Meet Jesse Winter | Visual Effects Artist, Film Colorist, & Virtual Production Technician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jesse Winter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jesse, what role has risk played in your life or career?
When it comes to the creative industry, taking risks is the only way we can move forward. Creativity thrives on uncertainty, and whether you’re starting your own project or pitching an idea to executives, it’s those bold moves that spark real progress. To grow both personally and professionally, we need to challenge ourselves and push our boundaries to the limit. It’s through risk that we develop new skills, build confidence, and uncover ideas we didn’t know we were capable of. The creative process is rarely linear, and mistakes are not just inevitable but valuable. By stepping out of our comfort zone, we open the door to growth. Every time we put ourselves out there, we gain experience that shapes our path forward. Without taking that leap, we stay stagnant, and in a field that’s always evolving, standing still is the quickest way to fall behind.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My Visual Effects work constantly changes styles. I love shifting between both live action and animated work, I feel that it allows me to constantly think of new ways to create and gives me a unique perspective when shifting between different mediums. I create both 2D, 2.5D, and 3D computer generated imagery (CGI) for both live action and animated films. Whether it be 3D models, simulations (fire, wind, liquids, cloth, and destruction), compositing, or lighting, I combine my skill set together to create both realistic and stylized effects.

When it comes to Digital Color Grading, I give life to every film I work on. By working with both the Director and DP, I take their footage and bring it to life based on their vision.

But when it comes to combining my love of both Visual Effects and Filmmaking, Virtual Production is the perfect mix. From digitally creating environments and putting them on a large LED stage for actors to immerse themselves and live in. Combining both Unreal Engine, nDisplay, and hundreds of LED panels, I can bring to life a world that could at any place, at any time, real or fictional for actors to live in which can save thousands of dollars on productions.

I love to never stop learning and researching, knowledge is power after all. I feel that what sets my work apart is the attention to detail and accuracy I aim to give for every model, every simulation, and every effect I create. And what I’m most proud or excited about is beginning to work on feature films. I’m hoping to move to a studio in the coming months/years to allow my freelance work to into a steady reality for me.

I’ve been slowly researching and learning Visual Effects for the past twelve years now but haven’t seriously invested myself until about six years ago. It definitely wasn’t easy but surrounding myself and properly networking has allowed me to gain invaluable connections and experience. Being accepted into a creative university has allowed me to surround myself with those connections both colleagues and industry connections. I originally started as a film major and pitched myself as both an Editor and Visual Effects Artist. Once I had gained some great connections I switched majors and fully delved into Visual Effects. From there I have worked on over 110 short films in the past 4 years, 2 feature films, and even worked with some incredible projects with companies that I can’t share just yet.

Immersing myself in knowledge from several areas of expertise has allowed me to get to where I am today. If you have to take one thing away from my story let it be this: Knowledge is valuable, the more valuable you are in this industry the more successful you’ll end up being.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As someone who was raised in this city and has spent around 18 years calling it home, I’ve had the chance to explore a lot of what it has to offer. Whenever I’m in the mood for something fun I love to visit the Round One Arcade. I might have a small addiction to playing crane games. Another favorite is Battle & Brew, both at The Battery and the Sandy Springs locations. It’s a great place to grab some themed drinks and play video games with friends. My personal favorite drink is Saria’s song at the Sandy Springs location. I also really love visiting Politan Row at Colony Square. It’s a great place to grab a bite, catch up with people, or just sit and people-watch for a while. They usually host a lot of movie nights and several events around colony square. Easily my favorite spot in the city, though, is the Georgia Aquarium. I’ve always wanted to buy a ticket for their sleepover experience. It’s a place that helps me clear my mind and reset whenever I need a break from everything.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve had so many important people support me as I’ve been moving through life and paving my path. From my parents: Jonathan & Shelley, and to my extended family: the Stallings & Layne family. To my friends from highschool: Jack, Noah, Lawson, CJ, Garrett, Michael, and so many more. And finally my close friends from college: Jaden, Jonatan, Ali, Jabari, Galen, & Carl, and many more of course. Ever since I’ve decided to pursue Visual Effects & Film, I’ve been surrounded by loved ones supporting me every step of the way. I wouldn’t be at the place I am now without the support from everyone.

Instagram: @jessegwinter

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessewintervfx/

Image Credits
Image Credits to Sidd Sivakumar (First two photos) & Rhiannon Shakir (Rest of Photos)