Get to Know | Leane

In this release, we are pleased to introduce Leane Taillon, department manager at FOLKS. Combining her love for film with her strong people skills, Leane plays an essential role in the well-being of our teams and the success of our projects.

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT FOLKS?
As a department manager, my role is to take care of the well-being of artists, more specifically the compositors. This means, in collaboration with HOS, HOD, department supervisors, producers, and coordinators, I make sure that artists have shots to work on, a schedule that makes sense, and someone to talk to if there’s any issue. I basically talk to a minimum of 50 different people a day! My personal goal is to ensure my team feels supported and valued through positive connections. That’s my number one priority.

HOW DID YOU DEVELOP AN INTEREST IN WORKING IN VFX AND IN YOUR DEPARTMENT?
I started in the VFX industry as a junior compositor, and I quickly realized that what motivated me the most was being part of a team. It’s as simple as that. A couple of years later, I became a project coordinator, and making sure my team had everything they needed to succeed became my priority. Becoming a department manager and a lead was the natural next step, allowing me to keep supporting my team but on a departmental level.

WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THE VFX INDUSTRY?
Before working in VFX, I was in film restoration. When our department merged with the VFX team, a whole new world of possibilities opened up. The fact that so many people with different, specific talents were coming together to create something magical was exciting and unique. I knew I had to be a part of this world.

WHICH ONE OF YOUR COWORKERS INSPIRES YOU THE MOST?
Our president, Amélie Poitras, inspires me the most. Her passion, dedication to her team, and ability to be both strong and vulnerable at the same time are impressive to me. I’ve had moments of doubt in my career at FOLKS, and she has always been the one to give me the most insightful advice. I’ll cherish that forever. I’m very grateful for the trust she’s placed in me, and I never take it for granted.

THE FIVE MAIN VALUES OF FOLKS ARE CREATIVITY, COLLABORATION, EXCELLENCE, SIMPLICITY, AND KINDNESS. WHICH ONE DO YOU MOST IDENTIFY WITH?
Kindness, without a doubt. It costs nothing to be kind, and it pays so much.

IF YOU WERE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO TRANSFER TO ANOTHER PITCH BLACK COMPANY LOCATION, WHICH ONE WOULD IT BE?
Book me a tour around the world so I can visit all of them, please!

OUTSIDE OF YOUR WORK IN THE VFX INDUSTRY, WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOBBIES OR INTERESTS?
It might not be original, but cinema has always been my passion. I can watch, talk, read, and listen to podcasts about movies all day long (don’t worry, I work too!). My happy place is in a movie theater with my friends. Some of my colleagues poke fun at me because I’m the type of film buff who loves long and slow movies where "nothing happens" (their words). But check out my Letterboxd account, and we can talk about it more!

IS THERE A FOLKS PROJECT YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYED?
Since I’m no longer project-based, it’s hard to choose just one. But my fondest memories are from working on The Mysterious Benedict Society as a coordinator. Best team, amazing shots, and the best client. 10/10 would recommend!