Keynote — Friday morning
- Title: Breakdown
- Abstract: Complex and massive computations are performed every day in the effort to make movies that audiences want to see. The quality of computer graphics are so good that many times they cannot be detected even by the expert practitioners. Other times the visual effects are obvious to anyone. Yet the focus of this technology is to achieve an artistic vision in storytelling. In this talk we look at the details of computer graphics and art that the experts create every day, using some examples from big (and not so big) feature films. We see what was done practically on set, what was done with the magic of computer graphics, and how people come to learn these techniques and join the small worldwide group of practitioners. When finished, you will never again be able to watch movies the way you did before.
- Biography: Jerry Tessendorf is a Professor of Visual Computing, and Director of the Digital Production Arts program at Clemson University. His research is in fluid dynamics, radiative transfer, and production workflow for feature films. He has developed new movie production techniques and software for 15 years at Rhythm & Hues and Cinesite Digital Studios, and in 2008 received an Academy Award for Technical Achievement. He has a Ph.D. in physics from Brown University.
