Dealing with Bloated .PSDs
June 14th, 2009
One of my fellow IMD’ers passed along a short tutorial regarding file compression: idletogether.com/how-to-reduce-your-psd-files-size-using-photoshop
This was the most interesting part to me:
How is this possible ?
The preview is gone, so the composite information is empty, and the “cache” used by photoshop to know which pixel belongs to which layer as well.
If that trick was used along with the right settings for the .7z format from 7zip, I’m fairly certain that it would yield even better results.
This is yet another example of why I feel it is so important that graphic artists make time to become techincally saavy. Knowing what’s under the hood of your toolset frees you to become more creative and get what you want faster. In this case, it’s more about being able to get those files down to something that’s quick to email, so you are able to get your feedback cycles shortened.
The Moving Hold
June 11th, 2009
Another great article from Animation Mentor…
http://www.animationmentor.com/newsletter/0609/feature_geek.html#tipTrick
Techlifehacks - File Renamers
May 25th, 2009
I just posted an update over at the Techlifehacks blog…
File Renamers - A Quick Update
In a previous post, 1,000’s of Files to Rename - 1 Easy Solution, I recommended the file renamer - Denis Kozlov’s ReNamer.
At first glance, there’s one feature that’s missing - the ability to rename folders.
Well, it IS there. You just have to dig a little to turn the option on. In the divider, between where you drag the rules and the files, you’ll see some drop down menus. Choose Filters and check on Add folders as files. You’ll notice that you can now drag folders into the files area and have ReNamer’s rules apply their changes on the folders, too.
BOOYA! Done.
Additionally, there is another free renaming tool you can use if ReNamer doesn’t do it for ya’ - LupasRename. It’s a favorite at work and for good reason. Give it a try!
SIGGRAPH2009: Autodesk Master Classes posted
May 25th, 2009
This year’s list of character animation related classes:
Rigging for the Masses: Automated Large-Scale Production Rigging
TJ Galda, Electronic Arts Canada
Advanced Character Rigging and Facial Animation Pipelines
Sylvain Côté, Artificial Mind & Movement
PyMEL: Harnessing the Power of Python™ in Maya
Chad Dombrova, Luma Pictures
Mocap and Character Rigging Demystified
Marc-André Guindon, NeoReel Inc
Animating with Character Studio
Hugo Morales, BioWare
Produced By Conference 2009
May 25th, 2009
I signed up for this year’s Produced By Conference. There are a couple mo-cap related talks this year - one hosted by the Motion Capture Society.
Here’s a quick description from the PGA’s site:
Presented by the Producers Guild of America and hosted by Sony Pictures Studios, the Produced By Conference brings together the entire producing profession—from acclaimed Oscar and Emmy winners, to experienced team members, to the young storytellers who represent the next generation of creative entrepreneurs.
I primarily signed up for film oriented sessions that had topics relating to motion capture and VFX. I’m especially interested to see how Cameron views his experiences on Avatar.
| A1 - Profile: James Cameron - Seeing The Future in 3D |
| B4 - The Collaborative Process of Visual Effects: From Previs To Post |
| C10 - Performance/Motion Capture Production Technology |
| A8 - Profile: Pixar Method of Producing |
| C6 - Made In The USA: Navigating Domestic Tax Incentives Sponsored by Entertainment Partners |
| D2 - Assembling A First-Rate Producing Team: How To Get Hired By The Best In The Biz |
| A3 - Profile: Gordon On Gordon, How To Be A Great Creative Producer Sponsored by American Airlines |
| A5 - Who Does What? The Role of The Creative Producer Sponsored By Plymouth Rock Studios |
| A7 - *World Premiere* PGA/ASC Camera Assessment Series |
| B9 - A New Dimension: 3D Stereoscopic Production Sponsored By Real D |
Should be a great weekend with lots to talk about. I’ll toss up some notes once things calm down again.
Drop by the conference’s site for more info - producedbyconference.com
Mars Needs Moms Wraps!
May 25th, 2009
The Mars Needs Moms shoot wrapped last Monday - ahead of schedule.
This was my first feature shoot and by far the longest and most engaging. I don’t think that many cg artists realize exactly what kind of an effort it takes to capture an entire movie’s worth of performances. I want to thank the entire cast and crew for their dedication, patience and overall incredible attitude during all the moments of what were sometimes very, very long days.
The more I get to work with everyone at IMD, the more I realize exactly how special this studio really is. They’re a very passionate group and it shows every day.
Ed Ulbrich: How Benjamin Button got his face
March 7th, 2009
Talk
“Ed Ulbrich, the digital-effects guru from Digital Domain, explains the Oscar-winning technology that allowed his team to digitally create the older versions of Brad Pitt’s face for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.”
http://www.ted.com/talks/ed_ulbrich_shows_how_benjamin_button_got_his_face.html
Impact
While I can’t comment on what we use at IMD, I can say that the route that Digital Domain went for this film is something cg artists will want to pay close attention to. Technology and theory from large houses have a heavy effect on software and hardware venders, leading to a trickle down effect over time. Talks like this can sometimes give you an excellent idea as to what to expect in the years ahead - something that can be very useful to help guide your training and career choices.
2009 SIGGRAPH Autodesk® MasterClasses
March 7th, 2009
Character/TD Related Classes:
Rigging for the Masses: Automated Large-Scale Production Rigging
TJ Galda, Electronic Arts Canada
Advanced Character Rigging and Facial Animation Pipelines
Sylvain Côté, Artificial Mind & Movement
PyMEL: Harnessing the Power of Python™ in Maya
Chad Dombrova, Luma Pictures
Mocap and Character Rigging Demystified
Marc-André Guindon, NeoReel Inc
Animating with Character Studio
Hugo Morales, BioWare
View All Classes:
http://area.autodesk.com/masterclass/lriley/090224_1235/2009_SIGGRAPH_Agenda_POST.pdf
* It’s still early, so expect changes and additions.
Z(ed) Brush Gallery-ing
November 15th, 2008
Congrats to my buddy, Nick Miller, for having his work selected to be in the new Pixologic Turntable Gallery.
You can see that piece here. Click to page six and look at the first one on the bottom row. You can see Nick’s other work at artofnickmiller.com.
The Art Institutes’ Pear Pirate Commercial
November 2nd, 2008
This was one of the more interesting gigs I was part of at Cinemanix. Always nice to work with the guys at Animalspots. Their second shoot with us, this experience was MUCH more streamlined and less stressful as a direct result of the pipeline improvements and training we had worked on throughout that year.* Having a short motions list is always nice, too. 
My contributions included shoot coordination, mocap tech (ran the system + set up the mocap suit), tracking/solving and some minimal pipeline consulting for the MotionBuilder <> Max Biped workflow.
The final spot: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeakJnzP7iI
The behind the scenes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXxIZVAz-U0
* Many, many thanks to all the former mocaptionators at Cinemanix that were on-board for that ‘adventure’.