The VFX Mentor

VFX Supervisor, Pipeline Innovator, and SideFX-Certified Mentor Albert combines two decades of on-set and post-production VFX experience with a passion for art-meets-math problem-solving. He’s led teams at Weta Digital, ILM, Sony Pictures Imageworks, and DNEG, contributing to Academy Award–winning films like “Dune” and Oscar-nominated hits like “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” As a SideFX-Certified Mentor, Albert loves demystifying complex Houdini workflows, from advanced simulations to ACES color science and custom Python/C++ tools. He believes in empowering artists with a deep technical foundation, so they can create fearlessly and adapt to the ever-evolving VFX landscape. Whether you’re a newcomer or a mid-career professional, Albert’s mission is simple: help you unlock industry-level artistry and become a self-sufficient problem solver.

Alyssa Zárate is a creative operations and strategy leader with 20 years of experience across VFX, film, and animation. She has led and scaled high-performing environment and matte painting teams on award-winning and franchise-level productions, working at the intersection of creative vision, production systems, and emerging technology. Currently a Computer Graphics Supervisor and Co-Founder & Director of Operations at The VFX Mentor, Alyssa is known for building scalable workflows, integrating next-generation pipelines, and developing teams that balance creative excellence with sustainable delivery. She is an Executive MBA candidate at MIT, where her focus includes organizational intelligence and design, creative leadership, and the responsible adoption and deployment of advanced technology in content production. Alyssa is driven by a core mission to challenge outdated structures in the creative industry and redefine creative leadership in complex, tech-driven studios by bridging artistry, strategy, and execution to build environments where creativity, people, and technology can scale together.

Louis Manjarres is a lead FX artist and FX supervisor, recognized with a VES Award in 2021 for Outstanding Effects Simulation in an Episode, Commercial, or Real-Time Project for his groundbreaking work on Foundation: Collapse of the Galactic Empire. His passion for visual effects has been a driving force throughout his career, from his early days as an FX artist at Ubisoft Montreuil. Following his time at Ubisoft, he worked on commercials before quickly advancing to major VFX studios like MPC, Dneg, and Sony Imageworks. In recent years, Louis has taken on leadership roles in the industry, contributing to a remarkable portfolio that includes 8 Marvel films and Oscar-winning features like Dune and Blade Runner 2049. Known for his ability to break down complex techniques, he has a natural talent for teaching and has been strongly encouraged to share his knowledge. Today, alongside his work on major films, he teaches a comprehensive destruction class at CG Master Academy, helping the next generation of artists hone their FX skills.