The stories of how each animated and live-action superhero and villain came to be loom large in the minds of their fans. But the real-life origin stories are greater than the legends.

Actors, animators, and scriptwriters are just part of how those characters come to life for viewers. Scores of other talented artists create and curate the sights and sounds that bring the superheroes, villains, and their intertwined stories to life in film or animation.

Knhik Haefner is one of those artists. He has been a production team member on visual effects (VFX) and animated television projects in Los Angeles for the past seven years. Additionally, he’s managed artist teams and specific projects and has been involved in pipeline, production, and technical approaches for live-action VFX and animated projects.

Mr. Haefner’s most recent work was for Marvel Animation as a Production Supervisor for the character and animation departments on What If…? and Marvel Zombies.

As a Visiting Expert in Residence at Ball State University’s Department of Media this Spring, Mr. Haefner has shared his professional expertise and insights with students. His five-week residency, which ends April 11, has been supported by the Department of Media and the Edmund and Virginia Ball Visiting Expert in Residence Fund.

“I’m excited to be at Ball State. You have students with thirsty minds and passion for their crafts, combined with knowledge and guidance from faculty and visiting experts from the industry,” he said.

Senior Jade Divine Reynolds, who is majoring in media with a concentration in production, said she gained valuable insight from Mr. Haefner.

“Knhik’s knowledge he shared has helped me understand how just small details can help grow a visual effect into something more impressive,” added Ms. Divine Reynolds, who aspires to be a cinematographer.

Mr. Haefner has previously worked with VFX teams on numerous shows—including Lucifer, West World, Gotham, and Agents of Shield—with the visual effects studio CoSA. Equally important as his hands-on work is his earliest experience being part of an audience—as a preschooler watching Batman TV cartoons with his father.

“It was that sense of fun and adventure with the safety of home. It was that feeling like you don’t know what will happen on that episode, but you’ve got your very favorite bowl of cereal, your dad, and your stuffed animals all there on a Saturday morning together,” Mr. Haefner said.

“Most of us have had that sort of early experience when we were younger,” he added. “I hope everyone who enters this industry keeps that child alive as they grow, gain technical proficiency in their crafts, and evolve professionally and personally.”

Mr. Haefner shared more in this brief Q&A:

 

If students could learn only one thing from you during your Visiting Expert sessions, what would you want it to be?

“While networking goes a long way, I have found that being genuinely positive, enthusiastic, and polite is hugely powerful.

People like to share with you when you feel that way. When you can be excited about what somebody else is doing, they will remember that excitement, and they will remember you. You will be someone that people will want to be around.

If you bring real passion, not just about your work, but about the work that somebody else is doing, you can get very far.”

 

What have you learned at Ball State as you have interacted with our students?

“Students have incredible technology and resources as part of the film and media concentration in the Department of Media. Seeing students take charge and take advantage of that has been very exciting.

Undergraduate and graduate programs oriented around having students build their films are hugely valuable.

The Radiance Cinema Immersive Learning experience at Ball State, in partnership with Heartland Films, is a version of that. It’s a unique opportunity for Ball State students to use technology and space they would not have access to otherwise. The responsibility to organize it all, build it all themselves, and show it all themselves is an incredible career opportunity.”

 

What advice would you give students interested in careers in the film industry?

“I encourage students to ask questions and not be afraid to be the one who needs to slow things down or define elements and terms because, ultimately, your understanding of those things will only improve. Others around you might have the same questions.

Stay inquisitive and connected to the technology. Learn the breadth and depth of how much goes into projects. There is so much opportunity in this industry. If students understand how the system works, they will see all the different roles and discover their paths to a rewarding career.”