Fight."

In this episode, hosts Steve Hiller and Linda Gacsko dive deep into Kyle's journey as a filmmaker. We reminisce about the making of The Battle of Shaker Heights, where Kyle, Steve, and Linda first worked together, and explore the challenges and triumphs of casting his latest project. Kyle also shares some fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, including a scene involving a deer that you won't want to miss!

Join us for an entertaining and insightful conversation that offers a glimpse into the creative mind of a filmmaker pushing boundaries and telling compelling stories. Whether you're a film buff, aspiring director, or just looking for a good time, this episode has something for everyone.