Posted on Thursday, June 27, 2024
By Jean-Eric Hénault
I was eagerly anticipating the chance to work with Bo on our new platform. Bo was enthusiastic about the opportunity to mentor and collaborate with emerging talent, eager to share his vast experience with everyone. He was a generous man with many great qualities. A lot of people close to him didn't fully understand what he did for a living—a common story for many in VFX, Animation or many technical fields like ours. I experienced something similar when, despite years of running CG Channel, my own father thought I was... selling computers.
Years in this industry, I quickly discovered that even the most talented giants in our industry often have feet of clay and are more fragile than they seem. It's crucial to support these artists, especially in light of the recent hardships caused by last year's long strikes and the growing fear of AI. If you know someone in this field who might need to talk, reach out—nobody should be left behind.
This is why my amazing team and I are developping this new platform, ADAPT ONE, to "Seek Out and Empower Digital Artists Worldwide," much like what CG Channel used to do, but this is 2024, we need to do things a bit differently. Our new Premium Freelancing Platform will launch in a few months, but after these events, we decided the portion designed to promote talent couldn't wait. That is why we are launching the portal aspect much earlier than expected. Still a work in progress, but totally committed in celebrating digital arts and the amazing people who evolve in this field. We will publish more information about our platform shortly and our plans to support talent by promoting, recruiting and funding innovative and creative projects.
To honor Bo, here is what I wrote to his family (and others not familiar with the work VFX artists do) to help them understand the magician he truly was.
Bo Mosley 2024 Demo Reel
Bo was a visual effects artist with over 20 years of experience in the field. For those unfamiliar with this profession, allow me to explain. Visual effects, or VFX, are the invisible magic that brings movies and TV shows to life. From the subtle art of color correction to the complex creation of believable alien creatures, giant robots, and spaceships, VFX artists are the ones who make the impossible appear real.
The irony of the job is that the better the work, the less you notice it. Visual effects artists work tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring that every frame is seamless and every detail believable. Whether it's removing an unwanted object from a scene, adding a building to a skyline, or creating an entire world from scratch, their goal is to make it look as if it was always there.
Bo was a master of this craft. He had an uncanny ability to bring stories to life with his artistry. His work was not just about technical skills but also about storytelling, creating emotions, and transporting audiences to different realms. His contributions can be seen in countless films and television series, yet many might not even know his name. That was his gift and his humility – creating magic without seeking the spotlight.
You may already have seen his work without noticing. If you watched films like James Cameron's Avatar, Star Trek, The Hobbit, Resident Evil, District 9, The Matrix, Final Fantasy, and many more, you have seen his work. Every time you watch one of these movies or TV shows, you will know that part of it is Bo's doing. That is his legacy.
His colleagues often spoke of his dedication, creativity, and meticulous attention to detail. He was a mentor to many, always willing to share his knowledge and passion for the craft. His work was his pride, and his legacy lives on in the incredible worlds he helped create.
But beyond his professional achievements, Bo was a wonderful human being. His kindness, generosity, and infectious enthusiasm made him a joy to be around.
Today, as we remember Bo, let us celebrate his life and the indelible mark he left on the world. He may have been one of Hollywood's unsung heroes, but to us, he was a true star. His legacy will live on in the stories he helped tell and in the hearts of all who knew him.
Rest in peace, dear friend. Your light will continue to shine through the magic you created and the lives you touched. We will miss you dearly, but we are grateful for the time we had with you and the incredible memories you left behind.
Finaly, I also would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Christopher Lee Zammit, a former colleague of Bo Mosley, for sharing these thoughtful reflections. Christopher described Bo as a fantastic boss who never hesitated to get his hands dirty and always looked out for his team, like a protective mother hen who would defend them to the end. If you were in trouble, Bo would cover for you. Christopher credits Bo for his position at Weta on the Hobbit movie. Bo was also the kind of person who would extend a helping hand to those in difficulty, always reaching out to support others.
If you have worked with Bo and or knew him, please share your stories through this Facebook page. Thank you so much!
Jean-Eric Hénault