2016 September

The Merida character is a very complex setup. One of the most devious things to achieve in

CGI is realistic hair that moves and has the general look that appears “right”. The artists and technicians at PIXAR have hit the mark on both of these counts. Too right as the hair is quite a large signature of her Scottish heritage and character.

There is a subtle mix of subsurface scattering – a method of approximating how light shines through semi-translucent material such as flesh or hair simulations – and artistic styling of many lengths of hair with a variety of strand length, curl, wave, and frizziness.

Oscar-Nominated in 2003 this animated short is truely atmospheric with a level of serene beauty in a twisted world where an adventurer exploring a dark and strangely compelling world. Based on a science fiction story by Janusz A Zajdel the story focuses on a visit to a mysterious organic building where there is an analogy played out showing how our current achievements add to the endeavours of previous generations. Produced with 3ds max and After Effects.

Shot with a high speed camera running at 600fps with stunt men with overlaid red smoke effect elements give this promo a spectacular impact:

A creative set of idents including clouds of butterflies transforming from a praying geisha girl, a dalmatian that shakes colourful spots off onto the wall and vivid umbrellas being blown across a Yorkshire limestone pavement.

3D Rig Animate

A film company from Italy has been filming incoming refugees to Europe and their treacherous voyage to new land. The 360 filming technique adds an extra sense of realism to the experience.