Why I Do VFX: The Untold Truths About Working in Visual Effects by Vicki Lau
A book blog tour from iRead Book Tours.
Thank you to the author, publisher, & Lauren at iRead for providing me the information for this tour. 
Book Details
Why I Do VFX: The Untold Truths About Working in Visual Effects by Vicki Lau Published by Vicki Lau on May 2021
Genres: Education, Non-fiction
Format: Audiobook, eBook, Paperback
Pages: 376
From the city of Singapore to working on over twenty Hollywood blockbuster films and TV series such as "The Walking Dead," "Guardians of the Galaxy," "Aquaman," and "War for the Planet of the Apes," comes one of the first books of its kind in the visual effects (VFX) industry.
With a unique blend of self-help, career strategy, and memoir-like elements, Vicki Lau speaks to the core of what it is like to work behind-the-scenes on some of your favorite Hollywood titles, covering strategies employed in order to maneuver her way into the upper echelons of the industry.
You will learn:
- Detailed breakdowns of day-to-day studio activities- How industries and events impact your life and career prospects as a VFX artist- Key strategies and insights on dealing with Hollywood politics- Precise predictions on VFX job displacements and new high-growth skills- Self-clarity on your ambitions in life and what the VFX industry truly offersWhy I Do VFX is a must-have for anyone seriously considering a fulfilling life and career in Hollywood, film, and the arts.
After all, why spend a decade of your life uncovering the truths about this industry when you need only read this book to answer your own question:
Do you really want to do VFX?Foreword by Leif Einarsson (VFX on "Stuart Little," "X-Men: Days of Future Past," "Spider-Man: Homecoming")
Rating: PG: Suggested use of the word “bitch” (but spelled as “b…”), one mention of an experience of unwarranted sexual advance through text message solicitation (no images, just text).
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Purchase Links for Why I Do VFX
Barnes & Noble Kobo AppleBooks/ iTunes
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About Vicki Lau
Vicki Lau is a VFX artist/generalist, virtual reality (VR) developer, TEDx speaker, entrepreneur, and educator from Singapore who broke into Hollywood as an outsider. She has worked with over 20 studios and filmmakers on major productions such as AMC's "The Walking Dead" (Season 4), "Guardians of the Galaxy," and "Aquaman" and teaches over 80,000 students worldwide.
She is a winner of the WeAreTheCity Rising Stars Editor's Choice Award and nominated finalist of the WeAreTheCity Rising Stars Global Award for Achievement and WinTrade Award for Women in Tech. Vicki is also a bodybuilder.
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Interview with Vicki Lau, author of Why I Do VFX
- Tell us about your first published book – what was the journey like?
This book was technically planned for the future but certain interesting circumstances led me to bring this forward to be written today. I would say that the journey was pretty much like any other journey when I undertake a new project – a film, online course, game or book – there wasn’t anything that stood out to me as “Omg, I am now writing my first book!!” It was more like a “Well, I am doing this now, so I am doing this now,” kind of feeling.
Don’t get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing my book hit the markets but the most enjoyable part of the journey was bringing it to life to begin with. As someone who lives to bring my own ideas to life – whatever that may be – the thought of seeing it out there today when it previously only existed in my head is absolutely fulfilling. That’s what gets me excited.
As for the journey of this VFX book in particular, again, as I was merely recounting facts, insights and observations I already know very well from my many years in the industry, it was a smooth journey as far as writing goes. If there was anything that posed a challenge in this undertaking was the numerous events and happenings that required my attention at the time – pulling me away from writing for a day, sometimes a week or two. Regardless of those mandatory events, the book was delivered on time and there were no unnecessary delays during any phase of the publishing process (with the exception of the audiobook publishing).
- How did you do research for this book?
Honestly, most of my research was about the self-publishing process rather than the actual topic for the book itself (because most of the latter came directly from my personal experience and the experiences of other professionals in the industry). Prior to starting to write this book, I went into a very intense and deep dive into the world of self-publishing: collating information and insights on various parts of the process. Let’s just say that that research alone became a very, very long document.
After that, most of the research for the book came in the form of fact-checking certain important industry facts – especially on the part of international film markets and economies – as well as double-checking on the meaning of certain idioms or words (as some words could mean different things when read by people of different cultural backgrounds).
When it came to describing stories and accounts shared by peers, I made sure to look them up to confirm that they were indeed still working at so-and-so company or that whatever facts that were related to them still applied at the time of the writing of this book.
My copy editor would then serve as another line of defense as far as word choice, phrases, et cetera goes. In general, most of my research that applies directly to the topic would involve fact-checking and verifying information.
- Do you write every day?
Technically, yes. When I am not pulled into a different task or am required to complete something else (unrelated to writing) by a deadline, I write every day (and did write every day for this current book).
- Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?
Just do it – at least, that’s what I did anyway. I notice that aspiring writers tend to overcomplicate the process by thinking too much about doing it rather than actually just going ahead and do it – then think about it on the way or after doing it.
- Favorite dessert?
I have too many favorite foods in general but the first thought that comes to mind would be an acai bowl. Not sure if it’s considered a dessert or a meal but an acai bowl definitely has a very “desserty” feel to it. It is also very satiating.
- Share something your readers wouldn’t know about you.
I voice-acted for fun almost every night for about 8 years. Basically, we (my younger sibling and I) would draw or print out cartoon characters we saw on TV and crafted some crazy adventures and stories together. I had a great time voicing mostly male cartoon characters in these stories – don’t ask me why or how I ended up voicing more male characters, haha.
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Book Trailer for Why I Do VFX by Vicki Lau
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Easy Amazon Links for Why I Do VFX
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For International buyers, the US link should open to your home country’s Amazon page. Please let me know if it doesn’t.
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Visit the tour page for Why I Do VFX: The Untold Truths About Working in Visual Effects by Vicki Lau to see a list of all the stops on this tour.
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Thank you for the spotlight & interview, Gina!
It was my pleasure.