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Interviews
5 Mins With... VFX Supervisor John Mclaren
26 June 2025
VFX Supervisor John McLaren shares insights into his VFX career, what he enjoys most about being a supervisor, and his experience working on Bridgerton.
Can you tell us how you got into VFX?
My ambition was always to be a Photographer. I studied Photography at University, and my intention was to continue as a post grad and make a career in fine art photography. After finishing my degree, I decided to take a year out before continuing, and I took a runner's job at a post-production studio who created title sequences, idents and VFX for TV.
I knew nothing about post-production, but I was given the opportunity to assist artists on shoots. I got a great understanding of the disciplines in post-production and quite quickly made the decision to follow a career in VFX.
What route did you take to become a VFX Supervisor?
From being a runner, I went on to be an online editor working on long-form dramas and promos, before becoming a Flame op and working primarily on TV commercials and advertising for about 12 years. After this I switched Flame for Shake, then Shake for Nuke, and before I knew it was a Compositor. Junior, mid to senior, with a bit lead, then into supervision.
What aspect of being a VFX Supervisor do you enjoy the most?
The thing I really enjoy about being a VFX Supervisor is you’re constantly learning, whether it's things you thought you already knew and artists show you another way, or researching a project and finding a bunch of whole new stuff.
You’ve been Outpost’s VFX Supervisor for the last two seasons of Bridgerton as well as Queen Charlotte season 1 – what has it been like working on those projects and getting to go on set?
On both shows we’ve been involved at the pre-production stage. VFX has been discussed and planned well before shooting, meaning we’re prepared and in line with the Director’s vision and what part VFX plays.
That said, things always change and unplanned VFX can arise – being involved at the pre-production stage and being really familiar with my colleagues in other departments on set helps to mitigate any unplanned VFX work when we get into post.
What has been your proudest or most memorable moment of your career so far?
The transition from artist to VFX Supervisor. Every show is memorable for its own reasons, it's always a journey being part of a team that solves both artistic and technical problems, so as a supe I'm always proud of being part of a team delivering a wide scope of work.
What about the biggest challenge you’ve faced?
Looking at the bigger picture.
What was the best piece of advice someone gave you?
Always warm up your tyres!
Do you do anything outside of VFX that creatively inspires you?
Black and white Printing. There are some great community dark rooms in Bristol where I live.
Finally, some quickfire questions…
You can eat one thing for the rest of your life – what is it?
Cheese
What would be your superpower?
If I could turn back time…
You’ve got a couple of hours to kill – what do you watch?
The Wire
What are you currently learning?
Houdini
Favourite way to relax?
Cycling, walking the dog
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Japan
What irritates you?
Traffic
Guilty pleasures?
Cheese
Favourite song?
Love Will Tear us Apart by Joy Division
Last present you bought yourself?
A hotplate for my firepit
Last thing you watched that left an impression on you?
It wasn’t something I watched but something I read: “Atomic Habits” by James Clear, recommended by a friend. I’m known for not finishing books, but this is one I did.
