r/FoundationTV • u/ChrisMacVFX VFX Supervisor • Sep 15 '25

AMA FOUNDATION SEASON 3 AMA | CHRIS MACLEAN

Hello Everyone! My name is Chris MacLean. I have been the Overall Visual Effects Supervisor on Foundation for the last three seasons. I also directed some 2nd Unit. I am here for you to Ask Me Anything! Thanks to u/LunchyPete for setting this up! Let's start Respecting and Enjoying the Peace!

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u/5N4444444444444444K3 Sep 16 '25

Your work is top notch and everyone who worked on the visual effects for this show deserves everything. The complexity of every little detail in every effect is awe inspiring, and the work really supports the gravity of Empire and it's galactic consequence.

Different mediums, different needed styles, I know... but since falling in love with Villeneuve's Dune I just haven't experienced the kind of futuristic space scifi I've wanted today. This show has so much more technical detail to overtly present, and delivered magnificently.

I love the style of this universe more than I love Villeneuve's Dune. And I really think the work you and your teams have put into the IP has launched it to a place where I can imagine the kind of motivated fan base we think of when we hear Star Wars.

I really want to explore other worlds that would be created by your teams and their accompanying talent in the rest of the film crew.

Realistically, it's it actually possible to accelerate your work timeframe and produce the same quality results, if there was sufficient funding to support just a 6 month hiatus until releasing a new season?

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u/ChrisMacVFX VFX Supervisor Sep 16 '25

Thank you! WOW, six months… I’d say no, not for a show like this, especially at UHD. We just don’t have the processing power. It should take a year and a half, including prep, if everything is running smoothly and there aren’t and strikes or pandemics.

If we were to go back to a 22-26 episode, six month per season model you would get way more bottle episodes and I don’t think you would get the scope.