CG Pro Podcast Edward Dawson-Taylor

In this episode, John Waynick, shares his journey from game development to film and virtual production. He discusses the importance of understanding cinematography and the challenges of creating realistic environments. Jon talks about the value of game optimization techniques in virtual production and the impact of Unreal Engine 5's technology on asset creation. He also touches on the convergence of film and gaming, the role of AI in creative industries, and his approach to teaching game design at CG Pro. 

 

Time Stamps: 

 

00:02:21 John’s early interest in comic books and drawing, and how it led to his career in computer graphics.

00:04:42 John’s career progression from comic book art to 3D art, self-teaching, and early experiences in teaching.

00:11:01 The shift from specialized roles to generalist roles in the industry and the impact of technology on job roles.

00:13:40 The rise of generalist roles, the impact of virtual production, and John's view on the beauty of generalism.

00:15:18 The influence of budget considerations and oversaturation in the industry on the rise of generalist roles.

00:19:42 Advice on standing out in games through performance optimization and in film through an understanding of cinematography.

00:23:08 Explanation of how understanding camera works contributes to creating realistic scenes and the importance of depth of field.

00:24:17 Challenges and learning experiences when transitioning from working in games to working in film, particularly focusing on cameras and cinematography.

00:25:20 The initial challenges and the subsequent role in educating the team on optimizing game engines for virtual production.

00:28:46 Explanation of the Nanite feature in Unreal Engine 5, its benefits, and the considerations related to size on disk and geometry optimization.

00:31:31 Discussion on the importance of optimization, especially regarding size on disk and the impact on game installs, and the balance between visual detail and geometry.

00:35:20 Comparison of asset creation for film, games, virtual production, and Fortnite, highlighting the similarities and the importance of optimization techniques.

00:39:32 Advice for individuals transitioning from a game dev background to virtual production, focusing on learning cinematography and improving modeling and texturing skills.

00:44:21 Discussion on the relaxation in poly count considerations with Nanite, emphasizing the need for optimization but not to the same extent as before.

00:46:28 Explanation of the benefits and optimization of tessellation for landscapes and objects in Unreal Engine.

00:47:30 Discussion about John's interest in both the gaming industry and virtual production and the potential future career paths.

00:52:04 Exploration of the potential convergence of film and games, and the possibility of experiencing movies in a more interactive, ride-like manner.

00:58:35 Comparison of skills and experiences in the gaming, simulation, and virtual production industries, highlighting the transferability of skills.

01:00:57 Discussion about the current and potential impact of AI, machine learning, and neural networks on creative industries, addressing concerns and opportunities.

01:06:04 John gives his perspective on using AI as a tool to speed up workflow, while emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying processes.

01:09:13 Encouragement to embrace and leverage AI while acknowledging ethical considerations and the importance of artists maintaining control of their work.

01:10:24 Discussing the limitations of describing visual details through words and the significance of visual representation in art and game design.

01:10:52 Exploring the challenges of conveying detailed descriptions in art and game design, and the necessity of visual aids.

01:13:38 Explaining a unique approach to game design education focused on concepts and critical thinking rather than step-by-step tutorials.

 

Connecting with the

In this episode, guest Kino Scialabba, an accomplished artist and art director, digs into his artistic background and educational journey, leading to his career in film and gaming. Kino shares how mindfulness shapes his creative process, and he touches on the importance of self-care for artists. The conversation also explores his transition to using tools like Unreal Engine, his approach to client collaboration, and his thoughts on the future of concept art with emerging technologies.

 

Time Stamps: 

00:03:16 Kino talks about his upbringing in art, military academy, and art school, and his early interest in becoming an artist, paleontologist, or superhero.

00:09:27 Kino talks about his use of Photoshop for fine art, and his experimentation with combining artwork and photography.

00:13:25 Kino gives his unique perspective on art influenced by anthropology, understanding the reasons behind art movements and cultural changes.

00:20:03 Kino talks about his technique of visualizing being in the womb to clear his mind and stimulate creativity.

00:21:53 Kino discusses the importance of giving time and space to oneself for creativity and mental expansion.

00:23:45 Kino shares how he balances personal creativity with client work, utilizing his own time for sketching and note-taking.

00:30:32 Kino talks about the impact of 3D tools and Unreal Engine on the creative process and the shift towards using 3D and Unreal for client projects.

00:26:50 Kino explains his approach to working with clients and directors, focusing on adding to their ideas and creating a collaborative environment.

00:38:47 Kino talks about the importance of developing a unique style while being able to replicate various styles as a concept artist.

00:42:26 Kino discusses the impact of AI on art, its role as a reference tool, and the potential for AI to take over the creative process.

00:46:50 The conversation delves into the polarizing nature of AI in art, copyright issues, and the potential for AI to infiltrate various creative industries.

00:49:40 Kino emphasizes the importance of cultural knowledge and specialization for artists in the age of AI, and the need to adapt to changing creative directions.

00:53:14 Kino shares his experiences with learning sound and exploring different aspects of creativity within Unreal Engine, encouraging play and experimentation.

01:00:18 The conversation touches on the potential for collaborative creation in virtual reality and the future of technology, including the possibility of a holodeck-like experience.

01:02:11 The discussion moves to Kino’s extensive work in the industry and the excitement of working on numerous projects.

01:02:42 Kino discusses his work on the movie, Minority Report, and the innovative technology used in the film's design.

01:03:56 Kino reflects on his role as a visual futurist and his contribution to designing various elements in movies, including technology that became reality.

01:06:28 Kino shares insights into the intricate design process for creating futuristic settings, emphasizing the importance of thorough research and attention to detail.

1:10:06 Kino emphasizes the value of learning from others, collaborating, and openly sharing knowledge and experiences in the artistic community.

01:13:09 Kino stresses the importance of continuous learning and community involvement for artists, promoting a supportive and collaborative environment.

 

Connecting with the Guest:

Website: https://www.artstation.com/kinoscialabba 

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1331261/ 

 

Connecting with CG Pro:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/becomecgpro 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becomecgpro/ 

Website: https://www.becomecgpro.com/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BecomeCGPro 

In this episode, Devon Mathis, a lighting supervisor and cinematographer at Sony Pictures Torchlight, recounts his career path, starting with his work on virtual production for children with autism, to leading a virtual production department in LA. He discusses his educational background in arts and technology, and his transition from a technical to a creative approach to lighting, the use of Unreal Engine for visualization, and the potential of AI in the industry. He also provides advice for newcomers and provides encouragement for ongoing professional growth.

 

00:42 Devon's journey, including early inspirations and entry into virtual production.

02:57 Unexpected entry into the film industry, working with renowned filmmakers, and the impact on his career and aspirations.

07:24 Early technical skills, including using Unreal Engine, Substance Designer, and Maya, and the evolution of tools in the industry.

11:41 Shift from chasing tools to focusing on creativity, inspired by storytelling and observation of lighting in photography and paintings.

13:29 Approach to developing creative skills, including observing and analyzing lighting in photography and movies, and breaking down fundamental elements.

18:42 Emphasis on understanding lighting principles and effective communication of lighting concepts, regardless of the specific tools used.

22:25 Mathis shares his experience of putting lighting knowledge into practice using various methods.

24:20 The importance of observing and practicing different lighting styles to understand their emotional impact.

 30:43 The use of advanced visualization in Unreal Engine for pre-visualization and motion capture.

34:41 Discussion about using Maya, ZBrush, Blender, and Unreal Engine in the production pipeline.

37:08 Exploring the evolving tools in the industry, including the adoption of Unreal Engine and Blender.

 41:08 Mathis shares his thoughts on the potential impact of AI and machine learning in the industry.

42:08 Discussion on the impact of technological disruptions like the transition from 2D to 3D animation and film to digital cameras.

43:08 Exploring the use of AI in the film industry, its potential impact, and the challenges associated with its adoption.

45:20 The influence of TikTok on video creation and the role of virtual production in modern filmmaking.

51:40 The importance of pre-lights in virtual production and the challenges of visualizing content outside the volume.

53:20 Adapting to changes in the film industry and the role of visualization in the early stages of filmmaking.

54:40 Valuable advice for newcomers, emphasizing collaboration, creativity, and the importance of being adaptable in a changing industry.

59:25 Discussion on the future of filmmaking, the role of cinematographers in the connected world, and personal pursuits in photography and filmmaking.

 

Connecting with the Guest:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devonmathis/

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm15428234/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

Art Station: https://www.artstation.com/devonmathis

Sony: https://www.sony.com/en/brand/beyondthescreen/torchlight/

 

Connecting with CG Pro:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/becomecgpro

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becomecgpro/

Website: https://www.becomecgpro.com/

 

In this episode, Edd speaks with guest Zach Stoltzfus, a filmmaker and director of photography. Zach shares his journey from a rural upbringing to a career in filmmaking, sparked by a high school project. He discusses his transition from biotech to studying at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts and his evolution from focusing on VFX technicalities to embracing creative storytelling. Zach and the host bond over influential films and dive into the making of "Molly and Max in the Future," highlighting the importance of collaboration and innovation in filmmaking. They also touch on the impact of AI on the industry and the joy of the creative process, concluding with advice for aspiring filmmakers and where to find more information about Zach's work.

 

01:13 Zach's journey into filmmaking, inspirations, and the impact of his background on his career.

02:08 Childhood and early experiences with filmmaking, including a project inspired by "The Hobbit" and his introduction to VFX.

5:05 Decision to pursue filmmaking at Tisch, NYU, and his shift from science to a career in film.

07:24 Involvement in VFX projects, experiences with VFX in New York, and his return to VFX in filmmaking.

10:08 Discussion of influential films, including "Jurassic Park," "Lord of the Rings," and "Pan's Labyrinth," and their impact on his career.

15:41 Reflections on the emotional impact of filmmaking and the manipulation involved in taking the audience on a journey.

17:17 Educational experiences, his preference for collaborative work, and the influence of visual language on his career.

20:23 Collaboration with Michael Litwack as the director of "Molly and Max in the Future," including its recent release in theaters and upcoming streaming availability.

20:47 The distribution of "Molly and Max in the Future" and its streaming platforms.

21:43 Collaboration with Michael, the making of the film, and their background in filmmaking.

22:41 The challenges and adaptation faced during the production of the film due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

25:23 The various visual effects techniques used in the film, including miniatures and 3D printing.

26:25 The discussion highlights the accomplishment of creating the film with a small VFX team and the use of After Effects for rendering.

31:25 The decision-making process for choosing between green screen, projection, and LED techniques for different scenes.

37:48 The management of collaborative design processes for both 2D and 3D production.

39:43 The setup for remote collaboration and the benefits of working remotely, particularly in the VFX industry.

42:20 The language and approach used between the director and the cinematographer, and the importance of working with familiar crew members.

44:03 The process of creating a visual language and production bible to maintain consistency and communication among the crew.

47:49 Challenges faced in meeting the VFX deadline for a theatrical release and the collaborative effort involved.

56:29 The potential impact of AI and machine learning on filmmaking, including its benefits and potential challenges for the industry.

01:02:33 The impact of Bitcoin and AI in the filmmaking process and the potential changes in the industry.

01:03:42 Addressing the challenges and changes in the film industry and sharing advice for newcomers starting their careers.

01:04:14 The importance of finding passion in filmmaking and aligning it with lifestyle choices.

01:07:17 Encouragement to adapt to industry changes and follow intuition while incorporating personal interests into filmmaking.

01:09:01 The iterative nature of film production and the value of not waiting to start a project.

01:11:30 Encouraging continuous learning and growth in filmmaking, and the importance of trying different styles and formats.

01:12:54 Promotion of the film "Molly and Max in the Future" and sharing personal projects and behind-the-scenes content.

 

Connecting with the Guest:

Website: www.ZachStoltzfu

Ian Fursa has 12+ years production experience from running his own production company to working on films and commercials as a director of photography. Now combined with 3+ Years of on set Virtual Production experience and having worked on countless productions as Vp Supervisor and ICVFX Supervisor with companies such as Apple TV, Netflix, Disney, NHK Japan, Vu, HBO and many more. 

 Developer and CEO of the internationally used Vp Toolkit Unreal Engine Plugin and educational workflow series, Ian is now a high profile educator in the virtual production community. He has worked with educational institutions around the world with a single goal of bringing more availability to these tools while advancing the technology.

Highlights of the Episode:

0:00 Introduction

0:08 Introduction of guest

1:34 Ian Fursa’s journey in virtual production

5:00 The journey to discovering virtual production

10:01 Journey into the film industry and approach to creating original work

15:01 Learning from failures in film production

20:00 Difference between working on large-scale productions and smaller projects

25:00 The challenges and responsibilities of a virtual production supervisor

30:02 Preparing for a complex shoot with virtual elements

35:00 The importance of proper media server installations for virtual production

40:00 The development of a production toolkit plug-in for Unreal

45:00 Challenges of creating accurate content for LED walls

50:01 Real-time compositing and using green screens and LED walls in virtual production

55:02 The benefits of using chat gpt in creative work and AI-generated assets

 

Connecting with the Guest:

Website: https://www.ianfursa.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-fursa-99a2aa182/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianfursa/?hl=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj6qLnwL1sA-5W11yz21G5A

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fursaorfoe/

Connecting with CG Pro:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/becomecgpro

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becomecgpro/

Website: https://www.becomecgpro.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BecomeCGPro

#VirtualProductionSupervisor #AI #FilmIndustry

Jim Rider is a Visual Effects Supervisor and Virtual Production Supervisor with over 25 years of experience in film and television. After beginning his career shooting models & miniatures, Jim transitioned to compositing, working as an artist and then VFX supervisor at facilities such as Method Studios, Gravity and The Mill. As an independent Visual Effects Supervisor, Some of Jim’s recent clients include HBO and Apple Studios. 

 

His extensive filmography includes iconic productions like Titanic, Star Trek (TV series), Requiem for a Dream, Angels in America, Evan Almighty, The Adjustment Bureau, Tower Heist, Non-Stop, Foxcatcher, Run All Night, Vinyl, The Deuce, The Plot Against America, and more.

 

Seeing ICVFX as the perfect fusion of his VFX skills and years of on-set experience, since 2020 Jim has veered the ship of his career firmly toward virtual production, having worked as Virtual Production Supervisor at Final Pixel and now at the new Pier 59 Studios volume in Manhattan. Truly exciting times.

 

Highlights of the Episode:

0:00 Introduction

0:08 Introduction of guest

1:46 A conversation with visual effects pioneer Jim Ryder

5:01 The role of motion control technology in the visual effects industry

10:02 The use of practical effects and CGI in the movie Titanic and the speaker's transition into compositing

15:00 The fast-paced and collaborative world of a freelance flame artist

20:02 The evolution of film production and its impact on virtual production

25:01 The use of robots and CGI in the film industry

30:02 The use of a combination approach in creating visual effects for movies

35:01 The potential of real-time rendering and virtual production in the entertainment industry

40:02 The impact of technology on visual effects careers

45:02 The potential of virtual production in film and television

50:00 The evolution and potential of virtual production

55:02 The role of AI in the creative industry

1:00:01 The role of producers in using Chat GPT

Connecting with the Guest:

Website: https://www.pier59studios.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-rider-6916771/

 

Connecting with CG Pro:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/becomecgpro

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becomecgpro/

Website: https://www.becomecgpro.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BecomeCGPro

 

#VirtualProduction #VisualEffects #FilmandTelevision