[FRAMED]: Eugenie von Tunzelmann, VFX Supervisor
[FRAMED] exists to shine light on Framestore’s most fascinating cast of characters: its people. Presented with a probing list of questions and a demandingly short deadline, this feature puts the hopes, dreams, and desktops of our MVPs on the digital wall, for all to see. Welcome to [FRAMED].
Name: Eugénie von Tunzelmann
Title: VFX Supervisor
Come in, Massachusetts — we’re [FRAMING] all the way from Tyngsborough this week, as our Framee prepares to present at the Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders. Let’s dig a little deeper, shall we?
What are you guilty of?
Nothing whatsoever. Definitely not occasionally leaving my mug next to the sink sometimes rather than in the dishwasher. No.
What was your last brush with danger?
Ended up with a black eye during some ride testing… whoops.
Your last brush with greatness?
I’m supposed to be meeting an astronaut this weekend, so I’m freaking out right now.
Your worst character fault?
Utterly incapable of any kind of multitasking.
Your most shining quality?
Ability to fill in this form in side-splittingly hilarious fashion.
You’re on the run from the law, where are you headed?
The Amalfi coast.
Who’s your partner-in-crime?
My imaginary law-breaking sidekick dog buddy.
Fantasy cellmate?
CRIMEDOG.
Your greatest achievement?
I made a short video/software project thing called Tunzelbots a few years ago which I’m super proud of. I’m still kind of surprised I ever got it to work!
Most valuable skill?
Being able to move one eye at a time.
Go on, say something bragging.
I recently built a robot glockenspiel and did a very short concert to a reasonably-sized audience. And nobody walked out! At all!
Name your pet peeve?
People who talk at the cinema make me very angry indeed.
So, you’re an esteemed VFX Supe — what does the DREAM project entail?
Lots of really awesome tech, amazing imagery, ability to contribute creatively, with lots of adrenaline, and rock music, and lasers, and dogs.
Your career highlight to date?
I wrote a couple of physics papers with Kip Thorne, who won the Nobel Prize for physics. That, or The Greasy Strangler.
This week I learnt that:
The film Hereditary is not a great way to help me get a good night’s sleep.
What’s your current view?
Usually, some ludicrously ornate Chancery Lane rooftops. But this weekend I’m in Tyngsborough, Massachusetts for the Congress of Science and Technology Leaders, so it’s a hotel room with a view of a car park which is currently pitch dark.
Give us a desk tour.
Generic desk paraphernalia, awesome (and ancient) ergonomic keyboard, some small squeaky ducks, stereo monitor that doubles as a handy mirror.
What do you need to work, on the daily?
Tea, on the hourly.
Framestore is, to you, in three words:
Ambitious, creative, friendly.
And it’s great at:
Looking to the future, experimenting with new technology and finding ways into new media; caring for its staff and enabling them to keep developing their skills.
Outside of the VFX box, what’s your favourite artform?
Illegible black metal band logos.
Favourite image?
This question is too difficult! There are too many amazing images in this world. Let’s go with this hypercube projection. It’s a glimpse into higher spatial dimensions, and I’ve loved it since I first happened upon it as a teenager. It’s also tattooed on my forearm.
Fictional character you’d like to hang with?
Cayce Pollard.
Happiness looks like:
Open fire, glass of good whisky, Crimedog sitting on my feet.
If not here, then where?
Generally, China or Orlando.
What do you think of too often?
Craft projects I could potentially do, for which I buy all the materials.
And not enough?
Whether or not I have space for those materials or any capacity to complete the craft projects.
Couldn’t live without:
The pub with good friends; Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds; the aforementioned tea.
If you ruled the world?
It would be in a lot of trouble.
Eugénie von Tunzelmann, you’ve been [FRAMED]. Are YOU at Congress this weekend? Feel free to leave questions for Eugénie following her presentation in the comments below.
