Episode 508 - Michael Ralla - VFX Supervisor, "Sinner"

Michael Ralla joins the podcast to share his journey through the world of visual effects, with a focus on his latest project as VFX Supervisor on the film Sinners. He discusses how he worked closely with cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw, whose fearless approach to lighting and darkness pushed the creative envelope. The episode features a deep conversation about the differences between film and digital, the evolving language of color, and how these choices impact storytelling—insights that are especially relevant to the visual style of Sinners.

Michael also opens up about his unconventional path into VFX, from his early ambitions as a heavy metal drummer to finding his footing in sound engineering, and ultimately discovering his passion for compositing. He reflects on his formative years at Scanline, learning the ropes through hands-on experience, and how that foundation led him to major studios like Digital Domain and ILM. Throughout the episode, Michael’s candid perspective offers a rare look at the challenges and excitement of modern visual effects, as well as the importance of staying adaptable in an ever-changing industry.