Introducing: Simon Dymond. Artist Code: B0AQ
In this Spotlight Interview we sit down with the super skilled director, editor, motion graphics and VFX artist Simon Dymond, Artist Code: B0AQ .
With directing credits amassing over 7 million online views, Simon discusses everything from feature films, football, and Fox Mulder to popcorn and pop stars. So, without further a do, let’s get down to it and learn more about the man behind the millions.
Simon Dymond, Artist Code: B0AQ
Tell us a little...
About what you do now?
I’m a Nottingham-based freelance director, editor, and motion graphics/VFX artist with over a decade of experience. My directing credits have earned a Vimeo Staff Pick and over 7 million views online, including projects for artists such as James Blunt and labels including Sony, Warner and Ministry of Sound.
My work in post-production covers a broad spectrum of credits including editing for TV with Wellington Films, to animating motion graphics for clients such as the FA and Premier League. I was lead VFX Artist on The Ceremony (feature) which recently won the Sean Connery Award for Filmmaking Excellence at Edinburgh Film Festival 2024.
The Ceremony : Award-winning Feature Film| Lead VFX Artist
What you did prior?
Before I went freelance, I used to sweep up popcorn and sell tickets at Cineworld Cinemas - I eventually graduated from the foyer to the lofty heights of projection, where I helped organise and arrange the films on the screen, including programming all those annoying ads and trailers before each movie. Pro tip: if you're running late for a film - there's usually 25 minutes of junk before the movie starts.
People One Fifty, Illustration, UK. Code: 31S7
Wash Club : Short Film| Simon Dymond Original | Director
Quick Fire Five ...
Biggest influence, professionally or personally?
This is a tricky one because there's too many answers, but I think a consistent influence has been the work of DANIELS - I love all their early stuff on Vimeo where they were throwing together these absurd crazy projects with very little resources. Watching them grow from small independent creators to Oscar winning filmmakers is something I always look up to.
Best piece of advice you have ever been given, personally or professionally?
Always come in on time and under budget - I've heard this a few times over the years, but I'll attribute it to Barry Sonnenfeld talking about how the Coen Brothers earned so much creaive freedom with the films they made.
Short Film | VFX Artist
Where are you happiest?
I love problem solving - coming up with creative solutions to practical problems. Whether this is in prep, figuring out how to make a budget work, or on set, dealing with the unexpected, or in post when you're trying to fix something that went wrong or give that shot an extra ten percent. If I had to analyse, this would correlate with my love for puzzle games.
What’s your favourite catchphrase?
The truth is out there - Fox Mulder.
Tell us something we don’t know about you – work or personal?
I'm a massive Trekkie. Particularly that 80s/90s era of Star Trek that offered a glimpse into a hopeful and positive future. It's like a comfort blanket of television that explores all these insightful and broad themes that always end up feeling very human and real, despite the schlocky effects and technobabble. My cat Rocky is also a fan too*.
*Editor: He is a very handsome chap indeed and also contributes well to meetings, pic below for all the cat lovers.
People One Fifty, Illustration, UK. Code: 31S7
And, lastly…
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your field?
Don't focus on any one thing. Allow yourself to be a sponge and take in inspiration from all kinds of sources. Don't pigeonhole yourself into only making one kind of work, because in 5 or 10 years that job might no longer exist. Instead broaden your horizons and learn as much as possible.
“Don’t focus on any one thing. Allow yourself to be a sponge and take in inspiration from all kinds of sources. ”
When I started out making films, all my influences were other movies - and it showed. It wasn't until I recognised this in my work and began to look elsewhere for inspiration that I feel I really grew as an artist.
Rocky Dymond.
Head over to Showcase to see even more of Simon’s work, including his motion graphics mastery!
Like what you see?