CG Pro Podcast

In this episode of the CG Pro Podcast, Edd Dawson-Taylor interviews Geoffrey Kater, Creative Director at S4 Studios. Geoffrey shares his inspiring journey from childhood as a Star Wars fan to an animation and visual effects professional. The conversation explores the evolution of computer graphics, AI's impact on creative roles, and the future of automotive design and filmmaking. Geoffrey offers valuable insights on adapting to new technologies while maintaining artistic fundamentals, finding your unique creative voice, and the continued importance of storytelling in an increasingly tech-driven industry.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Jack Dartford, a London-based Virtual Production expert whose work spans blockbuster films like "Barbie," "Megalopolis," and "House of the Dragon," as well as live events including the League of Legends World Championship and Coachella. In this episode, Jack shares his unique journey from live events to film production, discussing how he creates bespoke tools that enable groundbreaking workflows in both industries. Learn about the essential technical skills needed in virtual production, the importance of programming knowledge, and how to effectively problem-solve in high-pressure environments. Jack also offers valuable insights on the evolution of VFX technology, AI's role in the creative process, and how to stay passionate about your craft. Don't miss his fascinating stories from the set and his perspective on the future of immersive storytelling.

In this episode of the CG Pro podcast, Thomas Hollier, a digital artist and visual effects supervisor, shares his journey into the world of visual effects, discussing early inspirations, memorable projects, and the importance of curiosity and passion in maintaining a creative career. He reflects on the industry's evolution, the balance between technical and creative skills, and the future of storytelling in an increasingly immersive digital landscape.

Join Edd as he speaks with Stan Szymanski, VFX veteran and co-founder of Stanley Vision, as Stan shares insights from his 30+ year career in visual effects. From working on blockbusters like Independence Day and Spider-Man to navigating industry shifts toward AI and real-time technology, Stan offers invaluable advice for both aspiring artists and seasoned professionals. Learn about the evolution of visual effects, current industry demands, and essential skills for success in today's rapidly changing entertainment landscape.

In this episode of the CG Pro podcast, host Edward Dawson-Taylor interviews Ryan Reeb, a visual effects artist and head of AI and VFX. They discuss Ryan's journey from his early inspirations in digital art to his current work in AI and VFX. The conversation explores the importance of mentorship, the evolving landscape of the VFX industry, and the integration of AI into creative processes. Ryan shares insights on navigating change, embracing new technologies, and the skills needed for future VFX artists. In this conversation, Edward Dawson-Taylor discusses the intersection of art and technology, emphasizing the importance of foundational skills for aspiring artists in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. He explores how traditional roles in the creative industry are changing due to advancements in AI and technology, and the necessity for artists to adapt and embrace these changes. The conversation highlights the significance of artistic integrity, communication, and collaboration in the creative process, as well as the potential for AI to enhance rather than replace human creativity. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ryan Reeb and His Journey05:24 Early Inspirations and Career Beginnings10:41 The Evolution of Visual Effects and AI20:32 The Fun of New Tools and Technologies26:45 Navigating Change in the VFX Industry33:09 Embracing AI in Visual Effects Workflows36:02 Navigating the Future of Art and Technology39:30 The Importance of Foundational Skills41:34 The Role of Traditional Art in a Digital Age44:26 Evolving Roles in the Creative Industry48:11 Emerging Tools and Technologies for Creatives52:32 Global Shifts in Production and Collaboration58:35 Embracing AI in Creative Processes

Jennifer McKnew is a versatile 2D / 3D generalist with a career spanning decades in feature filmand television. Throughout her career, she has taken on various roles, earning over 40 officialscreen credits for her contributions. Leveraging decades of visual effects and animationexperience, she has also worked in the tech sector (autonomous vehicles). Aside from bringingpixels to life in tech using cinematic magic across product, design, brand, marketing, andengineering teams, she is also a named inventor on several granted US Patents and pendingPatent applications. Most recently, Jennifer has immersed herself in the world of storytellingand filmmaking, winning several international film festival awards for her short film “Sydney andSocket.”

Gorka started his journey in game development at the age of 8, learning to code and exploring various game engines! Now, he's a top Indie-Game Developer with a successful Unreal Engine 5 Tutorials channel on YouTube (98K+ subs) and a popular UE5 Patreon page!

Roberto Carlos Meré, professionally known as Chuck Meré, is a renowned as a filmmaker, actor, and popular YouTuber, Chuck is best recognized for his hosting role in the widely acclaimed YouTube series Zombie Go Boom. With nearly 2 million subscribers and over 300 million views, the series has earned him YouTube silver and gold play buttons. Beyond his YouTube success, Chuck has received two Mid-America Regional Emmy Awards and numerous Regional Emmy nominations for his commercial and promotional work.

In this episode, guest Casey Pike joins to chat about visualization for the film industry. Casey discusses the transition from viewing previsualization as a lesser form to appreciating its storytelling potential. He also talks about the technological advancements in real-time rendering engines, emphasizes the importance of decision-making in visualization, and the balance between previz and post viz. Time Stamps: 00:01:03 Casey chats about his early passion for movies and transition to visualization. 00:08:29 Adoption and evolution of real-time rendering engines, particularly Unreal Engine, for previsualization. 00:13:38 Discussion on the balance between speed and visual quality in previsualization, based on director's preferences and project requirements. 00:16:38 Different types of visualization work, including tech viz, pitch viz, and post viz, and their respective deliverables. 00:20:00 Explanation of post viz and its role in the filmmaking process, including its use in editing and VFX planning. 00:22:03 Temporary VFX shots for early screenings, editing decisions, and reducing the need for imagination. 00:23:14 Temporary VFX shots in test screenings, including previz shots and the purpose of postviz. 00:26:16 Use of Maya, Unreal, and After Effects for postviz, and the shift to remote work during COVID-19. 00:28:41 Postviz work location, virtual art department, and the impact of AI tools on the industry. 00:35:27 Exploration of AI tools, their impact on efficiency, and the potential for job replacement. 00:42:32 Relevance of Maya, Unreal, After Effects, and Substance Painter for aspiring visualization professionals. 00:46:30 Discussion on the essential skills for visualization, including camera attachment, helicopter speed, and car safety on film sets. 00:48:22 Observation of the increasing use of Blender in visualization and its accessibility for artists. 00:52:17 The importance of being a generalist in the visualization field and the diverse skills required for visualization tasks. 00:54:49 Exploration of the blurred line between visualization and VFX, their shared tools, and distinct purposes in film production. 00:59:57 Excitement about the adoption of real-time options in visualization and the consideration of their impact on project workflow. Connecting with the Guest: Website: www.halon.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-pyke-1697222b/ IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4270845/ 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, we are joined by Tim and Alex Porter from Mod Tech Labs. They discuss their transition to founding a company that specializes in content optimization. They explore the challenges of creating efficient tools for artists, the role of AI in their work, and their vision for the future of technical optimization. The Porters also dig into the use of AI models and their excitement for an upcoming collaboration with CG Pro to develop AI tools for Unreal Engine. Time Stamps: 00:01:07 Tim and Alex discuss their diverse backgrounds in the entertainment industry and their transition to founding Mod Tech Labs. 00:01:55 Alex shares her background in interior design and construction management and her transition to working in VR and AR. 00:04:14 Tim discusses his early influences, including his parents' professions and his educational path, leading to his career in the entertainment industry. 00:12:26 Challenges of working in studios and the motivation behind starting their own company, Underminer, and later Mod Tech Labs. 00:15:22 The idea for Mod Tech Labs stemmed from solving their own content pipeline and automation challenges, which they realized could benefit others. 00:20:03 Challenges in optimizing content for VR and XR, and the interest of various studios in content optimization. 00:20:53 The interest of large and small studios in content optimization, and the potential for customizing solutions. 00:22:53 The development of tools for simplifying processes and enabling content optimization, emphasizing the need for tools that work for individual content creators. 00:24:35 The application of optimization in VR, film, and virtual production, and the focus on making content look better and play back well on different screens. 00:26:25 The goal of enabling artists to focus on their art and the importance of maintaining quality through perceptual optimization. 00:27:38 Detailing their project and the challenges faced in optimizing content for different stages and led wall resolutions. 00:33:32 The vision of a future with reduced manual optimization, the role of AI in content optimization, and the potential for tools to replace manual optimization. 00:36:29 The two suggest that technical artists adapt their skills to tool development and shading, acknowledging the continued need for optimization skills in some scenarios. 00:38:27 The importance of client fit and the discovery process in understanding the client's mindset and interest in innovative solutions. 00:39:09 The company's infrastructure and the importance of client engagement in exploring unconventional projects. 00:41:24 The company's data storage capacity and the need for custom solutions for clients. 00:41:32 The size and specialized training data requirements for AI, and the challenges of finding quality assets. 00:43:04 They give an analogy of AI as a room full of people taking a test, and the use of GANs for generating secondary maps. 00:44:41 Using AI models and automated systems for content optimization and analysis. 00:48:35 The role of AI in enabling artists and reducing repetitive tasks, with a focus on artist control. 00:51:12 The evolving role of previs and collaboration with AI tools for better communication and visualization. 00:54:22 Invitation for collaboration and discussion of upcoming projects, including AI tools for optimizing scenes in Unreal for Fortnite. Connecting with the Guests: Website: https://modtechlabs.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alextporter https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothymporter/ 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, Tom Thudyanplackal talks about his fascinating journey in the film industry, including his early influences that sparked his passion for cinema and his significant work on acclaimed films. The discussion sheds light on the unique challenges he faced while navigating the film landscape and his distinctive approach to storytelling that blends traditional narratives with innovative techniques. Tom opens up about his decision-making process and the intricacies of virtual production and shares valuable insights on the importance of creative partnerships in the industry. Time Stamps: 00:01:12 Tom dives into how movies sparked his imagination as a kid, leading him to dream up entire worlds. 00:02:15 Tom opens up about how his dad's love for storytelling and myths fueled his own filmmaking fire. 00:04:45 Tom gets real about the tough parts of funding films in India and why he chose to cut his teeth in advertising before hitting film school. 00:13:38 Hear about Tom's adventure in landing a U.S. visa and his first taste of America, which set him on a path to film school in Prague. 00:15:34 Tom shares his journey from the ad world to the film set, working with top-notch directors in India and getting a taste of the Oscar buzz. 00:17:32 Tom reflects on why it's crucial to keep your values in check and draw the line when it comes to work relationships. 00:19:23 Tom sheds light on the tricky task of juggling people and expectations when you're trying to produce something great. 00:21:30 Tom can't help but geek out over the game-changing potential of virtual production to solve on-set headaches. 00:21:43 Tom gets candid about the ups and downs of bringing his labor of love to life and why a controlled set is key. 00:22:48 Tom chats about his plunge into virtual production, the challenges of filming with kids, and how Claudio Miranda's work is a big deal. 00:23:45 Tom is on a mission to champion virtual production in India, teaming up with industry pros to make it happen. 00:25:53 Tom talks about how he got roped into an exciting fellowship and the connections that made it possible. 00:27:26 Tom shares the nitty-gritty of learning virtual production on the fly and the obstacles along the way. 00:30:46 Tom spills the beans on his involvement with "Fathead," the challenges faced, and the journey of storytelling. 00:36:21 Tom breaks down the storytelling and character crafting in "Fathead" versus "Europa." 00:43:35 Tom highlights how crucial early decisions are in virtual production and the role of stage teams and tech. 00:44:20 Tom talks about the perks of partnering with Pixel Mondo and the importance of teamwork from the get-go. 00:45:22 Tom recounts reaching out to the CG Pro Crew and why bringing them in early was a game-changer. 00:46:41 Tom stresses the importance of having a team with varied backgrounds and the rich technical discussions that follow. 00:50:00 Tom offers some golden advice for film rookies: learn broadly, get game logic, and stay curious. 00:54:44 Tom ponders the future of AI in storytelling, underscoring the need for human emotion and connection. 01:03:37 The conversation turns to how immersive storytelling can be, with ideas and human connections at its core. 01:04:52 Tom encourages folks to dive into the virtual production community, highlighting the importance of the right mindset and solving problems together. Connecting with the Guest: Website: https://thestorytellersdesk.us/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thestorytellersdesk/ 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, 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 Guest: Website: https://learndigitalalchemy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-waynick-aa74a520/ 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, 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.ZachStoltzfus.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notzachs The film's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/molliandmax/ 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 #photography #visualeffects #virtualproduction

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

Sheiva is a virtual production supervisor for Lux Machina Consulting, a company specializing in the design, development and implementation of state-of-the-art extended reality stages for broadcast, film and live events. She received her B.A. in Theatre from UCLA and immediately began working as a freelance projection designer in opera and theatre. Sheiva worked for Disney Shanghai as a technical specialist for several stage shows before joining Lux Machina where she has worked as an engine operator and producer for the ground-breaking and award-winning League of Legends: World Championships in Shanghai and lead engineering teams as the virtual production producer and supervisor for multiple extended reality volumes and live events. Highlights of the Episode:0:00 Introduction0:10 Introduction of guest1:52 The journey to virtual production: Shiva Khalily's story5:00 A journey of self-discovery and growth in the virtual production industry10:03 The value of not having a plan in your career15:01 The role of risk-taking and overcoming the fear of failure in the film and technology industry20:03 The importance of flexibility and purpose in career paths25:00 The importance of a strong team and work-life balance30:01 The pros and cons of projection and LED technology35:00 The role of humility and relationships in the entertainment industry40:02 Experience in the industry and favorite projects.45:00 The evolution and challenges of tools and hardware in the media server industry50:01 The use of multiple cameras and AI in the film industry55:01 Essential skills for a junior VP in today's fast-paced world1:00:01 Reflections on purpose and future plans Connecting with the Guest:Website: https://www.luxmc.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheiva-khalily-848a26a4/ Connecting with CG Pro:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/becomecgproInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/becomecgpro/Website: https://www.becomecgpro.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/BecomeCGPro #VirtualProduction #CGI #FilmandTechnology

Winbush is a multi-award-winning motion graphics artist with over 15 years of experience working in a wide arrange of mediums from television, movies, to virtual & augmented reality. Over his career, Winbush has done work for Epic Games, Marvel, Netflix, DC, Warner Bros, & Happy Madison to name a few. Notable works include Iron Man, Lego Batman 2, Lego Harry Potter, Transformers, NFL on FOX, Power Rangers, Fantastic Four, Deadliest Catch, and My Little Pony. In the education space, Winbush creates tutorials weekly through Youtube as well as speaks at conferences around the world for shows such as Adobe Max, Siggraph, NAB, and UnrealFest. Winbush is currently a part of the Youtube Black Voice Fund and was also recently awarded the MegaGrant by Epic games to further support his educational efforts. You can find more information about Winbush at https://winbushimmersive.com/. Highlights of the Episode: 0:00 Introduction 0:10 Introduction of guest 1:02 Jonathan Winbush's success and habits 5:00 Design and Animation Tour 10:01 Motion Graphics Artists on the CG Tour 15:00 AI disrupting the film industry 20:00 AI tools in motion graphics 25:00 Revolutionizing motion graphics with Project Avalanche 30:01 The importance of play and exploration in digital art 35:01 Benefits of Real-Time Rendering & Setting Boundaries 40:00 Unreal Editor for Fortnite: A Tool for Creators 45:00 Epic Games' tools for game development 50:01 Motion Graphics Artist Working on Fortnite Projects 55:02 Benefits of staying aware of tech trends 1:00:01 Creating Content and Tracking Progress 1:05:00 Navigating Artistic Criticism and Unreal Engine 6 1:10:00 Learning Unreal Engine 5 1:15:01 A Resource for Learning Unreal Engine 1:20:00 Conversation with VR and Unreal Expert 1:23:18 Outro Connecting with the Guest: Website: https://winbushimmersive.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-winbush/ Instagram: instagram.com/jonathanwinbush Twitter: twitter.com/jonathanwinbush Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmzWP6o2cw73moEF7LO_KvA 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 #MotionGraphics #CGI #GraphicArtist

Barry St John is a producer focused on virtual production and emerging technology in films.St John's initial focus in film was in camera and lighting, but was quickly redirected upon working with VFX producer Joyce Cox on Men in Black 3. Cox's mentorship on MIB3, The Great Gatsby, and The Jungle Book gifted St John the experience to later produce some of the most complicated films in the business such as The Lion King, Ready Player One, and Mufasa the Lion King. The key to line producing digital content is communication and structure within the digital facility that is feeding a shoot. St John and his company Strange Reality have built a pipeline and reporting structure focused on tracking, scheduling and quota for all the standard departments in production. The Story department, Art Department, Virtual Art Department, LAB, Editorial, asst. directors, and producers all use the production tracking developed by Strange Reality. The Lion King was produced over a 2-and-a-half-year period while a Pixar or Disney fully animated film typically takes 3-5 years. This kind of efficiency on a photo real fully animated film has engrained St John as a Player in the industry. The evolution of the virtual production toolset continues to define new paths for filmmakers to effectively and efficiently layout their films. While the technology runs wild and people dive head first into the Virtual production pipelines, understanding the toolsets available, what to do with the tools available and their limitations is key. Highlights of the Episode: 0:00 Introduction 0:08 Introduction of guest 1:18 Barry St John's journey into film production 5:02 Pursuing a passion for virtual production 10:01 Spielberg's use of virtual production 15:00 The Complex Job of a Production Manager 20:01 Tailoring tools for virtual production 25:01 Planning for digital filmmaking 30:01 Virtual Production: A Tool for Filmmakers 35:01 Benefits of Virtual Production 40:00 Quality Film Production 45:01 Visual Effects & World Development in Filmmaking 50:00 Virtual Production Processes 55:01 Working in Virtual Production 1:00:00 Becoming a Visual Effects Producer 1:03:14 Outro Connecting with the Guest: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bstjohn54/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bstjohn54?lang=en 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 #VFXProducer #DigitalWorkflow

Since 2007, Kaitlyn Yang has pushed the limits of visual effects creativity combined with technology to support film and TV storytelling. Kaitlyn worked her way up from an intern and then digital artist, to now serving as a Visual Effects Supervisor and CEO of the post-production company Alpha Studios. In 2023, Kaitlyn was recognized as one of Variety's prestigious 10 Artisans to Watch. With esteemed clients including Amazon, Coca-Cola, YouTube, and Disney - Kaitlyn empowers her team, while earning trust from her clients every step of the way. Throughout her career, Kaitlyn has supervised the visual effects department on numerous TV shows on major streaming platforms, including Grey's Anatomy; the Apple TV series The Shrink Next Door, starring Will Ferrell and Paul Rudd: and the HBO Max series Raised By Wolves, directed and executive produced by Ridley Scott; as well as Best Foot Forward for Apple TV+, Absentia for Amazon, The Innocent Man for Netflix, and The Good Doctor for Sony. Most recently, Kaitlyn worked as the Visual Effects Supervisor on Disney+'s American Born Chinese, which stars recent Oscar winners Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan as well as the Oscar-nominated Stephanie Hsu. On the film side, Kaitlyn has supervised visual effects on several culturally empowering independent features. Most notable among these credits is her work on Emily Ting's Go Back to China, which premiered at the 2019 SXSW film festival and was nominated for the Grand Jury Award; as well as the documentary Hailing Cesar made by Cesar Chavez's grandson Eduardo Chavez on immigrant workers. Alongside her work in visual effects, Kaitlyn is a fierce advocate for the representation of disabled persons in the industry. She is the co-founder of 1IN4, an intersectional coalition of disabled creatives focused on long-term institutional shifts to increase the employment and authentic representation of disabled people in media. As a Chinese American immigrant woman and wheelchair user, Kaitlyn believes that overlooked talents can always be found at the intersection of disability and all other diverse populations. In 2018, Kaitlyn's remarkable career earned her a place on the Forbes 30 under 30 list under the Hollywood Entertainment category. Kaitlyn was also the recipient of the Young Alumni Merit Award from her undergraduate alma mater, the University of Southern California, School of Cinematic Arts. Her impressive education further includes securing her MBA from the Quantic School of Business and Technology, and earning certificates from the USC Business School and Harvard Business School for Leadership Training and Organizational Psychology. Highlights of the Episode: 0:00 Introduction 0:08 Introduction of guest 2:25 Kaitlin Yang's Journey to Becoming a Visual Effects Supervisor 4:38 Exploring Art Forms to Create Visual Interest 9:52 Crafting art with attention to detail 14:41 Inspiration from cooking shows and film sets 19:58 The importance of shared experiences and fantastical storytelling 24:54 Visual Effects Supervisor Journey 29:32 The Visual Effects Industry: Diversity and Offshoring 34:49 The Post-COVID Remote Workforce 39:44 The Evolving Use of Technology in the Entertainment Industry 44:23 The 1414 Coalition: Promoting Inclusion and Language Education 49:32 Supporting Neurodiversity and Disrupting the Male Gaze 54:35 Finding inner voice and bravery in the VFX industry 59:49 Defining success and developing a sustainable business model 1:04:30 The importance of communication in art 1:13:09 Outro Connecting with the Guest: Website: https://www.alphastudios.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlyny/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/kaitlynyang 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 #VFXSupervisor #CreativitywithTechnology

HaZ started his career in VFX before transitioning to directing & producing feature films ( The Beyond, & 2036 Origin Unknown, both were licensed to Netflix)) and series (Disney's Fast Layne), before founding production company HaZimation, along with co-founder Paula Crickard (Film post producer veteran including latest - Expendables 4) producing animated feature films, series and video games based on their propriety pipeline utilizing Unreal Engine. The company has recently completed RIFT (animated feature film) and is in production on their next animated feature film (based on the game IP: Mutant Year Zero) set up at their newly launched Belfast office. As well as original PC / Console video games which includes a spin off game to RIFT called Max Beyond (signed with Microsoft ID@Xbox), and most recently released an original UEFN game. Moontopia is now available on PC and all Consoles (Xbox series, PS4/ PS5), Nintendo Switch & Android, by booting up Fortnite and then accessing it via the Discover Tab and then Island Code: 3538-0241-3570 Link: https://www.fortnite.com/@hazimation/3538-0241-3570 Highlights of the Episode:0:00 Introduction0:16 Introduction of guest1:48 The Benefits of Working in the Creative Industry4:56 Gaining experience in the film industry9:58 The Benefits of Technology in Collaboration14:49 Leveraging Unreal Engine for content creation19:57 The development of Fortnight24:55 The development of Moontopia's new mechanic29:51 Monetizing games with Unreal Engine34:57 Overcoming legal and ratings obstacles in game development39:56 Creating Narratives in Fortnight44:50 Advances in technology for game development49:52 The Benefits of Mobile Device Development54:54 Being picky and hands-on with work59:52 The importance of understanding animation tools and Unreal Engine1:04:53 Potential of open source tools1:10:33 Outro Connecting with the Guest:Website: https://hazimation.artstation.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hazfilm/?originalSubdomain=ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/Hazdazzle/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HaZFilmStudioYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjJd4ZQyFqchExvQOCtAnzw Connecting with CG Pro:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/becomecgproInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/becomecgpro/Website: https://www.becomecgpro.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/BecomeCGPro #VirtualProduction #Technology #GameDevelopment

Built the 500K-follower, worldwide social media and film brand, growing a global audience and achieving verified status across all social media platforms to establish Pilli as a leader in dynamic, inspiring digital branding, marketing, and film content. Captured the attention of global companies, from household names to top-tier luxury brands, partnering with market leaders across all industries to shape creative, imaginative content that inspired exceptional audience attention. Forged strong relationships between brands and social media influencers, empowering impactful collaborations and partnerships. Catalyzed brand revitalizations, won the attention and support of new, younger audiences, and spurred continuous growth, creating story-centered and inventive content to deliver world-class results. Highlights of the Episode: 0:00 Introduction0:19 Introduction of guest1:36 Andre Py's Journey to Content Creation5:01 Navigating the worlds of creator and director10:01 Success through Affiliate Marketing and Winning a Competition15:00 Racing a car against a helicopter20:01 Content Creation and the Changing World of Marketing25:00 Transitioning from traditional to creative career30:01 The importance of storytelling35:01 AI as a bridge between humans and nature40:01 Exploring Digital Technology in Visual Effects45:01 Finding the perfect location and actors for a short film50:01 Successful Short Film Pitch55:00 Preparing for a Filmmaking Pitching Session1:00:01 Andre Pilly's journey and work1:01:37 Outro Connecting with the Guest:Website: https://pilli.film/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrepilli/?locale=en_US Connecting with CG Pro:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/becomecgproInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/becomecgpro/Website: https://www.becomecgpro.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/BecomeCGPro #VirtualProduction #VisualEffects #FilmMaking

Bryan Grill, is Visual Effects Supervisor at Scanline VFX. Bryan has over 30 years' experience in the visual effects business. He is currently serving as overall production VFX Supervisor on the upcoming Netflix feature, Beverly Hills Cop 4. Prior to his current project, Bryan helped supervise the adventure-comedy Free Guy, for which he received both BAFTA and Academy Award® nominations, as well as the Russo Brothers' The Gray Man, for which he was On-Set 2nd Unit Visual Effects Supervisor and Senior Visual Effects Supervisor for Scanline. Highlights of the Episode:0:00 Introduction0:16 Introduction of guest1:30 A passion for film and visual effects5:00 A Journey from Receptionist to Digital Effects10:01 Transition to Digital Effects15:00 Virtual Production Techniques for Filmmaking20:02 Virtual Production and Entering the Visual Effects Industry25:01 Skills for a successful compositor30:01 Succeeding in the CG industry35:02 Learning the fundamentals of CG40:01 Visual Effects Industry: Challenges and Growth45:02 Solidarity for the next generation50:01 Benefits of in-person collaboration for artists55:00 The use of technology in film1:00:01 Advances in Visual Effects Production1:05:00 Achieving success in the visual effects industry1:10:01 Bob Ryan's words of wisdom1:13:07 Outro Quotes: 17:38“At the end of the -day, it's all about serving the story. It's not about how technically Advanced it is. It's like, does it serve the story?” - Bryan Grill 29:54“I wanted to be a leader. I had to learn how to treat people and basically treat people the way you would want to be treated. That will go a super long way. ” - Bryan Grill Connecting with the Guest:Website: https://www.scanlinevfx.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-grill-1217421/ Connecting with CG Pro:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/becomecgproInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/becomecgpro/Website: https://www.becomecgpro.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/BecomeCGPro #VirtualProduction #VisualEffectsSupervisor #CGI

Ben Baker Virtual Production Line Producer & Consultant has had a 22 year career supporting filmmakers on 3 different continents. He has been a Vice President of Studio Services for HBO, Vice President of Post Production at Vice Media and a head of department at Framestore VFX in the UK. He first started in Virtual Production after talking his way into the Epic Games Fellowship, and has consulted in Virtual Production for Amazon Studios, Disney TV, Accenture, and East End Studios. After producing the Virtual Production project FATHEAD for the ETC@USC, he established MESH (MeshVP.com) to build the Virtual Production Department for Francis Ford Coppola's Megalopolis. Mesh is now producing Virtual Production projects for clients worldwide. Highlights of the Episode:0:00 Introduction0:17 Introduction of guest1:30 Ben Baker's career journey4:57 The development of digital intermediate technology9:43 Scaling Production and Virtual Production Experiences14:53 Adaptability and Curiosity in the Visual Effects and Production Industry19:57 Real-time environments in production24:49 The Making of Killing Machine29:35 The use of technology in virtual production34:40 AI and the importance of storytelling 39:57 The Impact of Digital Technology on the Film Industry44:52 The streaming revolution and its impact on content creators49:57 The emergence of new forms of entertainment54:48 Creating a virtual studio game1:00:57 Outro Connecting with the Guest:Website: https://www.meshvp.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bakerben/ Connecting with CG Pro:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/becomecgproInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/becomecgpro/Website: https://www.becomecgpro.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/BecomeCGPro #VirtualProduction #Consulting #CGI

Welcome to another episode and today we sit down with two remarkable visionaries, Jess Loren and Erick Geisler, who are redefining the boundaries of digital realms and entertainment landscapes. Jess Loren is a seasoned entertainment professional, tech entrepreneur, and internationally published author. As CEO and founding partner of To Whom It May Concern, a production services company, and Founder and CEO of Global Objects, she leads the charge in democratizing access to digital replicas of the world. With over 15 years of experience, she has overseen production & experiential projects for brands like Netflix, Hulu, Apple+, Microsoft and NVIDIA, and is a voting member of the Television Academy and a member of the Visual Effects Society. Jess's research on the brain's response to visual imagery continues to guide her work in virtual production, creative development, and experiential marketing. Erick Geisler is a recognized technology leader and two-time Emmy winner serving as the Chief Technology Officer of Global Objects. With extensive expertise in innovative fields like Neural Radiance Fields (NeRFs), generative AI, LIDAR scanning, and photogrammetry, Erick spearheads the development of realistic digital environments, democratizing access to digital replicas of the world. A voting member of the Television Academy and a member of the Visual Effects Society, he combines his technical prowess and artistic vision to drive the success of various projects across diverse platforms. His leadership at Global Objects is shaping the future of digital experiences across multiple sectors. Highlights of the Episode:0:00 Introduction0:16 Introduction of guest1:10 Early inspirations in film and production12:13 Jess' start as an entrepreneur20:04 Focus on AI26:22 An industry in flux29:22 Work in LightCraft Jetset31:56 Locations and other reasons for starting Global Objects35:22 Hiring for artists40:07 Going after things as an entrepreneur47:16 Sharing in the visual effects community48:51 Competition between the Amazon and the Trellis stage57:17 Tech and LightCraft Jetset1:06:12 Advice for working with your significant other1:08:48 First Friday1:12:26 Wrap up1:12:51 Outro Connecting with the Guest:Jess LorenWebsite: https://www.globalobjects.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessloren/ Erick GeislerWebsite: https://www.globalobjects.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ejgeisler/ Connecting with CG Pro:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/becomecgproInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/becomecgpro/Website: https://www.becomecgpro.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/BecomeCGPro #VirtualProduction #VFX #Entrepreneurship

Andrew Cochrane is an interactive and immersive content creator for mediums such as virtual and augmented reality, installations, live events, large-scale domes, and mobile & web apps. His extensive insight into both the creative and the technological aspects of modern content creation provides a unique blend of narrative focus, artistic savvy, and high-tech problem-solving. Currently, he is consulting and working to bring exciting technology to the world of entertainment and immersive experiences. He is also finishing work on his VR film "The Carrier", which will be released in 2023. Most recently, he was the Senior Vice President of Post Production Innovation at MSG Sphere Studios; Madison Square Garden Entertainment's immersive entertainment venue being built in Las Vegas. He created and led the department at the studio responsible for all technological innovation in post-production, playback, and audio that will be used to create all types of content for shows at this new state-of-the-art immersive venue. In 2019, he completed "THE 100%", a volumetric VR experience that premiered at TribecaX, where it won the award for Best Virtual Reality Experience. This experience was also selected as a finalist for the Creative Arts Emmy in the Innovation & Interactive Programming category and won several other awards for excellence in immersive storytelling. Andrew is an expert in forming and leading teams for delivering innovative and technologically complex projects. He has been integral to the growing immersive entertainment space, both as a creator and a thinker – speaking at conferences around the world. His immersive content credits span the gamut of live-action, CGI, and real-time experiences for clients such as Intel, Adobe, USA Today, Google, GE, Disney, USA Network, Visa, Las Vegas, and many others. Andrew has also directed commercials for Disney, LG, VIZIO, Google, Target, Barco, and M&M's. He has also done several traditional and VR projects featuring his own narrative and creative development. Highlights of the Episode:0:00 Introduction0:28 Introduction of guest1:25 What inspired Andy to do computer graphics and film8:09 Tech companies devalued the product, AI as a tool12:30 How we can fix the problem21:05 A very rare opportunity25:01 cheaper visual effects tools and Weird CG 28:23 What to learn when starting out in this industry today34:58 Navigating the favor economy in the industry40:47 Trying to communicate with machines 45:33 Human empathy for the anti AI crowd in art 56:20 New cool stuff Andy's involved in57:36 Outro Connecting with the Guest:Website: https://www.andrew-cochrane.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andycochrane/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andy.cochrane/ Connecting with CG Pro:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/becomecgproInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/becomecgpro/Website: https://www.becomecgpro.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/BecomeCGPro #AIStorytelling #TechInEntertainment #CGI

Ped is a highly experienced 3D artist and CG supervisor with projects including The Witcher Season 3, War of the Worlds, and No Escape. After the standard “not sure what I want to do” phase faced by many school leavers, he decided to study games development, leaning into his natural creative promise. And then he discovered the world of CGI, quickly becoming entranced by the opportunities offered by digital image making.

Cory Williams is a popular YouTuber known for his engaging content and creative approach to virtual production. With a passion for technology and storytelling, Cory has been exploring the world of virtual production for several years now. He has gained extensive experience in utilizing virtual reality, augmented reality, and other cutting-edge technologies to enhance his videos and create immersive experiences for his audience. Cory's journey with virtual production began when he realized the potential of these tools to take his content to the next level. By incorporating virtual elements into his videos, he has been able to transport his viewers to different worlds, create stunning visual effects, and bring his ideas to life in ways that were previously unimaginable. Through trial and error, Cory has honed his skills in virtual production, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible. He has become adept at using motion capture technology to animate virtual characters, seamlessly blending real and virtual elements, and creating interactive experiences that captivate his audience. Cory's dedication to virtual production has not only elevated his YouTube channel but has also inspired and influenced other content creators in the digital space. He has shared his knowledge and experiences through tutorials and collaborations, fostering a community of creators who are eager to explore the possibilities of virtual production. As Cory continues to evolve as a YouTuber, he remains committed to pushing the limits of virtual production and finding innovative ways to engage his audience. His passion for technology and storytelling shines through in every video, making him a true pioneer in the world of virtual production. Highlights of the Episode: 5:02 Journey into content creation 10:02 Connecting with an audience for content creation 15:00 Creating content for children 25:02 Rules and regulations for creating content with toys 30:01 R&D, Unreal Engine, and AI Software 35:00 Virtual Creators and Career Opportunities 40:01 Reflection and meditation for creative expression 45:00 Pursuing Dreams with Technology 50:00 Suits and systems for game animation 55:00 Motion capture and facial animation 1:00:00 Creating Video Games and Characters 1:05:01 Benefits of Virtual Reality 1:10:00 Advice on staying motivated in 3D animation Connecting with the Guest: Website: https://daydreamstudios.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/creator-cory-williams/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daydreamstudioshub/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DaydreamStudiosHub/featured 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 #Youtuber #VirtualProduction #CG

Join us as we sit down and chat with Alex Pearce, our upcoming Blender Course Instructor, and chat about his experience as a Senior Creative Technologist at Light Sail VR! Alex oversees the technical side of Light Sail VR including virtual production, photo-real visual effects, 3D pre-visualization as well as augmenting 360 video and real-time game engine development efforts. Alex's many years of experience as an industry thought leader has enabled his success with major clients including Apple, Google, United Airlines, Kia, VMware and the NFL, to name a few! Highlights of the Episode:0:00 Introduction0:14 Introduction of guest1:33 Background11:43 What is virtual production?14:19 Getting started with CG26:44 Why users should get professional one-on-one training with Blender28:40 Where Blender comes in as a good companion to the workflow35:05 How virtual production can work with digital marketing39:08 How much and what do you need to scrap for good performance in VR42:26 Top programs to get familiar with when starting virtual production46:04 Plans to help minorities in the VP scene48:12 Packaging and delivery process of a UE to VR HMD system50:44 Efforts to help military veterans transition into the CG world53:10 The cons of Octane57:49 Return of VR and using 360 plates on LED walls01:00:28 AI and non-player character conversations in Unreal Engine01:02:05 Thoughts on volumetric video and Unreal Engine 01:07:18 Wrap up01:07:39 Outro Connecting with the Guest:Website: http://lightsailvr.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexpearce3d/ Connecting with CG Pro:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/becomecgproInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/becomecgpro/Website: https://www.becomecgpro.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/BecomeCGPro #CG #VirtualProduction #Filmmaking

Adam Valdez is a pioneering figure in the world of computer graphics and virtual production. With a career spanning several decades, Valdez has left an indelible mark on the industry. He first gained recognition for his work on iconic films such as Robocop and Jurassic Park, showcasing his talent and technical expertise. Valdez's breakthrough came as an animation head on the critically acclaimed films The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) and The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002), contributing to their visual effects success. His work continued to impress as a lead visual supervisor on notable films like 10,000 BC, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, John Carter, World War Z, and Maleficent. However, it was his exceptional contributions to The Jungle Book (2016) that earned him widespread acclaim and an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects at the 89th Academy Awards. Valdez's dedication to pushing the boundaries of creativity led to his second Academy Award nomination for Best Visual Effects in 2020, for his work on The Lion King (2019), which was brought to life using Unreal Engine 5, with support from the Epic Games Mega Grant and VFX house MPC. Valdez's expertise and passion have made him a sought-after director in the field of virtual production. His latest project, BRAVE CREATURES, exemplifies the power of Unreal Engine as it collaborates with VFX house MPC to deliver captivating animation and visual effects. With an illustrious career and a penchant for innovation, Adam Valdez continues to inspire and shape the world of computer graphics. Highlights of the Episode: 0:00 Introduction 0:20 Introduction of guest 1:11 How did you get into computer graphics 07:37 Witnessing filmmakings' massive transition 11:56 AI is here 20:59 Applauding the idea of UV mapping going away 24:50 Buzzwords about Metaverse web three 30:24 Making Brave Creatures in unreal engine 35:44 What it's like making something of your own again 37:28 Top three programs to learn to compliment unreal Engine skills 43:41 What to focus on when starting or growing 48:07 Plans for a game based on Brave Creatures 50:57 An amazing world in prehistoric planet 01:02:06 Where VR is really great 01:05:00 Favorite mocap suit 01:10:06 What it's like winning an Oscar 01:12:45 Do you use storyboards when you come up with an idea 01:22:30 Career phases 01:23:48 A 3D tool that works in real time 01:30:25 Wrap up 01:30:52 Outro Connecting with the Guest: Website: https://www.mpcfilm.com/en/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-valdez-0102a11/ 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 #CG #VirtualProduction #Filmmaking

Peter started his Visual Effects career in the mid 90s with Digital Domain. He worked on projects like Apollo 13, Titanic and Final Fantasy – The Spirits Within, until he found his was to Weta Digital in New Zealand. As a Digital Matte and Concept Artist he created visuals for LOTR- The Two Towers, King Kong, Avatar amongst many other projects. Switching tracks, Peter started working as VFX Art Director and also On Set VFX Supervisor in the early 2010s on a variety of long-form TV shows. This led him to be hired as Virtual Art Director on Amazon's Rings of Power, a position he held for over 3 years over 2 seasons. Peter is currently working on a high profile virtual production in Australia. Highlights of the Episode:0:00 Introduction0:17 Introduction of guest1:12 Background16:23 Doing well at walking the line19:30 Tools for photogrammetry26:43 Team members for XR filmmaking31:05 Flame sessions with clients in 3D environments31:52 Unity vs Unreal34:31 Guide to moving around different facets of visual effects and virtual production35:54 Seeing something that you should spend time on38:04 Studies that leads to the industry40:44 What do you do to keep on top of all the new technology42:59 What the industry is looking like for entry level positions48:10 Advice on keeping the passion through a long career50:38 The right time to walk away from an opportunity53:12 Getting perspective in the middle of a lot of noise55:40 AI and how it's influencing production01:01:48 Wrap up01:02:24 Outro Connecting with the Guest:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-baustaedter-3499/?originalSubdomain=nzArt station: https://peterbaustaedter7.artstation.com/ Connecting with CG Pro:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/becomecgproInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/becomecgpro/Website: https://www.becomecgpro.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/BecomeCGPro #CG #VirtualProduction #VFX

Colin Urquhart is a pioneer in the field of digital doubles and is co-founder and CEO of DI4D. Colin began his career at the Turing Institute in Glasgow, Scotland carrying out research into computer stereo vision, and went on to obtain a PhD from the University of Glasgow in 1996 for his research into stereo photogrammetry. During this time, Colin also developed a strong interest in entrepreneurship and became CTO of a university spin-out company in 2000. When that company failed, Colin returned to the University of Glasgow in 2001 to lead the “Virtual Cloned Human Characters” project, which was aimed at using stereo photogrammetry to create virtual characters with the shape and appearance of real-life people, which have now became known as “digital doubles”. Colin and co-founder Douglas Green formed DI4D in 2003 to exploit the potential of stereo photogrammetry combined with recently introduced digital stills cameras to create highly realistic digital double characters for video games. DI4D was initially unable to obtain traction in the video games field because of the graphical limitations of the Playstation 2 and Xbox generation of consoles. Colin pivoted the company to providing 3D facial capture solutions for research in fields such as facial surgery and psychology. DI4D had a major breakthrough in video games in 2009, when Electronic Arts began using its solutions to capture the shape and appearance of real-life soccer players to create digital doubles for inclusion in the FIFA video game series. In 2004, DI4D began development of its ground-breaking 4D capture system, which uses an array of synchronised video cameras to capture the facial movements of an actor in 3D and time. Axis Animation was one of the first companies to use 4D capture to produce the facial animation for the 2011 Announcement Trailer for Techland's Dead Island video game. Colin relocated from Glasgow to Los Angeles in 2017 to accelerate DI4D's expansion into the entertainment industry. DI4D's 4D capture systems have now been used for VFX in movies such as Blade Runner 2049, Venom: Let There Be Carnage and Morbius, the Netflix animated series Love, Death, and Robots, and video games such as Quantum Break and Call of Duty Modern Warfare II. Highlights of the Episode: 0:00 Introduction 0:13 Introduction of guest 1:12 Early inspiration 5:33 Significance of AI 7:11 The best of both worlds 11:02 Virtual clones in a couple of sentences 13:25 Early applications 17:06 Lessons learned from studying entrepreneurship 18:42 Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs 21:06 Developing a market for a new capability 27:05 Risk versus continuing to do something 32:13 Work in film and feature film 38:05 Translation onto the rig 44:13 Insights from studying actors' performance 48:46 Unexpected or craziest use of this technology in entertainment 50:56 What more can we get from AI 57:24 4D technology and how we watch television 01:00:16 Wrap up 01:01:02 Outro “You learn a lot from things that don't work out, I think you learn more from failure than you do from success” - Colin Urquhart Connecting with the Guest: Website: https://di4d.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinurquhart/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dimensionalimaging/?hl=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/di4dcom?lang=en 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 #4d #entrepreneuralism #virtualproduction

As a thought leader in the world of virtual production, Felix Jorge serves as the CEO and Co-Founder of Narwhal Studios, and CCO at Arctic 7. With over 16 years of experience in the entertainment industry, Felix has led teams of experts who specialize in providing Virtual Art Department (VAD) services to some of the biggest films, TV shows, and video games, including The Mandalorian, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Black Adam, and Ant Man and The Wasp: Quantumania. Felix's passion for innovation and education has pushed him to expand his reach even further. He is now leading Narwhal studios to develop an innovative platform and Virtual Production tools to empower students and partners, and bridge the gap between leadership's needs in the Virtual Art Department and the global market of artists. Through his deep understanding of visual storytelling and unwavering commitment to innovation, Felix's influence as a thought leader continues to evolve, as he thrives to help fellow creatives and entrepreneurs flourish in this rapidly evolving industry. Highlights of the Episode: 0:00 Introduction 0:36 Introduction of guest 3:01 Felix's journey and early inspiration 7:27 Breakthrough moment 11:02 Skills important to a previz artist 13:40 Hiring people with the right skills 19:06 Making something outstanding 20:47 Thoughts on being a generalist in virtual production 23:22 Leading others to be honest with you 32:46 Narwhal Studios: The business side of things 35:38 What's Felix up to 41:02 Work on The Mandalorian 51:53 Cameras and lenses for virtual production 53:05 Why change the company name? 54:01 Recommendation for people transitioning from other industries 01:00:21 The tools 01:02:24 Toughest roles to find talent for 01:03:59 Skills attractive to studios 01:06:32 How to structure a reel 01:09:44 Tools to do a proof of concept 01:13:02 Handling new client acquisition 01:14:27 The usefulness of doing short films with virtual production 01:20:49 Wrap up 01:22:00 Outro Connecting with the Guest: Website: https://www.narwhalstudios.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/felix-jorge-5884292/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/felixthepuerto/?hl=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/felixthepuerto?lang=en 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 #previz #virtualart

Asad Manzoor Asad spearheads content creation for Pixomondo's Virtual Production division, squeezing feature-quality imagery out of Unreal Engine. Recently, he has delivered such titles as Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Halo, Nightbooks, and the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender. From initial pitch to today, Asad co-developed Pixomondo's Virtual Production division, with a sprinkle of game development throughout that time. Having taken shots from R&D through the final frame, Asad had previously handled characters, lighting, environment art, all with a sprinkle of compositing — today, he uses all of the above to ensure PXO's Virtual Production team runs smoothly. To keep things interesting when he's not managing Virtual Production, Asad finds himself jumping back into game development, concept art, and the occasional practical SFX project. Zach Dembinsky With a passion for creating digital worlds since Lightwave 7.5c, Zachary is devoted to the journey of trying to mimic the reality of light. You can find him looking around random corners of the world asking, “How would I achieve that in CG…” Zachary Dembinski brings a decades worth of VFX experience to Pixomondo's exciting endeavor of virtual production. With his background roots in traditional vfx Lighting – he ambitiously tries to push the boundaries of real-time rendering with every environment. He firmly believes real-time rendering is the future and it's here to stay. His latest VP projects include, Star Trek: Discovery, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, and Netflix's – Avatar: The Last Airbender. Highlights of the Episode: 0:00 Introduction 0:14 Introduction of guests 3:33 Getting into the industry 7:59 Education and biggest contributors 11:41 Zach's path into the industry 20:01 Lighting and its appeal 22:36 Balancing making your own work and working on someone else's 29:33 What it's like to be more connected to virtual production 35:23 Difference between a VAD and the art department 39:30 How to help the VAD and the art department function well together 44:39 Level instancing or data layers in your VAD workflow? 45:56 workflow for ingesting high poly lidar assets 49:11 Exploring Nerfs 51:06 Optimistic about AI 54:29 Collaborative working for guys in VADs 59:19 What the traditional art department need to learn to work better with the VAD 01:02:17 Wrap up 01:02:53 Outro “In any project, not necessarily just visual effects, any thing that a group is working on, the more interconnected that group is, the better the product you're gonna end up with by the end.” - Asad Manzoor Connecting with the Guest: Asad Manzoor Website: https://www.pixomondo.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asadnmanzoor/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNLNAcU-wcQ Zach Dembinsky Website: https://www.pixomondo.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharydembinski/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zackdembinski/?hl=en 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 #virtualart #virtualproduction #cgpro

Cory is a two-time Emmy award winning visual effects artist whose recent work earned him a Gold Lion at Cannes. Along with creating futuristic advertisements and Visual Effects for the film Minority Report, he was a part of the concept team that developed the look and feel of the future world. In his two decade career, Cory's work spans across films like Minority Report and Star Trek, TV shows such as X-files, Deepspace 9, Smallville, and broadcast visuals for ABC, ESPN, Fox, Discovery & Disney. In 2013 he co-founded a Virtual Reality company named Kite and Lightning, who created virtual experiences for GE, NBC, Lionsgate and HBO as well as developed the VR game Bebylon Battle Royal, a party brawler where immortal babies battle in an arena. Currently Cory creates a solo show on YouTube called Xanadu where his Alien alter ego vlogs from his spaceship, using realtime technology at cinematic quality. Highlights of the Episode: 0:00 Introduction 0:26 Introduction of guest 1:37 Getting started in creating content films 11:51 Approach to learning new skills 20:28 Optimizing creation by being organized 29:28 Finding people to collaborate with 33:38 Advice for creators on creating something big 38:55 Origins of the idea for Blue 42:45 Xanadu becomes an occupation 52:04 The community as an investor 55:58 Excitement around AI 01:08:21 Applying to help you in the future 01:09:01 Wrap up 01:10:10 Outro Notable Quote “Blu represented this idea that I could do virtually all the things that I can't do in reality. I'm not going go into space in my lifetime in reality, but I can go into space as Blu. I can go on adventures, sci-fi adventures and do stuff that I can't do as me.” - Cory Strassburger Connecting with the Guest: Website:https://www.corystrassburger.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corystrassburger/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/kite-&-lightning-vr-creative-studio-/about/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/effectzero/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/coryezero Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/kitelightning 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 #indie #independentcreator

Kristin graduated from The Digital Animation & Visual Effects School in Orlando, FL before joining Halon Entertainment where she honed her skills while working on a variety of projects on the studio's slate including commercials, video game trailers, theme park rides, and feature films such as Logan, Ford vs. Ferrari, and The Batman. For the recently released Robert Zemeckis film Pinocchio, she led her team to develop remote virtual camera and digital cinematography tools and workflows needed to meet the creative and logistical challenges of filmmaking during the pandemic era. In 2022 Kristin made the move within the NEP Virtual Studios family to join Lux Machina as a Virtual Production Supervisor where she continues to help advance virtual production workflows and technology, assisting creative filmmakers of all disciplines to harness the power of virtual production for their projects. Highlights of the Episode: 0:00 Introduction 0:17 Introduction of guest 1:29 Always wanted to get into film 10:33 About visualization 17:12 What makes a good previs artist? 21:51 Being a generalist is necessary 32:43 Is previz too niche? 39:33 Advice for transitioning from traditional art department to a VAD 42:43 How far do you take the previz as far as details? 44:37 Things you need to show to apply for roles in previz or VAD 46:31 The magic that makes Lux Machina 49:12 Being a virtual production supervisor at Lux Machina 52:55 Talk about Pinocchio 01:07:01 Machine learning: what the future holds 01:15:01 Outro Quote: “If you're looking for something in previz, showing a range of skills is great. But most importantly, showing a willingness to try new things.” - Kristin Turnipseed Connecting with the Guest: Website:https://www.luxmc.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-turnipseed-48067787 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kris_turnip/?hl=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/turnipseedk?lang=en 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 RSVP here for upcoming CG Pro Podcasts: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/cg-pro-39748423833 #virtualproduction #virtualproductionsupervising #becomecgpro

Christian Kaestner began his career as an art director at leading advertising agencies, crafting unique work for clients such as Sony and Adobe. After working with high-profile clients to create beautiful, memorable imagery he pivoted to VFX in the mid-2000s. He graduated from San Francisco's Academy of Art University with a Masters of Fine Arts in 3D Animation and Visual Effects and launched his VFX career with The Orphanage, before joining Framestore in 2007. Since then, he has worked on a wide variety of projects including The Dark Knight, Quantum of Solace, Where The Wild Things Are, Avatar and the Oscar-winning Gravity. Christian made the move to Montreal in 2013 and quickly established himself as a key member of the studio's senior team, supervising titles such as Paddington, Alien: Covenant, Mary Poppins Returns, Captain Marvel, The Aeronauts, and the BAFTA-winning His Dark Materials. His most recent project is 1899, a major episodic project for Netflix utilizing Europe's largest LED volume facility. Here he led a team spanning concept art, visualization, virtual production and VFX. Highlights of the Episode:0:00 Introduction0:18 Introduction of guest1:35 Getting into film3:34 Why commercials?4:42 How studying helps you jump into the industry6:51 Getting a break9:57 Good route for anyone wanting to get into the industry11:48 Improving mentoring in a remote work setting15:49 Becoming a visual effects supervisor17:23 A VFX supervisor's job18:55 What makes a good visual effects supervisor?22:31 How a visual effects supervisor differs from a virtual production supervisor34:17 What virtual production tools need to succeed40:37 Virtual production ideas that didn't work when done42:08 How water environments were approached in the volume45:38 How much change happens once work is turned over to the vendor?49:14 Challenges in virtual production that needs solving50:02 Working from home and productivity52:49 AI and how it will affect the visual effects industry56:35 How to compensate for the things we don't have to do anymore59:02 What's emerging that can be exciting1:03:57 Advice for someone who wants to break into the industry1:14:33 Outro Connecting with the Guest:Website: https://www.framestore.com/Linkedin: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/ckaestnerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckvfx/Twitter: https://twitter.com/ckvfx?lang=en Connecting with CG Pro:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/becomecgproInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/becomecgpro/Website: https://www.becomecgpro.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/edgevisualCG #virtualproduction #remoteworking #cgpro

Rene boasts 24 years of experience with 16 startups, starting young and working for his parent's startups in silicon valley. He's also directed over 350 commercials, short films, and pilots; primarily as co-founder and creative director for 8 years at digital agency Automaton Creative. Most recently as founder at ARwall, Rene won the SXSW Accelerator 2018 AR/VR category pitch, has been acknowledged as a top AR tech evangelist in Hollywood, and designed the first ARwall Lab in Burbank. Highlights of the Episode:0:00 Introduction0:15 Introduction of guest1:25 Rene's background9:29 Exposure to augmented reality21:13 Allowing play and creativity into the process24:34 ARFX25:54 What it looks like in terms of process for a filmmaker29:40 How much control you can have32:23 A filmmaking and service company to help others make films.36:07 Do your walls run on 220 electric or less?38:07 How many insert stages are using it currently?39:41 Working with set pieces and props41:56 Building your own environments and plugging them in45:07 Eliminating atmospheric smoke46:39 Handling complicated LED volume output48:43 Winning South by Southwest Award52:05 Achieving balance1:02:05 Outro Connecting with the Guest:Website: https://arwall.co/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rlamadorInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealreneamador/?hl=enTwitter: https://twitter.com/rlamador?lang=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/arwallco/ Connecting with CG Pro:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/becomecgproInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/becomecgpro/Website: https://www.becomecgpro.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/edgevisualCGGame Design Course: https://www.becomecgpro.com/gamedesigninunreal #virtualproduction #AR #becomecgpro

Norman Wang is Co-founder & CEO at Glassbox Technologies. He was born in Taiwan, raised in Australia and now calling California home, Norman is a published computer vision author, former Ph.D researcher in the field of cognitive psychology, university lecturer, VR industry figurehead and seasoned tech entrepreneur. Since founding Glassbox, Norman and the team at Glassbox have been involved in several world-class productions and pushed the boundaries of virtual production and real-time filmmaking in collaboration with some of the most innovative filmmakers and creative technologists. Headquartered in sunny Los Angeles, Glassbox is a global company with locations in Germany, Australia and as of 2021, Taiwan. Highlights of the Episode:0:00 Introduction0:24 Introduction of guest1:11 Early inspirations in film and technology7:50 Confidence in interactive technologies and games9:55 Indication of going the right way in difficult moments13:03 Accomplishments as reminders15:10 Finding and keeping a good team25:44 Forced into being remote27:34 Hands on as an engineer vs. managing32:32 Interesting problems38:31 Built products43:58 Scene formats50:20 Suite of tools and dragonfly53:58 Something which will work with multiple platforms55:02 Questions about NASA58:31 Opportunities to tell stories1:00:16 Things to look out for from Glassbox1:04:13 Outro Connecting with the Guest:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/norman-wang-0284535a/ Connecting with CG Pro:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/becomecgproInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/becomecgpro/Website: https://www.becomecgpro.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/edgevisualCGGame Design Course: https://www.becomecgpro.com/gamedesigninunreal #virtualproduction #dataproblem #cgpro

Sean Spitzer is one of Unreal Enterprise's Senior Instructor / Master Mentor Artists for Virtual Production at Epic Games. Sean has been in the games and media industry for 26 years, working in both console, PC and social gaming verticals as well as commercial TV. He has an extensive background in education teaching Arts and Animation and Game Art and Design related topics at both the Academy of Art University and The Art Institute of California. He has worked extensively on games and TV projects and recently finished working on Netflix's Love Death and Robots Season 3's short Vaulted Halls:Entombed. Highlights of the Episode: 0:00 Introduction 0:16 Introduction of guest 1:36 Early experiences that made you dive into this industry 3:27 Computers and art in college 5:05 Renaissance of the generalist 6:32 Early days in the games industry 15:00 Experience in film and virtual production 19:55 Growing in broadcast 23:42 Why generalists are getting more popular now 25:38 What makes a good generalist 28:13 Recommendations for being a good generalist 32:11 Working on Love Death and Robots 38:14 Connectivity of the engine 40:02 How long Unreal training takes 40:55 Other programs used to make Cthulhu 42:49 How long before Unreal becomes fully integrated into the film industry? 45:0020 AI: tool, threat, or both? 49:03 Unreal affecting the games industry 53:59 Tips on getting good cinematic quality ICV effects for virtual production 58:21 What's a good approach to lighting an interior from scratch? 1:02:18 What are you most excited about right now 1:04:44 Advice to those that want to dive in and learn 1:06:41 Outro Connecting with the Guest: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanspitzer3d 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/edgevisualCG Game Design Course: https://www.becomecgpro.com/gamedesigninunreal RSVP here for upcoming CG Pro Podcasts: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/cg-pro-39748423833 #virtualproduction #unrealengine #becomecgpro

Fred Isaac is Head of Product at Move.ai. He has spent his whole career working in the field of computer vision and the last 5 years specializing in motion capture and animation. He has brought new hardware and software products to market for motion capture of both facial and body animation at Cubic Motion, Epic Games and Move.ai. He is now focused on the launch of Move.ai's motion capture application which allows anyone to create AAA quality animation using just a few iPhones. Highlights of the Episode: 0:00 Introduction 0:24 Introduction of guest 1:27 Start in the industry 4:26 Path towards computer vision 6:30 Motion capture using iphones 8:44 Evolution of mocap 14:27 The product and price range 22:05 Looking to make it work for Androids? 25:41 Best average setup 30:55 Can the system do animal mocap? 33:53 What about capturing quick motion? 38:49 Working with epic 47:35 The calibration phase 49:31 Hands and facial animation 52:30 Retargeting 59:00 Outro Quotes: “We're trying to totally change how people think about motion capture as not you go into that big expensive room. I'm not thinking about it as a huge production process.” - Fred Isaac Connecting with the Guest: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaacfjf/ 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/edgevisualCG Game Design Course: https://www.becomecgpro.com/gamedesigninunreal RSVP here for upcoming CG Pro Podcasts: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/cg-pro-39748423833 #virtualproduction #motioncapture #becomecgpro

Ryan Zingler has been in the game industry since 2010. He has worked on IP's such as the Fallout New Vegas, Dungeon Siege 3, The Tomb raider Reboot series, and Avengers. Ryan has worked at Crystal dynamics since 2011 and is currently working on an unannounced project. His career started as a junior-level designer who later morphed into a senior technical designer position. Highlights of the Episode:0:00 Introduction0:16 Introduction of guest1:43 Early inspirations10:26 First step: Obsidian Entertainment11:58 How well schools prepare you for the industry14:38 How communication changed through covid17:14 Internships in the games industry19:10 Biggest surprise getting into the games industry20:41 An average Senior Technical Designer's day24:20 Tools26:21 What should people be good at if they want your role37:12 Anything taught in school that prepared you for the industry38:20 Ever been tempted to leave the security of the largest studio for creative freedom?40:09 Good things to ask during an interview44:52 Tips on doing research on companies47:51 Advice for anyone coming in cold51:22 Favorite games at the moment54:55 Best content to show when you do not have AAA game experience59:36 Have you ever reached a point where you thought of giving up?1:00:00 Biggest challenge so far1:03:07 Do you treat each new game or concept with a formula1:06:30 What are you excited about in the future?1:09:59 Thoughts on film people coming to games and vice versa1:17:20 Outro Connecting with the Guest:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crystal-dynamics/Website: https://www.crystald.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrystalDynamics Connecting with CG Pro:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/becomecgproInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/becomecgpro/Website: https://www.becomecgpro.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/edgevisualCGGame Design Course: https://www.becomecgpro.com/gamedesigninunreal RSVP here for upcoming CG Pro Podcasts: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/cg-pro-39748423833 #virtualproduction #gameindustry #becomecgpro

For over 20 years Kevin Christopher has been honing his skills in Animation, Visual Effects and Editing. His passion for great storytelling and his unlikely background in architecture and engineering has brought a unique skillset to virtual production. As an award winning editor he knows what it takes to remove the words “fix it in post” from the production lexicon. Prior to serving as the Solutions Architect, and Post Production Supervisor Kevin spent years providing editorial services for clients such as Home Depot, Coca Cola, and Turner Classic Movies. Kevin has worked on film restorations of feature films as well as creating and designing DVD and Blu-Ray's for distribution. Kevin has created nDisplay setups for more than just virtual production. For M.O.T.R. (Millions of Tiny Robots) he created the Illuminarium Experience setup that ties 32 Disguise RX nodes and 12 Disguise VX4's to create a realtime rendered experience powered by Unreal Engine. Kevin's goal is to move much of VFX from Post production to Pre Production so that what's captured in camera is as dynamic as possible and allows the actors to feel as if they were in the environment, thus creating the most genuine performance possible. Highlights of the Episode: 0:00 Introduction 0:58 Introduction of guest 1:56 What pointed you in this direction? 5:09 What was it about 3D that really spoke to you? 7:38 Thoughts on Unreal Engine and Blender being free 9:05 Film restoration 10:49 Restoration and how it affected work 12:42 Role at RiTE Media 15:13 What drives the motion of the robot? 24:58 Tools for visualization and preplanning 26:09 Mark Roberts Motion Control Systeml: Bolt and Bolt Junior Plus 32:26 Time for R&D vs actual production 36:31 Go to's when ramping up 37:47 Preferred camera tracking system with an LED stage 41:23 How do we get a tour? 42:07 Favorite thing in virtual production 43:47 Preparing people for this way of making movies 45:08 Journey with end display 47:02 The Illuminarium 49:46 Making and working on independent movies 52:25 Being able to play in filmmaking 53:52 Processes where AI is making a difference 56:06 Exciting changes in the industry 1:00:00 Outro Quote: “Once we started getting into the real time Unreal engine stuff, that really opened up a lot of different doors.” - Kevin Chrisopher Connecting with the Guest: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-christopher-9b89b5b/ Website: https://ritemedia.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kevin.christopher.5076/ 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 RSVP here for upcoming CG Pro Podcasts: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/cg-pro-39748423833 #virtualproduction #robots #ledwalls

Kathryn Brillhart is a Cinematographer, Director, and Producer who leverages volumetric capture, visualization techniques, and supervising visual effects to enhance projects. For the past decade, she has helped to redefine best practices and standards in virtual production and has advocated for diversity in the film industry through her role on the Global Board of Directors for the Visual Effects Society. Kathryn is a member of the Virtual Production Committee within the ASC Motion Imaging and Technology Council. Her recent work and role as Virtual Production Supervisor, incorporates real-time game engine and virtual production techniques to achieve in-camera visual effects, including such projects as Warner Bros. Black Adam (2022), Netflix's Rebel Moon (2023), and Amazon Studios' Fallout (2023) Highlights of the Episode: 0:00 CG Pro Introduction0:16 Introduction to Kathryn Brillhart 1:06 How did this all start for you? 5:43 Lessons from using film having already used digital9:44 Room for a new role12:50 Virtual production supervisor, how do you become one?15:29 Influencing a dynamic environment21:08 Approaching fear around new things for producers23:56 Virtual production should save you money30:24 Cinematographers learning unreal engine to help their own process 34:59 What does the role of virtual production supervisor mean when it's client side?37:36 What's the biggest obstacle you faced in virtual production and how did you overcome it?42:02 Gems you can offer about leadership, and the different approach between the older and younger generations in visual effects?51:44 What would you advise people if they wanna learn leadership skills?54:44 How do you track elements for virtual production?58:54 Aspects of virtual production used on Black Adam01:04:25 Volumetric capture workflows used film or tv01:08:15 As a VP supervisor, are you the head of the VAD or part of the VFX department?01:09:52 What are you excited about in the future of virtual production?01:11:50 Are you still making your own films? Quote: “When you start understanding how many different types of processes there are, it gets exciting as a filmmaker because you realize that all these different recipes for how you work affect the final product.” - Kathryn Brillhart Connecting with the Guest:Website: https://www.kathrynelisebrillhart.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-brillhart-3b118324/ Connecting with CG Pro:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/becomecgproInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/becomecgpro/Website: https://www.becomecgpro.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/becomecgpro RSVP here for upcoming CG Pro Podcasts: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/cg-pro-39748423833 #virtualproduction #supervision #becomecgpro

Peter Hyoguchi directed the first Super Bowl spot to utilize Virtual Production. He is a two-time recipient of the Epic MegaGrant for his sci-fi “Gods of Mars” proof-of-concept which created a propitiatory virtual production pipeline with a team of Oscar and Emmy-winning virtual effects artists whose credits include “Star Wars”, “X-Men”, “How to Train Your Dragon”, “Batman”, Quantum of Solace”, “The Dark Crystal” and “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” Hyoguchi wrote and directed the dramatic feature “First, Last and Deposit” which won Best Drama at the New York Independent Festival and Best Feature at the San Francisco Independent Film Festival. It went on to air on IFC and Netflix. At fifteen years-old, Peter won George Lucas's youth film festival for his short sci-fi film “The Future's Future”. Two years later Hyoguchi received an art grant to direct his first feature film, “No Exit” by Jean Paul Sartre. Highlights of the Episode: 0:00 Introduction 0:36 Introduction of guest 2:17 Beginning of Peter's journey 04:47 First you have to learn how to draw 11:43 Never short on inspiration 13:32 Finally got a video camera 15:22 Show Us the Future 16:54 First feature film 25:29 Lots of working at video stores and theaters 27:34 Mid twenties, writing screenplays 31:08 First time in CG 39:41 Access to the best filmmaking equipment and visual effects tools 41:59 If you had all of what we've got now back then 48:01 Advice to young filmmakers 49:21 How do you find where you belong? 55:43 Journey into virtual production and the Unreal Engine 01:09:50 Making everybody go back to school 01:12:02 What are you excited about doing next? 01:19:53 The story is everything 01:23:37 Stop everything and relearn everything 01:26:58 When are you making the movie of your life? Quotes: “People who are really successful in this business, they have that knowledge. They have this crazy encyclopedic knowledge of film history and film grammar.” - Peter Hyoguchi Connecting with the Guest: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterhyoguchi/ Website: https://www.roninfilm.com/ Facebook: facebook.com/peterhyoguchi 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 RSVP here for upcoming CG Pro Podcasts: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/cg-pro-39748423833 #virtualproduction #indie #becomecgpro

Haz started his career in Video games cinematics before moving into Visual Effects where he was nominated for several VES awards for his VFX Supervision work on CG heavy Docu-series for BBC, Discovery and History Channel. His short films (Project Kronos and SYNC) gained traction in Hollywood leading to his transitioning over to Directing & Producing with his breakout feature film THE BEYOND, the indie sci-fi was released in 2018 and was number 2 in the iTunes Charts before being licensed on Netflix and turning into a profitable movie. His second feature film - 2036 Origin Unknown, starring Katee Sackhoff (Battlestar Galactica, The Mandalorian) earned a limited Theatrical release before landing on Netflix. He was then hired by Disney to helm the pilot for the action comedy series Fast Layne, where he also served as EP / Creative Consultant on the entire series. Haz is the co-founder of the production company HaZimation producing animated feature films, series, video games, and Metaverse projects based on their propriety pipeline utilizing Unreal Engine. The studio's animated feature film - RIFT, has just completed and will be getting its world premiere at the oscar accredited festival - Sparks ani Highlights of the Episode: 0:00 Introduction 1:50 Introduction of guest 3:06 How Unreal Engine Revolutionizes Content 07:48 In Depth with Motion Capture 12:30 The Encouragement to Show Drafts 13:33 How Real Time Works 15:55 Expanding Creatively To Different Locations 18:48 Telling The Story in Any Medium 25:33 Detailing The Poster 31:46 How Violence in Content is Based on Perception 51:23 Creating a Car Chase Scene 104:23 Outro Quotes: "The only way to stay relevant is to keep creating content." - Haz Dulull Connecting with the Guest: LinkedIn: Haz Dulull Website: https://hazfilm.comTwitter: Hazimation 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 RSVP here for upcoming CG Pro Podcasts: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/cg-pro-39748423833 #virtualproduction #animation #becomecgpro