NK Films

Adidas
KIKO MILANO
Spotify
Dove
Google
Pinterest
ATP Tour
Estee Lauder
Pepe Jeans
MAX FACTORY
Creative Main Image
I’m Nick Kyriakides, an award-winning post-production artist with a senior skill set in editing, motion graphics, visual fx, compositing, grading, and retouching. Proudly Yuno Juno’s winner of Freelancer of the year 2020 and 2018, Adobe Certified Expert in Adobe Premiere and After Effects with over 15+ years of experience with world-renowned brands such as Adidas, Google, Pepe Jeans, Samsung, Huawei, Spotify and many more. 🏆 Award Winner | 2020 FREELANCER AWARDS WINNER | Yuno Juno. 🏆 Award Winner | FREELANCER OF THE YEAR 2018 for FILM & MOTION by Yuno Juno. 🏆 Winner at Oniros Film Festival | Best Visual FX 🏅Certified Adobe After Effects CC Expert (ACE) 🏅Certified Premiere Pro CC Expert (ACE)
NK Films
Country Flag ES
Life in the VFX
Q

Your career has been the pinnacle of the freelancing field. While looking at the evolution of visuals and VFX in recent times, how much of your success do you owe to self-taught skills rather than being mentored or guided?

I have always loved learning in the style of 'play' - going in and seeing what happens if I do this, oh what happens if I plug this effect into that one, does it break it or create something pretty unique and interesting?

I found that I'd rather just be curious, open up After Effects, and just experiment without knowing the rules first. This eliminated the concept of limitations for me. 

Later, I would follow up with an anti-technique when I am stuck - watching tutorials and seeing how you are supposed to do it. It encouraged a sense of unconventional resolution of problems with more creativity. 

Having said this, mentors and tutors are always incredible to have. They can get you to where you want quickly as long as you are mindful of your purpose and know your craft.

Q

You have mastered the niches - Fashion, Technology, Business, Cosmetics, Food, and Drinks. How does the implementation of visual effects differ in each of these categories?

There are a ton of associations when you look at any of these genres individually, so it is a case of really absorbing as many references and experiences as possible from each to sketch a baseline of what the audience naturally associates with each niche. From here on, it is about pushing the boundaries a little with either stylized strong visual effects or the less appreciated 'Hidden-VFX'.

Surprisingly, a lot of techniques in each niche cross over these days. For example, there are techniques that you would see in technology commercials like creating HUDs or holograms that I have used in cosmetic commercials.

I set out to just have fun, work on creatively cool projects and work with great people. I never dreamt of or was ever focused on winning awards. I genuinely love the craft of post-production instead of seeing it as 'work' in the traditional sense.
Q

The VFX Breakdown Reel is an excellent example showcasing the power of Post-Production. Given the fact that Post-Production is a strictly microscopic process, which technical element within the process challenges you and the team the most?

If you had asked me a few weeks ago, I would have said potentially the removal of people from shots and detailed retouching work to rebuild shots. But AI seems to be helping out with a bulk of these processes these days.

On a technical level, it is mainly complex Visual FX and concepts that need more creativity and thought. When it comes to creating something which does not have many references, never mind a tutorial or template, we face the biggest challenges here. Visual FX is the most exciting department for me, because of its constant development. Peculiarly, when it is tied into a compelling narrative, it is a dream project to be part of.

Q

We are aware of the embellished delicious ad campaigns in motion on our television screen that spikes our appeal. Which one of the creative projects that you have worked on, has been the most challenging?

Over the years, I have been on projects that have been challenging, usually for very different reasons.

The recent Elvis Immersive Experience film was challenging as it was a 25-minute concert, 360 degrees with 9K files that involved a lot of motion graphics and components. We worked with set resolution and several projectors to overlap each projection to create this immersive wrap-around.

Working remotely, instead of being at a location in Saudi Arabia, made it especially tricky. But with enough maths, brains in the team, and a wonderful client, we made it work!

Q

Thinking back on all the awards that you have received over the years, was launching your own enterprise, NK Films, a prophecy into making, since the beginning?

Not in the slightest! I set out to just have fun, work on creatively cool projects and work with great people. I never dreamt of or was ever focused on winning awards. I genuinely love the craft of post-production instead of seeing it as 'work' in the traditional sense.

I am really lucky to get recognition and awards over the recent years. Though the most gratifying moments are found once you finish a project and you read testimonials or get to hear words of appreciation from the client. These moments make it all worthwhile.

Q

Which fellow artist do you find commendable and inspiring the most?

Hernán (Nano) Vazquez is a real inspiration to me. His level of motion design work speaks for itself and he is just one of those rare insanely talented motion designers who should be shouting from the rooftops and showing off his work. Above this, he is also such a nice guy with rich positive energy. He is always encouraging me and offering his feedback. I am grateful for his generous efforts.

Q

Your contribution to the freelancing world, especially during the pandemic is laudable. Now that we are in 2023, what are the biggest after-effects or changes you have observed in the industry so far?

The adoption of remote working and building systems to create online workflows and communication has been one of the biggest shifts since the pandemic. The mass adoption of being a digital nomad and working with international clients is more and more accepted. This positive change has opened doors for artists in developing countries and locations who had hardly any mention next to bigger studios or high-end clients.

Q

Can you share a few deets on any upcoming projects in 2023?

At the time of this interview, most of them are under NDA! 

Although I do have an Adidas commercial coming up. Recently, I have finished an Elvis Immersive Experience film in Saudi Arabia and it may need more updates to take that exhibition worldwide.

I have started to marry my passion for creative problem-solving and helping others. So I have put the last few years into an online course and supportive community to help post-production freelancers on landing great projects and do the work they love.

creative gallery image
creative gallery image
creative gallery image
creative gallery image
creative gallery image

Let’s get creative together.

Start a free consultation with a Creative Solutions Specialist.

You may also like
Creative image

Fine Artist

Illustrator

Art Director

Photographer

Graphic Designer

Video

Audio

Director

Typeface Designer

Industrial designer

3D

Creative Director

Glenco/McGraw-Hill
Rand Corporation
Coca Cola
Warner Bros
the tropicana las vegas
Robb Report
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
Coachella
MTV
TrueCar
Caesars Palace in Las Vegas
California Institute of the Arts
Sony Pictures
Creative image

Instructor

Writer

Strategist

Proofreader

Chart House
Merge
GlobalLogic
CBD Marketing
US Postal Service
Ingredion
Courvoisier Rosé
UpShift Creative Group
AMResorts
Beanpod Candles
Energy BBDO
CASE Construction SA
Grand Rounds
Wilson Sporting Goods
MUFG Americas
TIAA
Delta Faucet
OTTO Engineering
AT&T
Sage
Three Rivers Youth
Visa
Hyatt Hotels
SkyMall
Hornitos Tequila
Zoetry Resorts
Association of Equipment Manufacturers
Innovera Technologies
Merck
Cars.com
S&T Bank
Constellation
Xero
Leo Burnett
Chicago Portfolio School
U.S. Bank
Hortonworks
Avenue B2B Marketing Strategy and Activation
Secrets Resorts & Spas
826CHI
Dreams Resorts
Green Bay Packers
McGuffin Creative Group
Union Bank
Wells Fargo Corporation
HP
Nucor
Tequila Avion
EasyForex
Oxford Athletic Club
Inseego
CREDO Mobile
Amcor
World Travel BTI
Clock Four
Ooma
alli
Charles Schwab
Max & Erma's
Lakeside Bank
Digitas
Critical Mass
FCB
Ziploc
Intel
Sunflower Beach
Factor San Francisco
Inbenta
United Stationers
LiftMaster
MUFG The Private Bank
Mandarin Oriental
St. Judes Children's Hospital
DRIFIRE
Menards
Siemens
Citibank
Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts
Clarinol Xs
Subway
Direct Energy
Solar City
Starz Entertainment
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Basil Hayden
Mynd Management
UpShot
Now Resorts
Kent State University
Launch Creative Marketing
Walgreens
Kalamazoo Outdoor Grill
Rewards Network
Elias/Savion
Havas Chicago
Mauge
Capital One
Molekule
Lego A/S
Novio
Sprint
Jacobs Agency
Morton's The Steakhouse
Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania
CONEXPO-CON/AGG
PM

Project Manager

Tommy Hilfiger
Pernod Ricard
Adidas
Audemars Piguet
IKEA
Converse
Wieden+Kennedy
Wedgwood
Diesel
Anomaly
Calvin Klein
WE ARE Pi
Bulgari