Montgomery simplifies pipelines and workflows at AITF 06 October 2007 11:40 AM
By MONEY SHARMA
(5 October 2007 1:00 pm)
The presentation by Marlon Montgomery on ‘production management, pipeline and workflow‘ went into the technical details of pipelines and every aspect connected to the subject...
His presentation at the AnimationXpress.com AITF Conference was extremely engaging and held the audience interest through out....
Embarking with what every animation studio needs to learn as well as enhance, Marlon discussed the benefits of a good pipeline. This included a glimpse of each important aspect of the animation pipeline: how one can achieve a good Return on Investment, what are the principle Pipeline Goals, the significance of Risk Management, as well as planning for Pipeline Design, and the Toolset and Organizational Structures which are quintessential to the development of the cg animation pipeline.
This included focusing on higher productivity in order to achieve good standards of production quality at lower costs, or even achieve higher production quality at the same cost. Speaking of productivity, he also highlighted the issue of Scalability as it enables the studio to take on expansion without compromising on quality, profit or employee morale. On the elements of Reliability, Quality and Flexibility, Marlon emphasized that with increased visibility and higher control of a project a studio is more reliable to finish a project on time and budget, and the quality can be enhanced in terms of technical and artistic aspects. While a good structure allows a studio to have great flexibility to respond to change, issues, and opportunities.
The all-important aspect of Return on Investment was elucidated with the example of a 50-person studio with an average salary of Rs. 20,000 per month. This clarified how the pipeline contributes in saving time as well as cost, even in activities like searching for files or overwriting data. The point was made that even at a smaller or mid-size studio, any investment in infrastructure and pipeline can be paid off in the first one or two projects.
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Besides, Return on Investment, Marlon also touched upon risk management which needed to be taken into consideration when designing a pipeline. He drew attention to a number of points, such as time restrictions imposed by show, vendor stability ? that is to say that maintaining a long-term relationship with systems vendors is crucial to the pipeline and steering clear of the use untested or immature systems which could higher the risks considerably.
The importance of Pipeline Goals was also brought to light. Marlon asserted that there should be proper and realistic skill-sets and learning curves, besides a toolset that can produce a lot of scenes quickly, which can be supported adequately, and can be reproduced across productions. This would also mean reaching creative goals and accommodating creative changes. This makes it all the more important to train the manpower for assumed production productivity.
Marlon then explained how he approaches the design of a pipeline. By using example diagrams, He showcased Pipeline Design phase which included Production Process, Work Flow and Data Flow. He ran through the entire process of content development starting from the story board stage up to it finally culminating as a deliverable, passing through Editing, Geometry Modeling, V Dev, Rough Layout, Character Setup, Surfacing, alongwith Final Layout, Lighting, FX, Animation, Motion Rendering Animation, Motion Rendering, Geometry Modeling, amongst others. He even included as essentials for building the pipeline, the requirement of a toolset for Asset Building, Animation, Lighting/Rendering and Compositing.
He elaborated on the facet of Organizational Structures by breaking it down into three groups: Naming Conventions and Directory Structure, Variable System and Production Navigation.
On the format of directory structures and naming conventions, he suggested that all files and directories should contain only lowercase letters, numbers and underscores. This results in consistency for sorting of the same. He added that the use of underscores to separate the words makes it easy to read. Moreover, it is easier to visually deal with a large number of files when you have huge data and it also becomes easier to navigate for a foreign language crew.
Marlon defined the Variable System as an organizational structure that entails sharing a project and shot configuration information among all the programs and scripts that process files, as well as the artists using those programs. But how do these variables help the pipeline? The variable system set global show parameters and also determines the parameters for a particular shot. In addition to that, it also controls the parameters specific to a particular task. Further, the programs and scripts used in a studio‘s animation system will coordinate and control the studio‘s work through a number of animation environment variables and will thereby automatically read in the environment.
The Production Navigation System ? the last part of Organizational Structures ? is a system that provides all users the ability to traverse the large directory structure required for an animated feature efficiently, explained Marlon. He illustrated this by defining a path in the traditional manner which is done generally by using ‘ / ‘, and showed how instead of using a long path, one can directly give "Goto" or such other commands to reach a particular destination or file.
Thus, by using the Production Navigation System, there is no need to remember long directory paths, and the other plus point is that it also provides flexibility to the IT department with concurrency across all productions.
Delving further into the interface, Marlon explained the Revision Control and Distribution System which he described as a set of tools that control versions of animation data and the distribution for production and rendering workflow. It is extremely important to use Revision Control, because without it the artists have no way of knowing what other people have changed and as the mistakes cannot be rolled back easily there is a greater risk of losing the work.
As far as the subject of Asset Management System and Production Tracking System is concerned, he clarified that an Asset Management System allows data to flow efficiently through the production of a movie; and it also manages the entire pool of data for a project in a way that allows easy creation of new elements and sharing of existing elements.
Highlighting the usage of the same and its requirement, Marlon pointed out that a CG feature film production involves huge amounts of data and most shots need things that are also present in other shots and at the same time many things that appear in many shots are actually similar. Thus, asset management should be carried out in such a manner that the data can be collected whenever it is required.
The Production Tracking System, is a system that provides the ability to track assignment of shots to artists, follow the progress of each shot through production, and assures that on each shot any necessary changes or follow-up work is completed on schedule. It‘s a better way than email, post-it notes, and paper and everyone can see the status of a project," concluded Marlon.
TurtleinMotion Studio,a group company
of the RDB Organisation which has been engaged in production and distribution
of movies and television series for over 40 years ,is in search of talented
artists in the field of 2D/3D animation for our Kolkata based office in various
department
Script Writers
Character Designers
2D B/G Artist
Storyboard Artists
Layout Artists
2D Animators
Flash Animators
3D Artists
Marketing Executives (based in Mumbai)
Freshers may apply as interns.
Interested candidates may send an e-mail with
updated resume at careers@turtleinmotion.com
along with the link to your showreel or call at 033-6616-9718.
UK-based Snipple Animation is building
up a new animation studio in Pune that is pulsating with creative energy. A
place where art, technology and sharp business acumen co-exist and complement
each other. Snipple provides 3D as well as 2D animation services for films,
TV series, advertising and related areas.
At Snipple we hire only the best of the best,
and we take pride in our relentless pursuit of excellence in everything we do.
If you think you have what it takes to be a part of this world-class team, we
would like to hear from you.
We are currently recruiting for the following
positions: 1) Senior Modeler
2) Senior Surfacing Artist
3) Senior Rigging Artist
4) Senior 3D Animator
5) Senior 2D Animator
6) Production Manager
Reliance MediaWorks Limited is India`s
fastest growing film and entertainment Services Company and a member of the
Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group.
The Company has a dominant and comprehensive
presence in the Film & Media Services: Motion Picture Processing and DI; Visual
Effects; Film Restoration and image enhancement; Digital Mastering: Studios
and Equipment rentals with facilities located at US and India.
Reliance MediaWorks invites you to be a part
of India`s fastest and largest growing entertainment conglomerate. We are launching
VFX Films Division in Mumbai & Pune shortly. We are in search of talent
from the industry that meets our requirements. We are currently looking out
for:
Also send hard copies along with showreel
to:
Reliance MediaWorks Ltd. Plot No A - 62 and 63, Kodak Cinelabs Building, Behind
Tunga International Hotel, Post office Lane, MIDC, Andheri (E), Mumbai-93
Cornershop Animation Studio, A Zee Network
Company (Essel Group Enterprise) which focuses on 3D and 2D animation content
development and broadcast media has opportunities in various departments.
For our 2D Operations in Pune, we are
looking for following artists.
1. Visualiser
2. Flash Animators with 2D background
3. Storyboard Artist
4. 2D Compositor
5. 2D Classical Animators
6. Layout Artist
For our 3D Operations in Mumbai, we are
looking for following artists. 1. Art Director
2. Broadcast design and Motion Graphic Artist
3. 3D Animator
4. Lighting Artist
5. Compositing
6. Production Coordinator
Tasaa Infosolutions Pvt. Ltd (Formerly
Tasaa Netcom Pvt. Ltd) is a rapidly growing IT
corporate with focused interests in:
Packaged solutions from World renowned organizations
like: Autodesk Media and Entertainment Software, Adobe (Gold Partners), Apple,
Wacom, Corel, Microsoft (Gold Certified Partner), PTC, Sage Accpac. We are also
Authorized Training Partner for Autodesk, adobe and Corel.
We are a one step solution for all software needs
of Animation, Gaming, Visualization, Post Production and Manufacturing Industries.
Besides being a professional training and technical
resource for our clients, Tasaa is committed to providing high level support
to our customers and ensuring their success by improving competitiveness, streamlining
operations and helping them to be current on technology.
Requirement for Mumbai Programmer:
Candidate needs to know Programming: MEL and Python.
He should have relevant work experience in a
studio and must have worked on Developing Tools/
application for Autodesk products.
Please send your CV at resumes@tasaa.com
or call at +91-22-42121717.
BIG AIMS, a premier animation training institute
of BIG Animation (I) Pvt. Ltd. a part of Reliance Big Entertainment - the largest
entertainment group in India is hiring for following position for various franchisee
locations in India:
1) Centre Head: Candidate with experience
of over 7 years in heading an animation or educational institute. The candidate
should have skills in marketing and
managing day to day operations of an institute.
2) Counselor: Candidate with of over 3
years of experience in counseling students and should have good communication
and interpersonal skills.
3) Faculty: Candidate should have working
experience of minimum 3 years in a production studio and over 2 years as faculty
with a well established training institutes.
After Effects, Nuke,
Fusion ,Combustion, Boujou, Shake
Post-production (editing) faculty
Editing & sound
Premier, FCP & Editing
Interested candidates can e-mail their resumes
with the position applied in the subject line to: hr@biganimation.com or can
send a hard copy of the resume along with demo-reel to "The Human Resources
Department", BIG Animation (I) Pvt. Ltd, 3rd Floor Muttha Towers, Don Bosco
School Road, Yerawada, Pune 411006.
Sheen Animation Studio Pvt. Ltd. A Delhi
based Production Studio is looking for talents in 2D and 3D for their ongoing
and new international as well as national projects. If you have the experience
an expertise of 2-5 years in the relevant domain handling any of the following
functions, apply in confidence.
Pre-Production
1) BG Design Artists
2) Character Design Artists
3) Matte Painting Artists
4) Concept Artist
2D Animation
1) Flash Animators
2) 2D FX Artists
3) IB And Clean-up Artist
Hiring for all VFX Positions Digital Media Imaging Ltd (a Reliance Media Works Limited company) is involved
in Digital restoration of films, content processing, and 3D Stereo conversion
of filmed entertainment. We are in the process of ramping up to become the biggest
2D to 3D conversion facility in the world. As part of the phase II of our growth
plan we are hiring Compositors and 2D to 3D Stereo conversion Artists.
The required Software skills are:
1+ years experience in any of the following
software platforms
Adobe After Effects, Adobe Photoshop, Combustion
Digital Fusion, Nuke, Shake
Smoke, Flame, Inferno
Silhouette Paint & compositing
3Ds Max, Maya or any other 3D software.
Traditional artists with Painting skills in
Photoshop also can apply
Besides a Quality work environment and Sophisticated
Infrastructure,
We offer you…
Specialized VFX and 3D Stereo conversion training
by an International team from Hollywood.
Opportunity to work on popular international
blockbusters.
Opportunity for tremendous internal growth
for talented Artists.
Long term association will be rewarded based
on performance
We are an employee centric organization, who
believes in touching and changing lives.
We are in a growth phase with ambitious plans
where our primary aim is to build a culture in the organization which focuses
on building careers meaningfully for each employee with a very caring & warm
working culture where everyone is approachable and believes is being proactive
to building a great organization together with a fantastic employee experience
and great results from each employee.
Be part of an exciting journey! Technicolor India (previously Paprikaas) is a premiere animation studio,
based out of a state-of-the-art centre of excellence in Bangalore, working on
international projects for marquee clients in animation, gaming and Film visual
effects.
Technicolor India is currently seeking
highly talented artists to work on international projects in animation and film
visual effects.
If you are game for tough challenges, cut out to work in high pressure situations,
and are armed with excellent credentials in any of the following disciplines: Concept Art
Matte Painting
Modeling
Texturing
Effects
Character Animation
Lighting & Compositing
Film Visual Effects (Rotoscopy, MatchMove, Paint & Prep) or Production Management
ANTS is seeking talented artists and teaching
faculties to be a part of the expansion team and work on various national and
international projects. Areas of key vacancies are: Lighting, Animation and Rigging,
Dynamics, Game Design, Texturing, Creative Art, Designer, Web Developer and Content Creator. Interested candidates can send their resumes and works to hr@antsindia.com.
URL: www.antsindia.com,
Phone Numbers: 080 - 40627000 (ext) 224
Redchillies.vfx is all ready to start
their next project - Ra.One, post the success of "My Name Is Khan".
Loads of challenging 3D and Compositing visual effects work is to be done for
the live action sci-fi superhero film starring Shah Rukh Khan as a superhero.
We are currently looking out for extremely talented
& experienced candidates to work on employment/contract basis. Key vacancies
are Lead Lighting Artist (3DS Max), Animators (3DS Max),
Lead VFX Artist(Maya), Lead Rigging Artist(Maya), Animator(Maya), Lead Match
Moving Artist, to name a few. For details on many more vacancies Click
here.
Apply on hr.vfx@redchillies.com
with your show reel OR send in your showreel at the following address: Ground
Floor, Crescent Towers,Off New Link Road, Oshiwara, Near Morya Estate, Andheri-W,
Mumbai-58.
India`s No.1 Multimedia & Animation Academy
with one of the best state of the Art infrastructure requires trainers in the
field of:
3D Animation: Experience in a 3D Production
Environment. Must have good working knowledge of Max or Maya with simulation
systems-particle, cloth, fluid, fur.
Editing & Vfx: Experienced Candidates
in Premiere, After Effect, Final Cut Pro and Nuke. Knowledge of other compositing
software will be added advantage (Apple Shake & Fusion).
Flash Animators: Experience in Flash with
advanced scripting, Toon Boom Harmony. Should have knowledge in sketching /
traditional animation skills.
Pre Production Artists: People from fine
arts background with pre production experience of animation industry.
Graphics: Candidates with Print Media
and Advertising background with sound knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator, Corel
Draw & Indesign.
Candidates with Adobe & Autodesk certification
would be preferred.
India`s largest Animation & Multimedia Training
Facility reputed for its path-breaking academic initiatives and profound
achievements requires the following talent to meet surging demand for its revolutionary
training programs and to complement its expansion plans:
CLOTH HAIR & FUR ARTIST
DYNAMICS FX ARTIST
MAYA INSTRUCTOR
3D STUDIO MAX INSTRUCTOR
Dilsukhnagar Arena is a people-friendly organization
offering enriching and rewarding careers with the emphasis on personal as well
as professional growth. You will be working with some of the most talented people
in an empowering, challenging and inspirational work-environment with ample
"Learning and Career Progression" opportunities.
Cornershop Animation Studio, A Zee Network
Company (Essel Group Enterprise) which focuses on 3D and 2D animation content
development and broadcast media has opportunities in various departments.
BIG AIMS, a premier animation training institute
of BIG Animation (I) Pvt. Ltd. a part of Reliance Big Entertainment - the largest
entertainment group in India is hiring for following position for various franchisee
locations in India:
Sheen Animation Studio Pvt. Ltd. A Delhi
based Production Studio is looking for talents in 2D and 3D for their ongoing
and new international as well as national projects. If you have the experience
an expertise of 2-5 years in the relevant domain handling any of the following
functions, apply in confidence.
Hiring for all VFX Positions
ANTS is seeking talented artists and teaching
faculties to be a part of the expansion team and work on various national and
international projects. Areas of key vacancies are: Lighting, Animation and Rigging,
Dynamics, Game Design, Texturing, Creative Art, Designer, Web Developer and Content Creator. Interested candidates can send their resumes and works to 
India`s No.1 Multimedia & Animation Academy
with one of the best state of the Art infrastructure requires trainers in the
field of:
