FX’s Shōgun transports us so vividly into the world of feudal Japan that it comes as a surprise that it was shot right here in BC.
This seamless immersion is thanks to Vancouver’s own Michael Cliett (The 100, Vice) and his visual effects team who earned a well-deserved Emmy for their collective efforts as part of Shogun’s record-setting 18 Emmy wins in a single year.
Michael’s crew dedicated countless hours and endless focus to delivering a visually stunning depiction of 17th century Japan with meticulous detail and painstaking historical accuracy.
Join us as Michael delivers a VFX masterclass on the world-building behind the exceptionally conceived and beautifully rendered hit series.
Presented by
Talks Supported by
 |
 |
Community Broadcast Partner
Book Tickets
Indigenous & Community Access
Indigenous Access Tickets Community Access Tickets Ticket Donation Requests
Michael Cliett
Michael Cliett is an Emmy winning visual effects supervisor, most recently serving as the overall VFX supervisor for the acclaimed series Shōgun for which he won the Emmy for Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Season or Movie. Beginning his career some 20 years ago as a VFX artist on Joss Whedon’s Serenity, he then continued for a number of years as a VFX artist and CG supervisor on some of the top TV shows and films of the time, along with amassing several Emmy nominations. In 2011 he transitioned into VFX supervision while overseeing the VFX on several feature films in India. Upon returning to North America, Michael continued working in a supervisory capacity on shows such as Falling Skies and the Twilight film series. He was the overall series VFX supervisor and VFX producer for the Warner Bros. series The 100, where he also received his 4th Emmy nomination as well as directing a pivotal episode in the final season of the show. When Shōgun came calling, it presented itself as a dream project for Michael. Like so many, Michael is a fan of James Clavell and the classic novel as well as having a real love and fascination with Japanese culture and history. A fascination that started in his childhood while living in Tokyo. And so as ambitious and as challenging as Shōgun promised to be, it would prove to be the perfect fit for Michael. In addition to heading up the visual effects for the show, he also directed many sequences as second unit director.
Missing VIFF? Check out what's playing at the VIFF Centre
Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World
Sasha Waters' documentary takes us through the life of America's best-selling late twentieth century poet, a private woman who shared her innermost thoughts and made them indispensable.
Mistura
This foodie film from Peru tells the story of a newly single socialite reinventing herself — and the local cuisine — after her husband has left her for a younger woman. Along the way, she finds support from unexpected places...
Andrea Superstein Sings Burt Bacharach + Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery Film Screening
Local hero and Anglophile Mike Myers scored a massive comedy hit with this spot-on spoof of James Bond and his many imitators. Before the yucks, Andrea Superstein treats us to a set of timeless Burt Bacharach tunes.
Another World
This hit anime from Hong Kong gives us an unpredictable, sometimes darkly karmic tale taking place on either side of the afterlife involving a headstrong princess with bad karma and the spirit guide who tries to help her get on a better path.
Vivaldi and Me
Venice, 1716. Composer Antonio Vivaldi teaches at an orphanage for abandoned girls, and establishes a deep rapport with violinist Cecelia — but their collaboration is threatened by her impending arranged marriage.
Amadou & Mariam: The Blind Couple From Mali
This lovely portrait of the irresistible Malian musicians traces how the blind couple met in Bamako and instantly connected, their triumphs on the world stage and collaborations with the likes of Chris Martin, Damon Albarn and Manu Chao.