VFX Artist Oleg Smykalov Creates “Invisible Effects” for Netflix’s ‘The Ice Road’
As a visual effects artist for blockbuster movies, hit television shows, and national commercial campaigns for the world’s most recognizable brands, Oleg Smykalov is first and foremost a storyteller. He creates stunning imagery that helps take audiences out of their seat and right into the scene, transporting them to a different place and time.
Fans have seen Smykalov’s captivating work in countless acclaimed productions, including the newest season of the Emmy nominated drama The Boys, Amazon’s award-winning sci-fi series The Expanse, the Emmy winning show Gotham, and countless others. No matter the project, Smykalov knows how to seamlessly weave in the visual effects to create a masterful work of art.
“I like to stay creative at work by listening to different kinds of music and exploring ideas and out-of-the-box solutions. When in the office or freelancing at home, I always want to make sure that I clearly understand my client or coworker because the modern work environment is very diverse. Many Canadians and Americans are immigrants from different countries with unique experiences, ways of thinking and decision-making processes,” said Smykalov.
2021’s The Ice Road has an all-star cast, starring Academy Award Nominees Liam Neeson (Taken, Schindler’s List) and Laurence Fishburne (The Matrix, Apocalypse Now). The film follows an ice driver (Neeson) who leads an impossible rescue mission over a frozen ocean to save the lives of trapped miners despite thawing waters and a threat they never see coming after a remote diamond mine collapses in the far northern regions of Canada.
“I like the story of the rescue mission, and Liam Nelson is a perfect addition. There’s not a lot of media that shows the ice road trucking and its difficulty in central Canada, so the film solves the question well. Also, it’s always interesting to see the finished film because I typically see only individual shots, making it hard to guess the story,” said Smykalov.
When Smykalov began working for Monster Aliens Robots Zombies VFX, he quickly began work on The Ice Road which was a major project for the company due to the film’s prolific stars. His main tasks were CG integration, compositing of various elements in the shot, finishing, and invisible visual effects, a type of craft that is heavily utilized in these types of productions that don’t feel like they have VFX. None of this was challenging for Smykalov, who came heavily experienced and highly recommended by Compositing Supervisor Bruno Martins. He helped with many different disciplines on the project, delivering tasks and shots on time. He did this all while working on Netflix hit show Shadow & Bone, having to constantly go back and forth between the projects, switching styles and adapting whenever needed.
“Working with Oleg is a pleasure. He is motivated and driven with a good attitude, and never gives up on the tasks given,” said Martins.
Smykalov’s detailed work greatly contributed to the overall visual effects for The Ice Road, which ended up being acquired by Netflix. It was released on the platform on June 25, 2021 and was available to Netflix’s 74.6 million subscribers in the United States and Canada, and Amazon’s 12.6 million subscribers in the United Kingdom.
