Posted on Saturday, February 22, 2025

Interview with Greg Jonkajtys

From VFX Artist to Filmmaker: Greg Jonkajtys' Journey

Interview by Jean-Eric Hénault

We interview Greg Jonkajtys, an acclaimed filmmaker, visual effects artist, and animator whose innovative storytelling and technical expertise have left a lasting impact on the film and VFX industries. With a career spanning over two decades, he has contributed to some of the most visually stunning and narratively compelling projects in cinema. His work on blockbuster films such as Sin City, Pan’s Labyrinth, and Star Wars: The Force Awakens showcases his mastery of digital artistry, while his directorial ventures, including the award-winning short film Ark, highlight his ability to craft deeply immersive and thought-provoking narratives. A visionary in both traditional and emerging media, Jonkajtys continues to push creative boundaries, blending technology with artistry to redefine the possibilities of animated and live-action storytelling.

Greg Jonkajtys is a filmmaker, director, art director, and visual effects (VFX) artist who has worn multiple hats in the industry. His career has spanned various roles, including directing, creative producing, and supervising VFX and animation. His background includes ten years at Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), where he worked on major Hollywood productions such as Star Wars, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Pan’s Labyrinth, and Sin City. His contributions ranged from animation lead to concept artist, working on everything from robots and creatures to motion graphics.

Despite his extensive VFX experience, Jonkajtys has always harbored a passion for storytelling. Throughout his years in VFX, he directed short films based on his own ideas, which eventually led to a transition into directing larger projects. His first major directing project was The Liberator, a four-part miniseries for Netflix that premiered in 2020. This project utilized an innovative technique blending live-action footage with stylized animation. Following that, he directed The Takeover, a feature film starring Rapper Quavo and Billy Zane, which is set to premiere later this year.

In addition to directing, Jonkajtys co-founded Trioscope, a production company responsible for The Liberator and The Takeover.  The company is actively developing new projects, some of which he will direct while serving as a creative producer on others. He is currently pitching his own original stories, collaborating with writers to bring them to life.

While Jonkajtys is actively involved in live-action filmmaking, he remains interested in animation and hybrid formats. Although he has not yet directed a fully animated film, he is working on projects that mix live-action with animation or motion capture. His ultimate goal is to create and direct his own feature-length projects.

When asked about his drive to create original work, Jonkajtys admitted it is an inherent need to tell stories. His short films have always been a way to express his vision, and he hopes to bring that same passion to feature films. However, he does not consider himself a writer in the traditional sense, preferring to collaborate with screenwriters to develop scripts based on his initial outlines and ideas.

The conversation turned to the challenges of getting short films noticed in an era of digital saturation. Jonkajtys recalled that 10 years ago, his short film Third Letter was featured as a Vimeo Staff Pick, making it easier to gain visibility. Today, with an overwhelming number of films being produced, standing out is much harder. He noted that without a dedicated marketing effort, even well-crafted films can be buried by algorithms on digital platforms. As a result, many filmmakers now create extensive behind-the-scenes content to generate buzz before a project is even released.

Jonkajtys emphasized that short films can still serve as valuable pitching tools for bigger projects. A well-executed short can attract festival recognition and provide a proof-of-concept for a larger feature or series. However, while making films has become more accessible and affordable than ever, the competition has also increased, making it necessary for creators to balance artistic ambition with strategic promotion.

When asked about his dream scenario for one of his projects, Jonkajtys described his interest in independent filmmaking. His goal is to secure funding for his projects while maintaining creative control. He believes that producing films independently allows for greater artistic freedom compared to working under studio constraints. While he acknowledges the value of constructive feedback, he is wary of excessive studio interference, which can dilute a creator’s vision. He feels that films resonate best when they come from an authentic and personal place, rather than being designed by committee to appeal to the widest possible audience.

The discussion then shifted to the changing landscape of film production. Jonkajtys observed how technological advancements have dramatically reduced production costs, making high-quality filmmaking more accessible. Whereas professional-grade cameras once cost tens of thousands of dollars, today’s smartphones can shoot in 4K resolution. However, this democratization of filmmaking has also led to an oversaturation of content, making it increasingly difficult to stand out. He suggested that originality and authenticity remain key factors in breaking through the noise, though marketing and promotion are now essential components of success.

Jonkajtys also touched on the economic realities of film financing. He pointed out that streamers and studios are more willing to take risks on smaller-budget projects. A major Hollywood production can cost hundreds of millions of dollars, meaning a flop represents a significant financial loss. In contrast, lower-budget films—particularly those under $10 million—can yield strong returns while allowing filmmakers to take more creative risks. He cited recent examples of successful low-budget horror and sci-fi films that outperformed expectations, proving that audiences are receptive to fresh, well-executed ideas.

When asked about his favorite directors, Jonkajtys named the Coen Brothers and Bong Joon Ho as longtime inspirations. He admires their ability to create compelling, richly developed characters and appreciates the craftsmanship evident in all their films. While he enjoys some of their films more than others, he finds their storytelling consistently engaging and masterfully executed.

Jonkajtys concluded by reinforcing the idea that true success in filmmaking comes from passion and originality. While the industry is more competitive than ever, those who stay true to their vision and find smart ways to promote their work can still break through. He remains optimistic about the future, embracing the challenges of independent filmmaking while continuing to push forward with new projects.

Visit the profile of Greg Jonkajtys here.