We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chenyu(Nora) Fang. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chenyu(Nora) below.

Chenyu(Nora), appreciate you joining us today. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?

The most significant challenge I’ve faced was the downturn in the special effects industry due to a prolonged strike by actors and screenwriters, lasting over half a year. This event was quite unexpected, particularly in my first year as a junior artist. The last strike of such magnitude was 15 years ago, and it was a striking coincidence to experience it in my debut year.

In July, our team was hit with temporary layoffs, dependent on the strike’s outcome. The uncertainty during these months was palpable, and we all felt a mix of anxiety and confusion. Personally, it was a time of introspection and concern, especially with the added pressure of visa complications.

Thankfully, the strike eventually concluded, but the special effects industry is still recovering. The situation compelled me to rethink my career trajectory. Despite the initial upheaval, I’m excited about my recent opportunity with a Canadian company. Canada has always appealed to me for its vibrant film industry and favorable visa policies. This transition, although sudden, feels like a serendipitous push towards a goal I’ve long considered.

Looking ahead, I’m optimistic about my new journey in Canada as a CFX artist. This experience, though challenging, has reinforced my passion for the film industry and my hope for the growth of the special effects sector.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hello! I’m Chenyu Fang, but feel free to call me Nora Fang. I come from Hangzhou, China, and recently completed my dual master’s degrees in ITGM and VSFX at SCAD. Just before graduating, I had the fortunate opportunity to be invited as a CFX artist at SPIN VFX. Currently, I’m living in Sandy Springs, Atlanta, where I find great joy and fulfillment in my day-to-day work in film production. Due to the recent industry-wide strike, I’m preparing for a new chapter in Canada next year, continuing my work as a CFX artist. I’m genuinely excited about the prospects of growing and enhancing my career there.

My role in the visual effects industry primarily involves creating visual effects for movies and TV shows, and it’s always a special feeling to see my creations on the big screen. As a CFX artist, my main focus lies in CG grooming and simulating hair/cloth dynamics. CFX artists, like myself, work on intricate details such as the cloak in ‘Doctor Strange’ or the realistic animals in ‘The Lion King.’ While I haven’t personally worked on these specific projects, I am deeply passionate about this area and commit myself fully to every project I undertake. In my first year, I was part of the production team for around four films and TV series, including ‘Monster High 2,’ which is already out. I’m looking forward to seeing more of my work on the big screen soon.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the continuous learning and the constant acquisition of new knowledge. Especially in the field of special effects animation and CG, where technology is rapidly evolving and software updates are frequent, as an artist, I need to constantly learn and adapt to produce increasingly better work. Working in the film industry, there’s a profound sense of pride and accomplishment I feel when I see my work on the screen. Every time I witness my creations come to life, it’s not only a validation of my technical skills but also a reward for my relentless effort and creativity. This ongoing personal and professional growth, coupled with the ability to see the tangible results of my work, represents the most fulfilling experience for me as an artist.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Of course, I would be happy to share an experience from my early days at SCAD in the United States, which really highlights my resilience. When I started there, I began learning 3D software, a completely new area for me since my background was in graphic design. I had no previous experience and even lacked basic knowledge of software like Maya. This made it an extremely challenging time for me. Many of my classmates had years of experience and were producing outstanding work, so I had to put in a lot of time and effort to keep pace with them. Additionally, language barriers added to the challenge. My English listening skills were not strong, requiring me to pay extra attention during lectures. Those semesters were tough; staying up late became the norm, and around midterms and finals, I was practically living in the department building. However, all the hard work and tenacity paid off. I quickly caught up with my more experienced classmates and became increasingly adept, eventually producing many nice pieces of work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chenyufangnora.com/
• Instagram: nora_not_happy
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/norafang8