Meet our alumni
Natalia Orrego - VFX for Film & Television
Original program: VFX for Film & Television
Alumni Information
School: LaSalle College Vancouver
Grad Year: 2006
Program of Study: VFX for Film & Television
Degree: Diploma
Employment/Professional Information
Company Name: Image Engine
Location: Vancouver
Job Title: Compositor
Primary Responsibilities: Multipass compositing - 2.5D (Nuke projection & 3D matchmove) - stereoscopic compositing & conversion for film - rotoscoping, tracking, keying, wire/tracker removal, paint - retiming, morphing, set extension - graphic design.
Describe a Typical Work Day:
I start by working on shots assigned to me at the beginning of the day, then attend a daily session where we discuss my shots and where I need to make changes or when my shots get approved. Then I go back and do the changes during the rest of the day, whether I need to improve them in compositing or wait for new renders from other departments.
What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of?
One of my proudest moments was being nominated for a Gemini Award for my work on the TV series, Stargate Atlantis. I feel very proud every time my work gets displayed on the big screen and my name comes after the credits of movies like Baja Dunes; Safe House; Immortals; The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1; The Thing; SGU Stargate Universe (TV series); Stargate: Continuum (video); Stargate: The Ark of Truth (video); Chaotic (TV series); Unexpected; Welcome to Chaotic: Part 2; Welcome to Chaotic: Part 1; and Fallen.
What are your creative inspirations or influences? Who are your heroes?
The people who have influenced me the most have been my parents with their constant support and guidance. In the industry, I admire Peter Muyzers. It is great to work under him and have the opportunity to draw from such a talented visual effects supervisor. And of course, Jim Rygiel for his work on the Lord of the Rings, one of my favorite trilogies.
What do you enjoy the most about your career?
The chance to make something unreal come to life and be able to fool the audience into that world of storytelling.
How did your education at LaSalle College Vancouver help prepare you for your career?
LaSalle College Vancouver has gave me the tools necessary to start a career in this industry, which means the realization of my dreams as a young individual, making it into the movie world.
What advice do you have for the people beginning their careers in your profession?
To persevere and give in to your passion in your career. You are your greatest tool to accomplish what you want and you yourself can only create great things out of the tools that are given to you. Don’t burn bridges on your way and above all, have fun!.
Your profession is constantly evolving, from the technology you use to new career opportunities that didn’t exist five years ago. What trends do you see on the horizon that will affect how you do your job or your profession at-large?
I can see in the foreseeable future the chance to do a full merge into 3D compositing and 3D movie making. The technology is not quite there yet, (to be able to support such large films in production in a 3D environment), but we sure might be on our way.