VFX kick started the second day of the ABAI Fest and KAVGC Summit 2016 as Makuta VFX co-founder, Pete Draper explained the entire pre and post production process for Baahubali. Adding to Sanath PC’s information on the pre visualisation process of the the film presented on the first day, Draper showcased the ideation and manpower process that went into creating such a large scale film.
Production of a VFX film was quite receptively taken by the audience on the morning of 17 April, 2016, but the day had just begun as simultaneously Disney’s character technical director, Avneet Kaur spoke about her journey at Walt Disney Animation Studio and gave few glimpses of how they function. In her previous session where she concentrated mainly on the fur creation in Zootopia, here she went on to explain how they resolved the various challenges encountered while working on hair and fur stimulation in various projects like Big Hero 6, Wreck-It Ralph, Frozen and Zootopia.
After a dive into the VFX production process and Disney’s culture, Sony Pictures Animation, production designer Michael Kurinsky phenomenally touched upon the minute detailing of production design that goes into creation of animated films. Design is far more than just character design as it engulfs the right colour, lighting and whole background feel, and Kurinsky gave a thorough insight of the these elements in films like Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs and Hotel Translyvania 2.
While the creative team drives aspects play an important role in film making, gaming and VFX world, it’s the ever evolving technology that adds fuel to this ecosystem enabling them to perform and work better. And to touch upon this line, DreamWorks Animation India unit director of technology, Craig Zerouini gave insights about the emerging trends in the AVG industry and how in the future we might all be able to experience an immersive environment like no other.
Visual effects is about destruction and creation therefore, the aesthetic theory of destruction was presented to educate the audience about the diverse use of visual effects. Presentation about the special venue attractions and stereo 3D production followed by a highlight on the creative side of character art development in mobile games added information on a unique tangent of the AVGC industry.
Is India’s culture alive in the current media industry? Definitely yes, as the use of the eccentric Indian folk art forms to tell stories through films was presented by Studio Eeksaurus, director, Suresh Eriyat. WiIth the showcase of the recent Rajasthan Tourism sand art commercial, E Suresh rejuvenated the massive audience as he inspired them to tell stories in the best possible way. ‘Dream big but don’t sleep too much’ was his message to the young multitude who aspired to do something great in the AVGC industry.
‘How important is deep connection and love towards what you do in life’ thoroughly emerged from the presentation of Mark Osborne who created the mesmerising animated feature The Little Prince. Having served as the director of Kung Fu Panda (2008), Osborne enlightened the audience that an intense feeling and immersion in the story is the paramount factor while creating a film. So, The Little Prince was not just a story but it was an integral part of his life since childhood which triggered him to create and tell the story in an highly influencing and emotionally enticing manner.
Screening of the Oscar nominated feature Boy and the World added essence to the whole day of tremendous information and quality interaction.The two day event witnessed traditional and digital painting competition throughout the day wherein the students showcased immense talent and creativity of the enthusiastic minds of Bengaluru and beyond.
ABAI truly upped its game this time while bringing not just industry stalwarts across the globe but also from the local studios. And witnessing them were students who also went onto participate in the various challenges taking place at the venue. With students, AVGC industry personnel and Karnataka government in picture, we can surely hope for bigger festivals next time.