Alumnus Ian Lewis Lands Visual Effects Lead Data Wrangler Role at Marvel Studios Alumni Profile

Why did you choose Point Park University for your major?

When I was applying to Point Park, Pennsylvania, and especially Pittsburgh, had a very healthy filmmaking environment. Big tentpole blockbusters like "Jack Reacher" and "The Dark Knight Rises" were in town, not just one or two shows that could support the established crew.

I figured I could access Hollywood in my home state without going to New York City or Los Angeles. The cost of living in Pittsburgh made more financial sense at the time. One must be careful about heading directly to New York City or Los Angeles. They are wonderful cities, but not the most affordable.

Point Park’s film production program had already been well established, as could be seen on the tour when we witnessed the work of the alumni. The campus, spread out across the Downtown area, also felt like an adventurous, big-city experience. We also correctly suspected that we could borrow the many talents of the theatre program to star in our films. Our professors allowed us access to their connections when they could; I recall a time when Bryan Cranston came to campus. I still remember a piece of advice he gave us all and it has rung true so far.

I was able to springboard from my internship at the Pittsburgh Film Office into a local Pennzoil/Dodge commercial and an episode of Anthony Bourdain’s "Parts Unknown" through a Point Park connection. One of my roommates also connected me with an AD he had met on an episode of "American Ninja Warrior" who had moved to Atlanta like myself, and that connection got me on the set of "Avengers: Endgame" as an additional PA. No pressure.

Highlight the professional experiences you’ve had related to your major since graduating from Point Park.

I take pride in knowing that I do exactly what it says on my diploma: “Cinema Production (the name of the program when I was a student).” It’s all I’ve known and it’s all I’ll ever want to do. Even if I eventually step away from the production side, I can’t imagine not working somewhere adjacent within our art form.

I’ve been lucky to have been a part of many Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films and TV shows. I’ve stood on the same sets with all three live-action Spider-Men and scaled rooftops with Daredevil. It’s also an honor to have been a part of the first-ever unionized VFX crew on an MCU production. So much hard work was put into negotiating on our behalf and I am proud to now be a member of IATSE.

I am also very lucky to have worked on three "Star Wars" projects, including the new film "The Mandalorian and Grogu." The history of these films and visual effects are forever intertwined and our film is a love letter to our art form. Every single VFX trick in the book was utilized to bring Mando and Grogu’s adventure to the big screen. These are not just career-high moments for me; they are some of the best days of my life.

What are your key responsibilities in your current role?

As an on-set visual effects data wrangler, our job is to acquire and preserve the work of our fellow departments as photographed on set, so post-production can operate smoothly and within schedule and budget. This gives creatives freedom at any stage of the process.

Our on-set acquisition includes lighting references such as HDRIs and grey/chrome sphere passes (“Balls and charts”), clean plates of the background, picture camera measurements, lens grids, panoramas, textures, witness reference cameras for positional tracking and so much more.

There’s so much that goes into the art of VFX; I’ve only scratched the surface. Communication across multiple departments is essential for success. We must be in sync with the ADs, camera, SFX, lighting, wardrobe and the talent to achieve our daily acquisitions. It’s a great way to make fast friends.

What do you enjoy most about your job and why?

I have the honor of being able to say that I have done exactly what I set out to do when I was 10 years old, walking out of that screening of "Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith." I get to learn from those whose films I've grown up with. Production keeps you on your toes, too. Every day offers a fresh environment and a new set of challenges to conquer with your team.

What advice do you have for prospective students?

Remember the power of collaboration. Movies are not made in a vacuum. Find your circles and use them. Movies are more fun when you make them with friends. Go through every single door that opens for you.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I miss having a crew to just make short films on the side with. I’d be eager to join and collaborate with any fellow alumni and students who love making movies.

More About: Conservatory Alumni, Film and Animation Alumni, School of Theatre, Film and Animation Alumni, alumni, success story, Film and Animation, Film Production