In this episode, Allan McKay sits down with Gavan Gravesen and Matteo Giuberti, the co-founders of RADiCAL, to explore the groundbreaking advancements in AI-powered motion capture and the future of accessible 3D animation technology. They discuss Gavan and Matteo’s journey from their diverse backgrounds—Gavan from law and AI, and Matteo from biomechanics and motion capture—into building RADiCAL, an innovative platform that uses a single camera and AI to capture human body motion. They dive into the development of RADiCAL's tools, including RADiCAL Canvas, a browser-based, real-time 3D environment for collaboration and creation, and how their platform democratizes motion capture for filmmakers, game developers, and 3D enthusiasts alike. The conversation touches on the challenges of developing AI that can work with any consumer-grade camera, the importance of scalability and accessibility, and how RADiCAL is poised to transform the way digital creators work. Gavan and Matteo offer key insights into the future of motion capture, real-time collaboration in 3D spaces, and how RADiCAL’s platform can inspire the next generation of creators. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of motion capture, 3D collaboration, and how AI is revolutionizing the digital content landscape. Topics Covered: <ul> <li>Gavan Gravesen’s transition from law and AI to co-founding RADiCAL</li> <li>Matteo Giuberti’s background in biomechanics and motion capture</li> <li>The development and impact of RADiCAL's AI-powered, single-camera motion capture technology</li> <li>The creation and evolution of RADiCAL Canvas as a collaborative 3D platform</li> <li>The challenges of developing scalable motion capture for all devices</li> <li>Insights into the future of AI in digital content creation</li> </ul> Quotes: “Motion capture doesn’t need to be confined to expensive hardware anymore—it can be democratized.” “Our AI learns human motion to fill in the gaps, allowing anyone to animate their ideas.” “Creating a scalable, easy-to-use platform was key for us—it’s about giving everyone access to this magic.” Resources: <ul> <li><a href="https://radicalmotion.com/">RADiCAL website</a></li> <li><a href="https://radicalmotion.com/canvas">RADiCAL Canvas</a></li> </ul>

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode, Allan McKay sits down with Gavan Gravesen and Matteo Giuberti, the co-founders of RADiCAL, to explore the groundbreaking advancements in AI-powered motion capture and the future of accessible 3D animation technology.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;They discuss Gavan and Matteo’s journey from their diverse backgrounds—Gavan from law and AI, and Matteo from biomechanics and motion capture—into building RADiCAL, an innovative platform that uses a single camera and AI to capture human body motion. They dive into the development of RADiCAL's tools, including RADiCAL Canvas, a browser-based, real-time 3D environment for collaboration and creation, and how their platform democratizes motion capture for filmmakers, game developers, and 3D enthusiasts alike.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;The conversation touches on the challenges of developing AI that can work with any consumer-grade camera, the importance of scalability and accessibility, and how RADiCAL is poised to transform the way digital creators work. Gavan and Matteo offer key insights into the future of motion capture, real-time collaboration in 3D spaces, and how RADiCAL’s platform can inspire the next generation of creators.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of motion capture, 3D collaboration, and how AI is revolutionizing the digital content landscape.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Topics Covered:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt;Gavan Gravesen’s transition from law and AI to co-founding RADiCAL&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Matteo Giuberti’s background in biomechanics and motion capture&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;The development and impact of RADiCAL's AI-powered, single-camera motion capture technology&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;The creation and evolution of RADiCAL Canvas as a collaborative 3D platform&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;The challenges of developing scalable motion capture for all devices&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Insights into the future of AI in digital content creation&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Quotes:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;“Motion capture doesn’t need to be confined to expensive hardware anymore—it can be democratized.” “Our AI learns human motion to fill in the gaps, allowing anyone to animate their ideas.” “Creating a scalable, easy-to-use platform was key for us—it’s about giving everyone access to this magic.”&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Resources:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="https://radicalmotion.com/"&gt;RADiCAL website&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="https://radicalmotion.com/canvas"&gt;RADiCAL Canvas&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt;</description>

In this episode, Allan McKay sits down with Gavan Gravesen and Matteo Giuberti, the co-founders of RADiCAL, to explore the groundbreaking advancements in AI-powered motion capture and the future of accessible 3D animation technology. They discuss...

460 - RADiCAL - Democratizing Motion Capture

In this episode, Allan McKay sits down with Philip Cramer, VFX Supervisor at Digital Domain, to explore the groundbreaking world of character-based visual effects and the innovative tools shaping the future of the industry. They discuss Philip’s journey from animation to supervising some of the most iconic visual effects projects, including Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame. Philip dives into the creation of Thanos and the challenges of delivering photorealistic CG characters with extensive screen time. He also covers the evolution of Digital Domain's facial capture technology, Masquerade, and its role in major projects like She-Hulk and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. The conversation touches on the importance of flexibility in a technical pipeline, the advantages of working with both technical and artistic teams, and how to lead by example as a supervisor. Philip offers key insights on problem-solving in high-pressure environments and shares valuable advice for artists on how to stand out in the competitive world of visual effects. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in character animation, performance capture, and the future of VFX technology, especially as studios transition to more real-time solutions and advanced facial capture techniques.   Topics Covered: <ul> <li>Philip Cramer’s background and transition from animation to VFX supervision</li> <li>The creation and performance capture of Thanos for Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame</li> <li>The development and impact of Digital Domain’s markerless facial capture system, Masquerade</li> <li>The challenges of delivering a fully CG character for She-Hulk</li> <li>Leadership and team collaboration in high-pressure environments</li> <li>Advice for artists on standing out in a competitive industry</li> </ul>   Quotes: <ul> <li>“Never say no. Say yes, but explain the trade-offs.”</li> <li>“Leading a team is about working longer, working harder, and being there to support your crew.”</li> <li>“We needed to mass-produce She-Hulk’s performance in a way we had never done before, which pushed us to innovate Masquerade.”</li> </ul>   Resources: <ul> <li><a href="https://digitaldomain.com/">Digital Domain website</a></li> <li><a href= "https://digitaldomain.com/news/digital-domain-unveils-masquerade3-revolutionary-markerless-facial-motion-capture-system/"> Masquerade facial capture technology</a></li> </ul>

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode, Allan McKay sits down with Philip Cramer, VFX Supervisor at Digital Domain, to explore the groundbreaking world of character-based visual effects and the innovative tools shaping the future of the industry.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;They discuss Philip’s journey from animation to supervising some of the most iconic visual effects projects, including &lt;em&gt;Avengers: Infinity War&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;Endgame&lt;/em&gt;. Philip dives into the creation of Thanos and the challenges of delivering photorealistic CG characters with extensive screen time. He also covers the evolution of Digital Domain's facial capture technology, Masquerade, and its role in major projects like &lt;em&gt;She-Hulk&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania&lt;/em&gt;.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;The conversation touches on the importance of flexibility in a technical pipeline, the advantages of working with both technical and artistic teams, and how to lead by example as a supervisor. Philip offers key insights on problem-solving in high-pressure environments and shares valuable advice for artists on how to stand out in the competitive world of visual effects.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;This is a must-listen for anyone interested in character animation, performance capture, and the future of VFX technology, especially as studios transition to more real-time solutions and advanced facial capture techniques.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Topics Covered:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt;Philip Cramer’s background and transition from animation to VFX supervision&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;The creation and performance capture of Thanos for &lt;em&gt;Avengers: Infinity War&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;Endgame&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;The development and impact of Digital Domain’s markerless facial capture system, Masquerade&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;The challenges of delivering a fully CG character for &lt;em&gt;She-Hulk&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Leadership and team collaboration in high-pressure environments&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Advice for artists on standing out in a competitive industry&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Quotes:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt;“Never say no. Say yes, but explain the trade-offs.”&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;“Leading a team is about working longer, working harder, and being there to support your crew.”&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;“We needed to mass-produce &lt;em&gt;She-Hulk&lt;/em&gt;’s performance in a way we had never done before, which pushed us to innovate Masquerade.”&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Resources:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="https://digitaldomain.com/"&gt;Digital Domain website&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href= "https://digitaldomain.com/news/digital-domain-unveils-masquerade3-revolutionary-markerless-facial-motion-capture-system/"&gt; Masquerade facial capture technology&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt;</description>

In this episode, Allan McKay sits down with Philip Cramer, VFX Supervisor at Digital Domain, to explore the groundbreaking world of character-based visual effects and the innovative tools shaping the future of the industry. They discuss Philip’s...

459 - Phil Cramer - Digital Domain VFX Supervisor

In this episode, Allan McKay sits down with Nick Seavert, CEO and founder of JangaFX, to explore the cutting-edge world of real-time visual effects software. They discuss Nick's entrepreneurial journey, the development of JangaFX's suite of tools including Embergen, LiquiGen, and GeoGen, and the challenges of creating innovative VFX software. Nick shares insights into the current state of the VFX industry, its evolving needs, and the potential impact of real-time solutions on both film and game production pipelines. The conversation also covers the importance of integrity in business, the value of perseverance in the face of adversity, and the process of creating their short film "Golem" to showcase their tools. Nick offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and discusses the evolution of VFX software over his career. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in visual effects, real-time rendering, the creative process behind cutting-edge software development, and the future of the VFX industry in an increasingly real-time world. Topics Covered: <ul class="-mt-1 list-disc space-y-2 pl-8"> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words">Nick Seavert's background and the founding of JangaFX</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words">The development and features of Embergen, LiquiGen, and GeoGen</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words">The importance of integrity and perseverance in business</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words">The creation of the "Golem" short film and its impact on product development</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words">The challenges of developing real-time liquid simulations</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words">The potential future of VFX in video games</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words">The balance between technical accuracy and artistic usability in VFX software</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words">The value of internal projects in driving software development</li> </ul> Quotes: <ul class="-mt-1 list-disc space-y-2 pl-8"> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words">"If you want to play with the big dogs, you have to stop whining like a pup."</li> </ul> Resources: <ul class="-mt-1 list-disc space-y-2 pl-8"> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words"><a href= "https://jangafx.com/">JangaFX website</a></li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words"><a href= "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0yjBywwNb8">"Golem" short film</a></li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words"><a href= "https://www.riotgames.com/">Riot Games</a></li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words"><a href= "https://www.blizzard.com/">Blizzard Entertainment</a></li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words"><a href= "https://www.ilm.com/">Industrial Light & Magic (ILM)</a></li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words"><a href= "https://www.unrealengine.com/">Unreal Engine</a></li> </ul>

<description>&lt;p class="whitespace-pre-wrap break-words"&gt;In this episode, Allan McKay sits down with Nick Seavert, CEO and founder of JangaFX, to explore the cutting-edge world of real-time visual effects software.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="whitespace-pre-wrap break-words"&gt;They discuss Nick's entrepreneurial journey, the development of JangaFX's suite of tools including Embergen, LiquiGen, and GeoGen, and the challenges of creating innovative VFX software. Nick shares insights into the current state of the VFX industry, its evolving needs, and the potential impact of real-time solutions on both film and game production pipelines.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="whitespace-pre-wrap break-words"&gt;The conversation also covers the importance of integrity in business, the value of perseverance in the face of adversity, and the process of creating their short film "Golem" to showcase their tools. Nick offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and discusses the evolution of VFX software over his career.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="whitespace-pre-wrap break-words"&gt;This is a must-listen for anyone interested in visual effects, real-time rendering, the creative process behind cutting-edge software development, and the future of the VFX industry in an increasingly real-time world.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="whitespace-pre-wrap break-words"&gt;Topics Covered:&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul class="-mt-1 list-disc space-y-2 pl-8"&gt; &lt;li class="whitespace-normal break-words"&gt;Nick Seavert's background and the founding of JangaFX&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li class="whitespace-normal break-words"&gt;The development and features of Embergen, LiquiGen, and GeoGen&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li class="whitespace-normal break-words"&gt;The importance of integrity and perseverance in business&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li class="whitespace-normal break-words"&gt;The creation of the "Golem" short film and its impact on product development&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li class="whitespace-normal break-words"&gt;The challenges of developing real-time liquid simulations&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li class="whitespace-normal break-words"&gt;The potential future of VFX in video games&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li class="whitespace-normal break-words"&gt;The balance between technical accuracy and artistic usability in VFX software&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li class="whitespace-normal break-words"&gt;The value of internal projects in driving software development&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;p class="whitespace-pre-wrap break-words"&gt;Quotes:&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul class="-mt-1 list-disc space-y-2 pl-8"&gt; &lt;li class="whitespace-normal break-words"&gt;"If you want to play with the big dogs, you have to stop whining like a pup."&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;p class="whitespace-pre-wrap break-words"&gt;Resources:&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul class="-mt-1 list-disc space-y-2 pl-8"&gt; &lt;li class="whitespace-normal break-words"&gt;&lt;a href= "https://jangafx.com/"&gt;JangaFX website&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li class="whitespace-normal break-words"&gt;&lt;a href= "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0yjBywwNb8"&gt;"Golem" short film&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li class="whitespace-normal break-words"&gt;&lt;a href= "https://www.riotgames.com/"&gt;Riot Games&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li class="whitespace-normal break-words"&gt;&lt;a href= "https://www.blizzard.com/"&gt;Blizzard Entertainment&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li class="whitespace-normal break-words"&gt;&lt;a href= "https://www.ilm.com/"&gt;Industrial Light &amp; Magic (ILM)&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li class="whitespace-normal break-words"&gt;&lt;a href= "https://www.unrealengine.com/"&gt;Unreal Engine&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt;</description>

In this episode, Allan McKay sits down with Nick Seavert, CEO and founder of JangaFX, to explore the cutting-edge world of real-time visual effects software. They discuss Nick's entrepreneurial journey, the development of JangaFX's suite of tools...

458 - Nick Seavert - CEO & Founder JangaFX (Embergen, LiquiGen, GeoGen)

In this episode, Allan McKay sits down with Feng Zhu, renowned concept designer and educator, to explore the world of concept design in the film and video game industries. They discuss Feng's impressive career journey, his work on numerous high-profile projects, and the unique challenges of creating compelling concept designs. Feng shares insights into the current state of the design industry, its challenges and opportunities, and the potential impact of emerging technologies like AI. The conversation also covers the importance of problem-solving skills in design, effective portfolio development strategies, and the business aspects of running a successful design studio. Feng offers valuable advice for aspiring designers and discusses the evolution of the industry over his 27-year career. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in concept design, the creative process behind blockbuster films and games, and the future of the design industry in an increasingly digital world.   Topics Covered <ul> <li>Feng Zhu's background and career in the design industry</li> <li>The importance of problem-solving and thinking skills over technical skills</li> <li>Portfolio development and job application strategies</li> <li>The business side of the design industry</li> <li>Studio management and working with clients</li> <li>The impact of AI on the design industry</li> <li>The evolution of technology and its impact on design</li> <li>The difference between illustration and design</li> <li>The challenges of game development and studio closures</li> <li>Social media and its role in the industry</li> </ul> Highlights <ul> <li>"We're actually business people. We're selling products. Some people forget that even though we're drawing, we're not artists, we're product sellers."</li> <li>"I'd rather have someone that has really good thought process than someone who renders really well, but has no ideas in their head."</li> <li>"If you're doing social media stuff, but your content is just for social media, but not for actual industry, then yeah, that's not that relevant in my opinion."</li> <li>"To get to that level [of AI replacing human designers], you have to cover new technology, something completely alien to us right now, to reach human level stuff."</li> <li>"What we need really is in here, the brain, the human brain, and that's something AI cannot replace."</li> </ul> Resources <ul> <li><a href="https://fzdschool.com/">FCD School of Design (Feng Zhu's school)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/FZDSCHOOL">Design Cinema (YouTube channel - search for "FCD")</a></li> <li><a href="https://calarts.edu/">CalArts</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.artcenter.edu/">ArtCenter College of Design</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.ilm.com/">Industrial Light & Magic (ILM)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.lucasfilm.com/">Lucasfilm</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duke_Nukem_Forever">Duke Nukem Forever (game)</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luc_Besson">Luc Besson (film director)</a></li> <li><a href= "https://doom.fandom.com/wiki/Hugo_Martin#:~:text=Hugo%20Martin%20was%20the%20creative,of%20Doom%3A%20The%20Dark%20Ages."> Hugo Martin (Doom game director)</a></li> </ul>

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode, Allan McKay sits down with Feng Zhu, renowned concept designer and educator, to explore the world of concept design in the film and video game industries.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; They discuss Feng's impressive career journey, his work on numerous high-profile projects, and the unique challenges of creating compelling concept designs. Feng shares insights into the current state of the design industry, its challenges and opportunities, and the potential impact of emerging technologies like AI.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; The conversation also covers the importance of problem-solving skills in design, effective portfolio development strategies, and the business aspects of running a successful design studio. Feng offers valuable advice for aspiring designers and discusses the evolution of the industry over his 27-year career.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; This is a must-listen for anyone interested in concept design, the creative process behind blockbuster films and games, and the future of the design industry in an increasingly digital world.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;h1&gt;Topics Covered&lt;/h1&gt; &lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt;Feng Zhu's background and career in the design industry&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;The importance of problem-solving and thinking skills over technical skills&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Portfolio development and job application strategies&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;The business side of the design industry&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Studio management and working with clients&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;The impact of AI on the design industry&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;The evolution of technology and its impact on design&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;The difference between illustration and design&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;The challenges of game development and studio closures&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Social media and its role in the industry&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h1&gt;Highlights&lt;/h1&gt; &lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt;"We're actually business people. We're selling products. Some people forget that even though we're drawing, we're not artists, we're product sellers."&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;"I'd rather have someone that has really good thought process than someone who renders really well, but has no ideas in their head."&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;"If you're doing social media stuff, but your content is just for social media, but not for actual industry, then yeah, that's not that relevant in my opinion."&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;"To get to that level [of AI replacing human designers], you have to cover new technology, something completely alien to us right now, to reach human level stuff."&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;"What we need really is in here, the brain, the human brain, and that's something AI cannot replace."&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h1&gt;Resources&lt;/h1&gt; &lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="https://fzdschool.com/"&gt;FCD School of Design (Feng Zhu's school)&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/FZDSCHOOL"&gt;Design Cinema (YouTube channel - search for "FCD")&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="https://calarts.edu/"&gt;CalArts&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.artcenter.edu/"&gt;ArtCenter College of Design&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.ilm.com/"&gt;Industrial Light &amp; Magic (ILM)&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.lucasfilm.com/"&gt;Lucasfilm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duke_Nukem_Forever"&gt;Duke Nukem Forever (game)&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luc_Besson"&gt;Luc Besson (film director)&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a href= "https://doom.fandom.com/wiki/Hugo_Martin#:~:text=Hugo%20Martin%20was%20the%20creative,of%20Doom%3A%20The%20Dark%20Ages."&gt; Hugo Martin (Doom game director)&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;!-- notionvc: c80af3b7-ba37-47e4-8160-bc8a2ea4cfe4 --&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode, Allan McKay sits down with Feng Zhu, renowned concept designer and educator, to explore the world of concept design in the film and video game industries.  They discuss Feng's impressive career journey, his work on numerous...

457 - Feng Zhu - Concept Designer & Art Director

Stephan Fleet is the VFX Supervisor for the hit Amazon series The Boys and serves as Associate Producer and Co-Producer on its spinoff Gen V. With a diverse background in visual effects and production, Stephan has become a leading innovator in television VFX. Stephan has developed a reputation for creative problem-solving and empathetic leadership in high-pressure production environments. His work on The Boys has set new standards for tv series visaul effects, balancing realism with the show's signature style while pushing the boundaries of what's possible in episodic content. In this Podcast, Stephan Fleet talks to Allan McKay about the unique challenges of creating grounded superhero powers for The Boys, his innovative approaches to monitor comps, and the intricacies of on-set VFX supervision. He shares insights on workflow optimization using custom database solutions, and the importance of empathy in VFX leadership. Stephan also discusses his transition into producing roles with Gen V and how his VFX background influences his approach to overall production. This episode offers valuable advice for both aspiring and established VFX artists, as well as producers and directors interested in the evolving landscape of visual effects in high-end television production. Stephan's unique perspective, spanning both the creative and managerial aspects of VFX production, provides a comprehensive look at the current state and future potential of visual effects in prestige TV series. Key Highlights: 1. Superhero Power Development Stephan reveals the intricate process behind crafting iconic effects like Homelander's laser eyes and Butcher's grotesque tentacles. Learn how the team balances realism with the show's signature style. 2. Innovative VFX Techniques Discover the groundbreaking "monitor leader" approach that revolutionized on-screen graphics in "The Boys". Stephan explains how this technique has set a new standard for monitor comps in the industry. 3. Cutting-Edge On-Set Technology Get an inside look at how the VFX team utilizes state-of-the-art tools like Polycam for 3D scanning and Tentacle Sync devices for seamless timecode synchronization across multiple cameras. 4. Workflow Optimization Explore the custom solutions developed by Stephan's team, integrating Airtable and FileMaker for efficient VFX tracking and financial management within the production pipeline. 5. Leadership in VFX Stephan shares his philosophy on empathetic leadership in the high-pressure world of VFX production, offering valuable insights for industry professionals at all levels. 6. Cinematic Techniques in TV Learn how "The Boys" adapts high-end cinema techniques for television, including the use of Sony Venice cameras to achieve feature-film quality in a TV production schedule. Resources Mentioned: <ol class="ProsemirrorEditor-list"> <li class="ProsemirrorEditor-listItem" data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted"> <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1190634/">The Boys (TV series)</a> </li> <li class="ProsemirrorEditor-listItem" data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted"> <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13159924/">Gen V (TV series spinoff)</a> </li> <li class="ProsemirrorEditor-listItem" data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted"> <a href="https://poly.cam/">Polycam (3D scanning app)</a> </li> <li class="ProsemirrorEditor-listItem" data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted"> <a href="https://tentaclesync.com/">Tentacle Sync (timecode devices)</a> </li> <li class="ProsemirrorEditor-listItem" data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted"> <a href="https://ptgui.com/">PTGui (panorama stitching software)</a> </li> <li class="ProsemirrorEditor-listItem" data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted"> <a href="https://www.foundry.com/products/nuke-family/nuke">Nuke (compositing software)</a> </li> <li class="ProsemirrorEditor-listItem" data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted"> <a href= "https://www.airtable.com/universe/expfY6fj1CSC4VhRe/post-production-and-vfx-tracker"> Airtable (database software)</a> </li> <li class="ProsemirrorEditor-listItem" data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted"> <a href= "https://www.autodesk.com/products/flow-production-tracking/features"> ShotGrid (production management software)</a> </li> <li class="ProsemirrorEditor-listItem" data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stephanfleet">Stephan Fleet's Instagram</a> </li> <li class="ProsemirrorEditor-listItem" data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted"> <a href= "https://www.tamron-usa.com/product/lenses/a058.html">Tamron 35-150mm F2-2.8 lens</a> </li> <li class="ProsemirrorEditor-listItem" data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted"><a href= "https://partner.gofundme.com/f/xyshortfilm">XY Short Film</a></li> </ol>   Don't miss this insightful conversation with one of the industry's most innovative VFX supervisors. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring VFX artist, this episode is packed with valuable knowledge and inspiration for pushing the boundaries of visual effects in television.

<description>&lt;p class="whitespace-pre-wrap break-words"&gt;Stephan Fleet is the VFX Supervisor for the hit Amazon series The Boys and serves as Associate Producer and Co-Producer on its spinoff Gen V. With a diverse background in visual effects and production, Stephan has become a leading innovator in television VFX.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="whitespace-pre-wrap break-words"&gt;Stephan has developed a reputation for creative problem-solving and empathetic leadership in high-pressure production environments. His work on The Boys has set new standards for tv series visaul effects, balancing realism with the show's signature style while pushing the boundaries of what's possible in episodic content.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="whitespace-pre-wrap break-words"&gt;In this Podcast, Stephan Fleet talks to Allan McKay about the unique challenges of creating grounded superhero powers for The Boys, his innovative approaches to monitor comps, and the intricacies of on-set VFX supervision. He shares insights on workflow optimization using custom database solutions, and the importance of empathy in VFX leadership. Stephan also discusses his transition into producing roles with Gen V and how his VFX background influences his approach to overall production.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="whitespace-pre-wrap break-words"&gt;This episode offers valuable advice for both aspiring and established VFX artists, as well as producers and directors interested in the evolving landscape of visual effects in high-end television production. Stephan's unique perspective, spanning both the creative and managerial aspects of VFX production, provides a comprehensive look at the current state and future potential of visual effects in prestige TV series.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h2&gt;Key Highlights:&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;1. Superhero Power Development&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Stephan reveals the intricate process behind crafting iconic effects like Homelander's laser eyes and Butcher's grotesque tentacles. Learn how the team balances realism with the show's signature style.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;2. Innovative VFX Techniques&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Discover the groundbreaking "monitor leader" approach that revolutionized on-screen graphics in "The Boys". Stephan explains how this technique has set a new standard for monitor comps in the industry.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;3. Cutting-Edge On-Set Technology&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Get an inside look at how the VFX team utilizes state-of-the-art tools like Polycam for 3D scanning and Tentacle Sync devices for seamless timecode synchronization across multiple cameras.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;4. Workflow Optimization&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Explore the custom solutions developed by Stephan's team, integrating Airtable and FileMaker for efficient VFX tracking and financial management within the production pipeline.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;5. Leadership in VFX&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Stephan shares his philosophy on empathetic leadership in the high-pressure world of VFX production, offering valuable insights for industry professionals at all levels.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;6. Cinematic Techniques in TV&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Learn how "The Boys" adapts high-end cinema techniques for television, including the use of Sony Venice cameras to achieve feature-film quality in a TV production schedule.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h2&gt;Resources Mentioned:&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ol class="ProsemirrorEditor-list"&gt; &lt;li class="ProsemirrorEditor-listItem" data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted"&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1190634/"&gt;The Boys (TV series)&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li class="ProsemirrorEditor-listItem" data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted"&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13159924/"&gt;Gen V (TV series spinoff)&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li class="ProsemirrorEditor-listItem" data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted"&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://poly.cam/"&gt;Polycam (3D scanning app)&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li class="ProsemirrorEditor-listItem" data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted"&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://tentaclesync.com/"&gt;Tentacle Sync (timecode devices)&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li class="ProsemirrorEditor-listItem" data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted"&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://ptgui.com/"&gt;PTGui (panorama stitching software)&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li class="ProsemirrorEditor-listItem" data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted"&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.foundry.com/products/nuke-family/nuke"&gt;Nuke (compositing software)&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li class="ProsemirrorEditor-listItem" data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted"&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href= "https://www.airtable.com/universe/expfY6fj1CSC4VhRe/post-production-and-vfx-tracker"&gt; Airtable (database software)&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li class="ProsemirrorEditor-listItem" data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted"&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href= "https://www.autodesk.com/products/flow-production-tracking/features"&gt; ShotGrid (production management software)&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li class="ProsemirrorEditor-listItem" data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted"&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.instagram.com/stephanfleet"&gt;Stephan Fleet's Instagram&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li class="ProsemirrorEditor-listItem" data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted"&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href= "https://www.tamron-usa.com/product/lenses/a058.html"&gt;Tamron 35-150mm F2-2.8 lens&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li class="ProsemirrorEditor-listItem" data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted"&gt;&lt;a href= "https://partner.gofundme.com/f/xyshortfilm"&gt;XY Short Film&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ol&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Don't miss this insightful conversation with one of the industry's most innovative VFX supervisors. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring VFX artist, this episode is packed with valuable knowledge and inspiration for pushing the boundaries of visual effects in television.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;</description>

Stephan Fleet is the VFX Supervisor for the hit Amazon series The Boys and serves as Associate Producer and Co-Producer on its spinoff Gen V. With a diverse background in visual effects and production, Stephan has become a leading innovator in...

456 - Stephan Fleet - The Boys VFX Supervisor

Allan McKay is an award winning Visual Effects Supervisor and Technical Director in Hollywood - join Allan as he interviews many of the leading experts in Hollywood about their careers, pitfalls and what they took to succeed, while also gaining a lot of core knowledge to help build your career, money and success and skills to make the biggest impact in your career AND in your life!

The Allan McKay Podcast

Details

Recent Episodes