This is the third installment in a series of interviews with the pioneers and masters in the compositing/VFX film & television industry. I originally recorded these interviews for my published book “The Green Screen Handbook” (Sybex/Wiley, pub) and had intended to produce one full-length documentary from the materials. But after a couple of years past now, I thought they would be better served as individual parts of a series to help educate and inform people about these historic times from the early days of VFX compositing through modern-day techniques.

Previously in this series: Part 1: Petro Vlahos and Part 2: Paul Vlahos
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The Masters of Compositing Series – Part 3: John Galt

Sr. Vice President of of Advanced Digital Imaging at Panavision.

John Galt is one of the pioneers of modern-day digital camera and compositing technology. His influences reach back to leading the teams that developed the Panavision/Sony HDW-900 “Star Wars Camera” for George Lucas to the current day Panavision Genesis which features a 37 megapixel true 4:4:4 sensor. He is a pioneer that is still actively developing new technologies today. In this video interview, John tells a bit of history and his insights to the future through his knowledge and experience – and dispels some of the myths about the so-called “4K camera technology” some manufacturers are claiming these days!

Panavision HQ in Woodland Hills, CA

Inside the Panavision HQ

John Galt & Jonathan Erland discussing green screen lighting

I had the honor and privilege of visiting the Panavision HQ in Woodland Hills, CA to record this video interview with John back in 2009, while gathering materials for my book “The Green Screen Handbook”. I was shown around the facility to see where they test the camera technology and setup cameras before they go out the door for rental. Also joining us that day was the subject of my next installment in the Masters of Compositing series, Jonathan Erland, of Composite Components Company (http://digitalgreenscreen.com).
 

Next month in this series:

Part 4: Jonathan Erland – Pioneer in Visual Effects Technology and founder of Composite Components Company

SEE ALSO in this series:

Part 1: Petro Vlahos

Part 2: Paul Vlahos

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Jeff Foster is a published author of several how-to books and training videos in the motion graphics, animation and video production industries and is an award-winning video producer and artist. Visit his web site to learn more about his training methods, tips & tricks at PixelPainter.com

Learn more about compositing, motion tracking, roto, green screen and more with Jeff's video workshops!