We had the good fortune of connecting with Zach Bernstein and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Zach, why did you pursue a creative career?
At a young age, I never considered pursuing a creative career as a viable option. Growing up in South Florida with two teachers as parents, academic success held paramount importance in my family. I initially prioritized education over creative pursuits, drawn to the safety and stability of traditional career paths. However, my perspective shifted when I enrolled in a filmmaking class in high school. Climbing the ranks of the elective, my teachers not only encouraged my passion but also provided the resources for my creativity to thrive. This experience led me to realize that my job could also be a source of passion. It took time for me to grasp this concept, but once I expressed my interest in a creative career, my family wholeheartedly supported me.
Over the years, I tried to pave a way for myself in the filmmaking industry and in the process, fell in love with the movie magic behind storytelling. So, one day I decided to pack my bags and move to Atlanta, a place I knew where I could surround myself with other filmmakers. Upon arriving, I pushed myself to become the best VFX and 3D artist I could, swiftly advancing from a hobbyist to a professional. Since then, I have worked with world-renowned artists and companies on feature films, television series, music videos, commercials, and other productions.
As a 25-year-old artist, I take pride in my achievements as a professional. More importantly, I’ve come to understand that passion drives success, and comfort breeds mediocrity. The work I do is what motivates me every morning and keeps my mind racing at night. I begin each day as the same wide-eyed kid I once was. The difference is that I now know when your passion becomes your career, you position yourself for success, and, ironically, stability follows. I’ve learned that success is defined by happiness, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that I am happiest when I have the opportunity to be creative.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What I believe sets me apart from other VFX professionals in my industry is my eagerness to communicate. Working behind a computer can lead you down an introverted path, but I believe the only way to achieve the best product is through the process of collaboration. When you can surround yourself with other talented and passionate peers, look past your ego, and learn from experienced mentors, you are putting yourself in the best position to be successful.
I am proud of all the work I have done, both the good and the bad. From working as a member of a team on multi-million-dollar productions to directing passion projects funded by scraps and money out of my own pocket, everything I put my name on will always get everything I have to give. There is always something to learn from new experiences, and there are always new connections to make along the way. I love the work I do, so I will always have a smile on my face.
Even though I may have a young career compared to others in the industry, I have learned so much along the way. Working in film, 3D, and VFX is one of the most discouraging industries to work in. You always see the achievements of others, and you forget that the success of an artist is built on months and years of hard work behind the scenes. Over the years, I have stopped comparing myself to others and only measure my growth as an individual. I compare myself to myself a year ago today, and in the process, I can establish a healthier perspective of my progress.
Something we forget is, no one has it figured out as much as they may make it seem. Some may gatekeeper knowledge, and that is okay. You get what you put out into the world. So, I always try to lead, stay active in communities, and do everything I can to help others. We were all once starting off, and I try to be the person now that I needed back then to talk me off the ledge of discouragement. There will be hard times. When I moved to Atlanta, I was sleeping on a couch, but now I get to do what I love for a living. You must do everything you can to be prepared because one day, you’ll be at the right place at the right time, and all the sleepless nights will be worth it. Stay hungry, stay eager to learn, and do everything you can to grow as an artist.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Kevin Christopher and Michael Mcreynolds
Website: gzzyvisuals.com
Instagram: @znbern
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/znbern/