PROCEDURAL VISUAL EFFECTS
Houdini’s procedural 3D asset creation technology enables us to create highly detailed iterations of vast landscapes and environment assets. Gabriel imported the various high-resolution environment mesh exported from Houdini into Zbrush to finesse the 3D geometry for shading and texturing in Substance Painter. The procedural look development workflow combining the procedural technology in Houdini and Substance Painter, and dynamic mesh polygon sculpting in Zbrush has helped Gabriel to develop visual effects look development within a day. The 3D workflow not only saves time and budget, it allows Gabriel to maximise production time in 3D asset creation, texturing and shader development.
Visual effects masterclass in xi’an, china
Gabriel and Anton (Effects TD at Weta Digital) visited Xi’An to conduct a 4-week visual effects workshop for artists and industry professionals. Throughout the 4 weeks of intensive Zbrush and Houdini training, students learn 3D assets and scan data modeling in Zbrush, texturing in substance painter, fluid simulation in Houdini, and rendering with Redshift in Houdini. The industry-based workshop is co-developed by Gabriel and Anton, and provided students with insights in interdepartmental collaboration within the visual effects industry.
visual effects presentation at xi’an ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS
Gabriel and Jordan Olson (Compositing TD at Weta Digital) presented a day of visual effect presentation to students and faculty members at the renowned Xi’An Academy of Fine Arts. Students are highly skilled in traditional fine arts and illustration, and wanted to explore 3D digital media as their potential medium of art and design. The audience included studio and film executives, and media representatives from the government. China's government has been spending on education above 4% of GDP for 7 consecutive years - budget above $570 billion. The national interests in digital media and design enthuse great news for visual effects artists and educators.
the city of xi’an, china
Xi'an was the capital city of 13 imperial dynasties, and famed for their treasured Terracotta Warriors. Many dynasties from about 3,000 to 1,000 years ago had their capital city here, which is how it came to be called the fountainhead of civilization for China. The city influenced the west via the silk road - and Xi'an is more than 3,000 years old and was known as Chang'an (长安) in ancient times. The winter cold brought a sense of tranquility to the colours in the city. Teaching visual effects with the latest digital media technology, combined with the city’s rich array of arts and culture is definitely one of the highlight in my teaching career.
the city of xi’an, china
Gabriel continues to visit innovation and media hubs across Shaanxi, and conducted presentations and workshops for universities and media government representatives. Xi’An is home to the famed director - Zhang Yimou (Hero, Raise the Red Lantern, The Great Wall). It is a privilege to explore Xi’An’s diverse and broad film and media facilities and support for filmmakers and educators.
