Interview with VFX Editor Liyana Mansor on Artistic Matters
Liyana Mansor, a UK-based editor and VFX editor, has carved out a prominent career in high-end television and feature films with over 10 years of experience. Her impressive portfolio includes notable productions such as Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, The Alienist, Chernobyl, Alien: Covenant, Black Mirror, and the Star Wars series Andor (2022)[1][3].
Mansor’s journey to becoming a leading VFX editor began in 2012 when she started her career as a runner at a large post-production house in London. With a degree from Leeds College of Art and Design, she honed her skills in editing and visual effects integration using industry tools like the Wacom Intuos Pro tablet and Avid Media Composer software[1].
Her unique combination of editing and visual effects expertise, coupled with her proficiency in tools such as the Wacom pen, enables her to perform temp compositing tasks efficiently, essential for quickly mocking up VFX shots. The tactile and precise nature of the Wacom pen is integral to her workflow, enhancing fluidity and speed during editing[1].
Mansor’s reputation has been further solidified by her work on high-profile TV dramas and films known for their visual complexity. Her ability to blend creative editing with technical VFX expertise in award-winning projects has positioned her as a sought-after editor in the television and film industry[1][3].
Among her favourite Boris FX plugins are Continuum’s Primatte Studio, BCC Rays_Radiant Spotlight OBS, S_LaserBeam, BCC Damaged TV Dissolve, BCC Scanlines, S_ScanLines, and BCC Comet (BCC Particles). Mansor is particularly proud of her work on The Alienist and Chernobyl and was recently nominated for her first Emmy as Lead VFX Editor on Andor (Disney+)[1].
When it comes to adapting workflows and databases from previous projects to streamline new ones, Mansor is adept at using custom macros on her Razor mouse to cycle through repeated actions, such as prepping and pulling elements with required handles for shots. She also collects VFX elements for her temp comp process, particularly for action scenes involving muzzle flashes, fire, smoke, and weather elements[1].
When faced with creative burnout, Mansor suggests working on something else and returning to the project later or the next day. Her advice to her younger self is to never hesitate or count oneself out of an opportunity, regardless of feeling ready[1].
Mansor finds inspiration in films from her childhood and counts Gwoemul (The Host) by Bong Joon-ho as a favourite film. If given the opportunity to collaborate with any artist, she would choose Bong Joon-ho, Yang Jinmo, or Rian Johnson due to their unique and impactful work[1].
In her downtime, Mansor enjoys snacking on Cinnamon Social slices, Candy Kittens, and Portuguese Natas during long work sessions. Born in Brunei, Mansor moved to the north of England before her teens[1].
[1] - [Source Link] [3] - [Source Link]
- Liyana Mansor's diverse skill set in lifestyle, technology (Wacom Intuos Pro tablet and Avid Media Composer), education-and-self-development (her degree from Leeds College of Art and Design), entertainment (working on popular TV dramas and films like The Alienist, Chernobyl, and Andor), and general-news (her Emmy nomination for Andor) has elevated her to a prominent position in the television and film industry.
- Despite occasional creative burnout, Liyana Mansor remains committed to her passion for entertainment and technology, finding solace in general-news (movies from her childhood), education-and-self-development (learning from artists like Bong Joon-ho, Yang Jinmo, and Rian Johnson), and lifestyle (indulging in treats like Cinnamon Social slices, Candy Kittens, and Portuguese Natas during long work sessions).
