Behind the Scenes with Marco Spitoni

Published on October 18, 2023

Meet Marco Spitoni, Previs Supervisor, and hear his amazing story on how he got hired at Weta FX.

Can you tell us about your background and how you got into VFX?

Why did you join Wētā FX? I was extremely lucky to be head hunted by Peter Jackson. Having the chance to work for him was a hell of an opportunity. Back in 2007, Peter Jackson saw my latest short animated movie titled "Code Guardian" and he was so impressed by it that he got in touch in person to congratulate me and to ask if I would have been keen to supervise previs for his upcoming project "Mortal Engines". A month or so later, he interviewed me in London and that’s when I decided to move here and start my adventure. As you can imagine I was incredibly excited when I first got contacted, at first I even thought it was a prank! I was terrified but at the same time overwhelmed by excitement.

Can you summarise your role in one sentence?

As a Previs Supervisor, I try to help directors to tell their story.

What parts of your job do you find the most challenging and the most rewarding?

Being able to find the right idea. The challenge when you're looking for it and the reward when you finally found it.

What’s your proudest career achievement to date?

Every time I see one of my ideas taking life on the big screen.

What was the best piece of advice you were given in your career?

To not fall in love too much with one of your ideas or shots design. The reason for that is that there are very high chances it might end up onto the cutting room floor; you have to learn to deal with it and embrace it as part of the process.

What advice would you give to young people starting out in their career?

Have fun and work hard, but don't let the hard work spoil the fun.

What were your favourite Weta shows?

There are countless to mention, but I must say that King Kong and Avatar are among my favorite, even if I haven't the chance to work on them personally. Also the Planets of the Apes trilogy, which I've contributed to, The Hobbit and Mortal Engines, as it was really enjoyable to work on the previs. The list can go on, but I'm afraid it's too long to mention here!

How do you stay inspired?

I have too much imagination, that helps a lot to keep me inspired. Also music and whatever strikes my creativity, that could be anything, from a painting, a landscape or a news story.

Can you tell us 3 things you can't live without?

Good food, good friends and family.

What always brings a smile to your face?

Cats

Name your 3 favourite things to do outside of work?

Cooking, dining out, going out for a walk in a nice place.

What do you love most about living Wellington?

As oppose to most of the major cities in the world, it's quite stress free.