Creative Problem Solving - A VFX Masterclass with Rob Harvey

In this talk, Rob Harvey, VFX Supervisor and Creative Director at Lola Post, looks at visual effects through the lens of real-world production. Drawing 40 years’ experience working across feature films, high-end television, documentary and factual drama, he explores how experienced filmmakers and visual effects teams navigate the practical constraints every production faces.

Through case studies spanning science documentaries, drama and feature films, Rob breaks down common production challenges: sequences that can’t be shot, science with no visual reference, absent archive material, or locations that simply aren’t accessible. The emphasis is on how problems are approached, and decisions are made, rather than the technical execution itself.

The talk reflects on how long-term experience allows VFX teams to anticipate issues early, work closely with directors, producers and showrunner and find solutions that fit the needs of the project, whether the work is invisible, stylised, or science-driven.