Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacob Vu.
Hi Jacob, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was really into VFX as a kid watching YouTube videos, so I picked up Adobe After Effects as my first software in the 4th grade. I got really into learning composition and understanding video tech, but I was actually committed to becoming a pharmacist as I was growing up. That was my version of success at the time, and later I was guided to learn that there was a successful career to be had in the video production industry. If it weren’t for a handful of mentors in my life- including my family’s open mindedness- I wouldn’t have entered this industry.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
To prove to my family that it was possible to make videos as a job, I began producing commercial-level videos for clients in my early high school years, and it was not a smooth road. I learned the professional fundamentals thanks to my high school resources- particularly, the Career Center East at Lewisville Independent. I believe it is now called TECC-E. The biggest hurdle I faced when getting clientele was proving that my production quality was able to yield videos that could hold a flame to the common knowledge of good commercials or corporate videos- I was a kid, so my looks weren’t going to sell. It had to be my skillset and my professionalism. Anyone from my high school class would tell you I am remembered for being exhausted all the time, and dressed way too nice for class. Real nerd material.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I do a lot because I love a lot of different things! I am a creative director for AMS Pictures with a pretty extensive background in post-production and visual effects. I stretch that muscle often as the founder of my post-production contracting group, V-LAB.
I am generally known for my visual effects and motion design work for a solid handful of well-known brands like Visa, Intel, and Twilio. Here in Dallas, I am generally known for my support and work with virtual production- a method of video production utilizing large LED volume walls to create very custom scenery and set designs.
I am very proud and very excited to share more about my latest project in the works, DELIVERY, a sci-fi narrative film made entirely here in the DFW area! With the recent approval of the Texas moving image incentive, I’m looking forward to be part of introducing more refined, always-improving cinematic experiences through Texan filmmaking.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risks are necessary for creatives. There are many jokes among creatives that just regard the need for more time to get a project done. We always push to get more time, and often because it gives us more time to try new things- new avenues to achieve something, and there is always a risk to that. Creativity is not procedural. Sure, we have orders of operations and best-steps to do things, but creative solutions are made by taking risks and taking the paths that may not have the most promise.
I take risks pretty often in this case. You never know what is going to stick, and sometime I purposefully throw some dumb, “intrusive thought” ideas in the mix just to push the barriers and see how far they stretch!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jacobvu.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vuboy_
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobdvu/
- Other: https://www.jacobvu.com/vbp
