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The Science Behind Computer Generated Visual Effects . By Susan L. Howard Physical Simulation Developer Weta Digital, New Zealand Research Associate Earth & Space Research in Seattle, WA. My Background. Grew up in Jeffersonville B.A. Rutgers University (Math, Physics minor)
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The Science Behind Computer Generated Visual Effects By Susan L. Howard Physical Simulation Developer Weta Digital, New Zealand Research Associate Earth & Space Research in Seattle, WA
My Background • Grew up in Jeffersonville • B.A. Rutgers University (Math, Physics minor) • M.S. Oregon State University (Oceanography, Math minor) • Worked as Physical Oceanographer for 11 years • Worked in Digital Effects for 4 years as a Physical Simulation Developer. • Recently moved back to Seattle and am working again as a Physical Oceanographer.
Physical Oceanographer Studies the physical properties of the ocean Heat, salt Motion (currents) Climate Ice • I specialize in : • Polar Oceanography • Tides • Data analysis • Numerical modeling
Weta Digital • Weta Digital is a five-time Academy Award winning visual effects facility based in Wellington, New Zealand. • Weta was formed in 1993 by Peter Jackson, Richard Taylor and Jamie Selkirk. • It later split into two specialized halves - Weta Digital (digital effects)and Weta Workshop (physical effects – props, swords, masks). • Weta Digital Employs ~900: artists, scientists, programmers
Physical Simulation Developer • I worked to create realistic looking digital effects in movies Avatar Gulliver’s travels X-Men First Class Rise of the Apes Tintin Prometheus Avengers The Hobbit
Digital Effects • Animation • Motion capture • Crowd generation • Modeling • Compositing
Digital Effects • Animation • Motion capture • Crowd generation • Modeling • Compositing
TintinALL Digital Effects! • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSm3bvqHJJw
What do Oceanography and FX workhave in Common?(or how did I end up at Weta!)
What do Oceanography and FX workhave in Common?(or how did I end up at Weta!) FLUID DYNAMICS
Fluid Dynamics • In fluid dynamics, we have something called the EQUATIONS of MOTION. • The EQUATIONS of MOTION describe how fluid moves. • We use these equations, coded in computer models, to try to simulate a real oceans. Or, in the case of movies, to make realistic looking water!
In movies, we use the principles of Fluid Dynamics to model • Water • Smoke • Fire • Explosions Other types of computer modelingwork • Hair motion • Cloth movement • Body mechanics • Falling objects, collisions
In movies, we use the principles of Fluid Dynamics to model • Water • Smoke • Fire • Explosions Other types of computer modeling work • Hair motion • Cloth movement • Body mechanics • Falling objects, collisions All these effects need to follow physical laws – or they will look fake!!!!!
In movies, we use the principles of Fluid Dynamics to model • Water • Smoke • Fire • Explosions Other types of computer modeling work • Hair motion • Cloth movement • Body mechanics • Falling objects, collisions All these effects need to follow physical laws – or they will look fake!!!!!
Simple water model • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVM_Ba5T890
Hair Simulation • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xrb8PSpkhkQ
More water • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3acQ5dDKEs
Fluid Effects In Movies • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tmm4BQX8TCQ
Digital FX in the Hobbit • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYeQNH6gJhE
AVATAR • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PSNL1qE6VY