Christopher Marino:
From Visual Effects Fan to Becoming One of Avatar’s VFX Wizards
Christopher Marino grew up in Duarte CAwith Star Wars dreams that he’s made a reality. It all started when his sister in law made a call and Christopher found himself in working as a post production assistant on the Simpson Bruckheimer smash hit Crimson Tide. Christopher learned a lot and put it all too good use. He showed up early, stayed late and paid attention. Christopher wanted to learn it all and it seems he did. Christopher is a VFX Editor and part of the team that dedicated three years to Avatar and things just keep getting better.
What was the first job you ever had?
My first job was working my summer break at the printing company my Dad ran – I was 12 years old and that’s where I learned about getting up early to avoid traffic. I am still getting up early to avoid traffic. It was a good lesson to learn and one I still follow.
What made you pursue a career in Hollywood?
I love movies and always have. When I was seven years old I remember seeing both Star Wars and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Seeing those movies as a kid is something that has always stayed in my memory. They are without a doubt the movies that made me want to get into the business. Seeing those worlds brought to life with early, but amazing Visual EFX made me want pursue this life. And now, thirty some odd years later, I am a Visual EFX Editor.
What was your first job in the movie/TV business and how did you get it?
I was a Post Production Assistant on Crimson Tide. My sister-in-law was working at the Studio and got me the interview. The assistant editor hired me for a one week trial period - at the time I didn’t know that - but at the end of the movie he told me that if I wasn't up to the task, I would have been gone. I think it’s a good thing I didn’t know that until after the fact.
Do you have a favorite story from the trenches? I had just finished working on Spiderman 2 when I got a call from the production and they asked if I would mind flying the movie to Dallas for a special screening – it was a Make-a-Wish screening for a sick child. I was on a plane two hours later. It’s moments like those that make the long hours and endless days worth it. It was good being a small part of something that important.
What is your dream job? I am doing my dream job. Of course, I’d be lying if I didn’t say I secretly dream of working on a Star Wars movie. It would definitely be a childhood dream come true.
What or who makes you laugh? My two boys make me laugh. They are five and seven and watching them battle like Jedi’s or letting them think they can tackle me to the ground or listening to them tell jokes. They make me laugh.
What do you do on a typical day off? Day off? What’s that? Joking. When I do have one I will play a game on PS3 – just to turn my brain off from work. A little Lego Star Wars is always a good thing. That and spend as much time as I can with my boys.
What inspires you? Still to this day, Star Wars. Every time I watch it I am inspired. And I have been fortunate enough to work with very creative people. I spent three years working with a great Visual EFX and Editorial team on Avatar. They were a very inspiring group of people. Every movie I work on. I’m inspired by the people around me.
What advice do you have for aspiring filmmakers? Be willing to work long hours, make sure you get the lunch orders right and take the time to listen to and learn from the crew around you. Whether it’s in production or post everyone on that crew does something you can learn from. Just work hard and stay focused on what you want.
What are you doing now?I am the Visual EFX Editor on the DreamWorks remake of Fright Night.
If you won the lottery today, what would you be doing tomorrow? Pay off my bills, put some away for college for my boys, buy my dream car, a 1953 Corvette and then go back to work. I love my job.
What do you hope to be doing ten years from now? The technology to bring a movie to the screen is constantly evolving. It’s important to stay up on all of it and continue working with a team of people to make it all happen. I hope to be doing that years from now….and to be working on Avatar 2.
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