SIGGRAPH, San Diego - Experts at Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) who were behind the film Transformers will discuss their challenges and successes during a special session at SIGGRAPH 2007, the 34th International Conference and Exhibition on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques held 5 through 9 August 2007 at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego.
The film features 14 computer-generated characters (some containing more than 10,000 individually controllable pieces of geometry), requiring entirely new graphic systems to be developed to make this not only feasible, but also production friendly -- a challenge not to be underestimated.
From oil filters and axles to pistons and body panels, each piece had to have the ability to be individually controlled while operating within a substantially complex system. ILM visual effects supervisor Scott Farrar, associate visual effects supervisor Russell Earl, animation director Scott Benza, digital production supervisor Jeff White, and digital matte supervisor Richard Bluffwill provide this unique inside glimpse into the making of this complex and visually stimulating film.
"If it was not for the collaborative community spirit of SIGGRAPH and Hollywood's industry leaders, many of these challenges, experiences, and successes would never be exposed to the public," states SIGGRAPH 2007 special sessions co-chair Jerome Solomon. "We are very grateful to ILM for bringing this perspective to SIGGRAPH. This will be both an educational and exciting special session."
Photo courtesy Industrial Light & Magic.
(C) 2007 DreamWorks LLC and Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved. Hasbro, TRANSFORMERS and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro. (C) 2007 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved.