Rhys Salcombe, a visual effects artist from Aberystwyth, Wales, recently expressed his complex feelings after his team secured the Oscar for Best Visual Effects for Dune: Part Two.
. Although he conveyed pride in their achievement and appreciation for the acknowledgment of his team’s efforts, he confessed to feeling let down by not getting the chance to deliver a speech at the ceremony.
Salcombe, a creative professional with Welsh and Canadian roots, stood on stage alongside three of his coworkers to accept the esteemed award. Unfortunately, the short time available for speeches meant he couldn’t express his gratitude or thoughts. Looking back, he called it regrettable but recognized the need to let his team members speak, especially since some had missed chances to do so before.
In a conversation with BBC Radio Wales, Salcombe mentioned that being on stage as a team representative was a considerable honor. He highlighted that the victory represented the dedication of almost 2,000 individuals who worked on the film’s visual effects, underscoring the teamwork essential for such success. “It’s not merely about the four of us on that stage,” he stated. “It’s about everyone who contributed, and I’m proud to be part of that acknowledgment.”
Salcombe’s path to a career in visual effects was rooted in the picturesque region of Ceredigion, where he spent his childhood. He credited his love for film to the breathtaking surroundings he enjoyed growing up and his parents’ support, who exposed him to cinema from a young age. “The natural beauty around me truly motivated me to capture it with a camera,” he shared. This early interest in film, along with years of refining his skills, ultimately paved the way for his involvement in significant Hollywood projects.
Salcombe’s journey into the world of visual effects began in the scenic landscapes of Ceredigion, where he grew up. He attributed his passion for film to the natural beauty he experienced as a child and the encouragement of his parents, who introduced him to cinema at an early age. “Being surrounded by nature really inspired me to capture beauty through a camera lens,” he said. His early exposure to film, combined with years of honing his craft, eventually led him to work on major Hollywood productions.
When inquired about the potential of a third installment in the Dune series,
series, Salcombe shared his hope that the team would come together again for another movie. Though he humorously noted that his hometown of Aberystwyth might not serve as the perfect setting for the Dune
universe, he did not dismiss the possibility altogether, playfully remarking that bringing in a vast amount of sand would be necessary to make it feasible.
Salcombe’s Oscar experience underscored the vital importance of collaboration in the film industry. He elaborated that producing visual effects demands extensive coordination among hundreds or even thousands of professionals. The acknowledgment his team garnered, he noted, stood as proof of the commitment and creativity of all participants.
Even though he felt disheartened about missing the chance to speak to the audience at the ceremony, Salcombe is nonetheless appreciative of the opportunity to represent his peers on such a prominent platform. He aspires for his journey to motivate other budding artists from Wales and elsewhere to seek careers in the creative fields.
Despite his disappointment over not being able to address the audience during the ceremony, Salcombe remains grateful for the opportunity to represent his colleagues on such a grand stage. He hopes that his story will inspire other aspiring artists from Wales and beyond to pursue careers in the creative industries.
As the dust settles from the Oscars, Salcombe is already thinking about his next steps. For now, he is taking time to reflect on the journey that brought him to this point, expressing gratitude for the support of his family, friends, and collaborators. While the future remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Salcombe’s contributions to the world of visual effects have cemented his place as a rising star in the industry.
