About Me
Photographer. Filmmaker. Storyteller.
David B. Wolgemuth II
Compositing Supervisor
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David's fascination with film began in 1988 when he watched Movie Magic, a special produced by Nova and hosted by Mark Hamill. This behind-the-scenes glimpse into Hollywood's visual effects wizardry captivated his imagination, transforming the way he viewed movies forever. Instead of just watching films, David became consumed with deciphering how those spectacular effects were made, setting him on a lifelong quest to create cinematic magic himself.
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Growing up in a small farming town of only 5,000 people, David faced skepticism about his dreams of making it in Hollywood. Many teachers doubted his ambition, branding him as a dreamer unlikely to succeed. Yet, these doubts fueled his determination. Driven to prove the naysayers wrong, he immersed himself in the arts, from photography and traditional painting to drawing and performing arts. Throughout high school, he filled his schedule with as many art classes as possible, preparing himself for a future in visual effects.
After graduation, David took a year to work at a local stage theater as a technician and set artist. This hands-on experience deepened his artistic skills and provided a foundation for his career. Eager to advance, he attended Bradley Academy for the Visual Arts, where he discovered his passion for compositing and 3D artistry. Winning a coveted internship thanks to his dedication and work ethic, David began honing his craft, eventually working in the theater’s media department. Here, he landed his first real film shoot roles as a dolly grip and key grip, which only reinforced his commitment to the industry.
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Jesse Owens' words, “We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort,”
encapsulate David's journey. In pursuit of his Hollywood dreams, he drove 3,000 miles to Los Angeles, but after facing countless rejections and an unexpected car accident, he returned to Pennsylvania, discouraged and financially drained. Spending months reworking his demo reel and questioning his path, he found renewed inspiration in the bonus content of The Lord of the Rings. This reignited his passion, and he enrolled at Full Sail University to master 3D computer graphics.
As a top artist in his class, David was known for his relentless dedication, often leading late-night lab sessions to support fellow students. After graduating, David began teaching Compositing and Scene Finishing at Full Sail. He quickly rose to Associate Course Director, overhauling the curriculum to include cutting-edge techniques in compositing and 3D tracking, and winning the “Top Gun” award for best instructor. His teaching philosophy focused on blending technology with artistry, and he found immense joy in mentoring the next generation of VFX artists. However, the film industry continued to call, and in 2010, he returned to Los Angeles with renewed confidence.
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Since then, David has built an impressive freelance career, working on blockbuster films like Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 & 2, Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, Star Trek Into Darkness, Argo, American Hustle, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Thor: Ragnarok, and Guardians of the Galaxy, and more. His artistry extended to acclaimed series like The Good Place and The Right Stuff.
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In 2024, David embraced new opportunities, including exploring roles beyond traditional filmmaking. Today, David shares his knowledge and passion as an instructor in the Los Angeles Film School’s Online program, where he teaches Visual Effects. He inspires students to seamlessly blend live-action and CG while instilling a love for innovation and storytelling. His journey from a small-town dreamer to an influential VFX artist embodies resilience, creativity, and a never-ending passion for cinematic magic. David’s mission is to continue pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling and empower others to chase their dreams with unwavering determination.

