Known for his contributions in Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Endgame and Iron Man 3, as well as other blockbuster films like Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker and acclaimed TV shows such as The Mandalorian, international Visual Effects (VFX) artist Oliver Kirchhoff recently joined the faculty of a local tech and design school. The veteran visual effects artist shared with PUSH ABS-CBN how he ended up sharing his knowledge with aspiring Pinoy visual effects artists. 

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“At the time, I was already living in the Philippines with my wife — a decision we made together after the pandemic. While I had the option to pursue work abroad, away from my family, I was also eager to explore opportunities within the local industry. The VFX market in the Philippines is still growing, with talented artists and emerging studios making their mark,” he observed. 

He saw the potential of developing local talents, and decided to be an active part of that growth. 

“The idea came up to contribute in a different way. I decided to help grow the local industry by teaching VFX-related skills, with the goal of making it more competitive with markets like India and Thailand,” he explained in the exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN. “With this in mind, I approached iAcademy, offering my experience to support their VFX curriculum. This wouldn’t be my first time teaching VFX at a school; I previously taught at The Animation Workshop in Denmark.”

Having worked on several Marvel movies already, Oliver shared how the experience was for him to be part of a hugely successful global franchise. 

“Working on major Marvel movies was an incredible experience, but I have to admit, it kind of ruins the magic! On screen, superheroes saving the world is pure spectacle. But on set? It’s actors in front of a green screen, covered in tracking markers, throwing punches at invisible enemies.  Most people assume that only the monsters and aliens are digital, but in reality, even the actors are often replaced with CGI doubles—especially in superhero movies. When a character needs to make an impossible leap or take flight, the real actor usually does a small, human-sized hop… and from there, VFX takes over,” he explained. 

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The iAcademy faculty member also revealed what he finds the best and the most challenging part about working on visual effects of the Marvel movies. 

“I wouldn’t say that any single task in VFX is inherently complicated if trained well. The real challenge comes from the sheer scale of its application in high-end productions. In blockbuster films like Marvel or Star Wars, hundreds of VFX artists work together across multiple studios and time zones. Coordinating this massive effort requires a dedicated team of production managers to ensure everything runs as efficiently as possible,” he said. “It’s a bit like the difference between a local band playing in a bar and a stadium concert for Beyoncé. A small gig can be set up by the band members themselves, loading their instruments into a single van. But a stadium show? That takes truckloads of equipment, an army of technicians, and months of meticulous planning to pull off seamlessly.”

Now that he is teaching Filipino students, Oliver says nationality has no bearing in who would make it in their industry, but what matters more is the passion for the craft. 

“I don’t think there’s much of a difference between Americans and Filipinos when it comes to VFX. The fundamentals of learning the craft and mastering the skills are the same for everyone. What truly matters is passion —- being deeply engaged in the field and having the drive to put in the effort. The artists who stand out are the ones who push themselves to refine their skills to the highest level, regardless of where they’re from,” he stated. 

As for those who want to follow in his career path, the veteran VFX artist shared some words of advice. 

“Artists are recognized for their skills, usually showcased through a strong portfolio. It’s important to remember that the competition is tough, so your portfolio needs to stand out. The only way to achieve that is through intense practice. But if you truly enjoy what you’re doing, it won’t feel like work,” he said. 

“It’s similar to superstar athletes; they reach the highest levels not just through training, but because they genuinely love their sport,” he added. “If you choose the wrong discipline, the journey can feel like an uphill battle. But if you find a skill you’re passionate about, mastering it will feel almost effortless.”