March 27,2025
Exploring Siggraph: A 4-Day Dive into All Things Techy!
The 50th Anniversary of Siggraph went down in sunny LA from August 6th to 11th, 2023. Yours truly, Stacey Pearson, the Media and Entertainment representative from Modena and CTIAF’s Marketing Manager scored a ticket to this tech extravaganza. I was there to soak up the latest emerging tech, reminisce about the past five decades, and lap up the cream of today’s animation feats.
let me spill the beans on what made this year extra special besides blowing out 50 candles. This amazing was all about tech, tech, and you guessed it—more tech! It was my first time diving into this wonderland. I had visited NAB and IBC before but Siggraph was on a whole new level—think big, think expert, and think studios and companies going all out to share their secrets from the world of CG. Big guns like ILM, Framestore, Weta, Dreamworks, and Untold Studios were all in on the action. They brought their A-game with sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes gigs, game production secrets, inspiring animated ads, and even movie screenings.
Now, if you thought this was just a tech symphony, there was a VR theatre and an electronic theatre that were on fire. The content was like a mixed bag of goodies—high-end animated shorts, Sci Viz wonders, and almost half of the chosen 22 screenings were student gems.
let’s talk tech. The futuristic and what’s-happening-now stuff really caught my eye. Picture this: Generative AI or Machine learning, but they like to call it that in showbiz. Plus, there’s remote work setups, virtual studios, and real-time tools that are all the rage right now.
So, what was my takeaway from the Siggraph spectacle? Well, besides my Pixar Renderman “Elemental walking teapot” collectable, I had my “a-ha” moment about Quantum computing—I mean, I’m still wrapping my head around it. But hey, I did some savvy networking on LinkedIn for future speaking gigs. Oh, and did I mention the rad new tech toys I explored? You’ll find all the juicy details in my next blog post, so check it out!
Exploring the Cutting-Edge Innovations at Autodesk Vision Series: A Glimpse into the Future of Media and Entertainment Technology
The realm of media and entertainment has always been at the forefront of technological innovation, and the recent Autodesk Vision Series held at Siggraph proved to be a captivating showcase of the industry’s latest advancements. The event, hosted by Autodesk Media and Entertainment, provided a platform for professionals and enthusiasts alike to delve into the exciting developments that are reshaping the landscape of digital creativity.
One of the standout highlights of the event was the unveiling of the Open PBR (Physically Based Rendering) shading models in Material X. This open-source initiative has the potential to revolutionize the way artists work with rendering platforms, offering a new level of flexibility and creative freedom. Visitors to the Autodesk exhibition stand were treated to in-depth insights into the Open PBR technology, demonstrating how it bridges the gap between different rendering platforms, fostering a more streamlined and artist-friendly workflow.
Among the various captivating talks that took place during the Vision Series, the integration of Shotgrid and Unreal Engine drew considerable attention. The synergy between these powerful tools showcased the seamless connection between Unreal Engine and Maya using Live Link. This integration opens up a world of possibilities for artists and designers, enabling them to effortlessly synchronize their creative processes and enhance their overall efficiency.
Undoubtedly, two customer testimonials captured the essence of innovation and progress at the Vision Series. The first testimony, titled “Boundaryless Creativity in the Cloud,” featured Aaman Akram, the head of VFX at Untold Studios. Akram and his team provided a fascinating glimpse into their groundbreaking work on projects like Sandman, the Citadel, and the Crown. What sets Untold Studios apart is their status as the world’s first fully cloud-based studio. By embracing this novel approach, they are not only leading the charge in the industry but also redefining how studios operate. This visionary concept of bringing the studio to the talent, rather than the other way around, is poised to shape the future of creative collaboration.
In another inspiring testimony, Ian Cope from Rising Sun Productions addressed the long-standing debate surrounding the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the creative sphere. Rising Sun Pictures, a vanguard in utilizing AI for problem-solving within visual effects, advocates for an ethical and responsible approach to AI integration. Their philosophy revolves around amplifying jobs rather than replacing them, demonstrating that AI can serve as a catalyst for innovation rather than a threat to human creativity. By facilitating conversations and discourse around the ethical use of AI in visual effects, Rising Sun Productions is paving the way for the industry to harness the full potential of generative AI and computer vision.
A special behind-the-scenes presentation provided an exciting glimpse into the making of the latest Indiana Jones film, “Dial of Destiny.” The VFX shots showcased during the presentation were nothing short of awe-inspiring, leaving attendees captivated and inspired by the intricate artistry that goes into crafting cinematic magic.
The overarching sentiment throughout the Autodesk Vision Series was one of awe and excitement. The two days of Siggraph were abuzz with enthusiasm as attendees shared their impressions and insights from the talks. The future of media and entertainment is clearly in good hands, with visionary pioneers and trailblazers pushing the boundaries of technology and creativity.
In conclusion, the Autodesk Vision Series was a testament to the relentless spirit of innovation driving the media and entertainment industry. From open-source shading models to cloud-based studios and the ethical use of AI, these developments are shaping the future of creative expression. The event left a resounding message that the fusion of technology and artistic vision is unlocking new realms of possibility, promising an exciting era of media and entertainment innovation.