Join Fernando Macedo—founder and COO of SPIRIT Animation Studios and creator of KARL's Animated Franchise—for an exclusive lecture that will unveil the challenging strategies behind creating a global franchise with more than 1 billion views. Whether you're a talented artist with big dreams or a business owner, this event promises invaluable insights that can catapult your venture to extraordinary heights. Since its debut at Disney Channel, KARL has evolved into a franchise with three seasons, spin-offs such as Karl Babies (season 2) and Ketchup Jack: A Villain Story (feature), games, and e-books—reaching audiences worldwide. Macedo will share knowledge about strategic brand development on how to craft a brand that resonates on a global scale; maximizing engagement across diverse platforms; and monetization strategies that ensure sustainable revenue. Macedo is a veteran industry leader frequently present at global pitchings. He was invited to be a juror at the 51st Annual Annie Awards, and was a speaker at SIGGRAPH Bogotá.

The course will take designers through the process of importing many forms of 3D data (IGEs, STEP, scan data, CATIA). Then we'll look in depth at optimizing large 3D models to enable efficient virtual reality (VR) experiences. First we'll explore VRED functionality for both file optimization and VR execution. Next, we'll take that same data into Maya software and prepare it for use in the Stingray gaming engine. That preparation will include using Mudbox software to create textures. Finally, we'll show the Stingray workflows to create a VR experience.

Carleton Immersive Media Studio (CIMS) has been involved in the 3D modeling of judicial evidence for homicide cases since 2015. The lab has refined its modeling workflows based on the established use of reality capture (photogrammetry) and BIM (Building Information Modeling) to model artifacts and buildings. Working with the coroner’s office, CIMS has incorporated newer forms of 3D modeling and real-time rendering to establish a standard for displaying digital representations of photographic evidence in a courtroom setting. In this class, we’ll cover our modeling process, starting with analyzing evidence to presenting the data in a user-friendly format. Utilizing Maya software, we’ll model a series of anatomical base meshes that we’ll then manipulate to show inflicted injuries. Next, we’ll texture map the models in Mudbox using photos as reference. Finally, we’ll combine the pieces in Unreal Engine using a template. The addition of blueprints and widgets complete the final product.

In this class, Neil shows his pipeline for shading and texturing environments, props, and hard surface characters—everything from organic plant life to buildings and hard surface robots. These techniques can be used to texture any high resolution object, whether for VFX and animated films, videogame cinematics, or even architectural work. He discusses shaders as well as all of the available methods for applying textures to your models. The class also covers pattern creation methods, from procedurals and hand-painted textures to photo manipulation. Focus is on efficiently shading thousands of individual objects without the need to spend a lot of time UV mapping everything (although UV mapping is discussed). Although Neil demos all of this using 3ds Max® software, Autodesk® Mudbox® software, Chaos Group's V-Ray®, and Adobe® Photoshop, the principles discussed can be applied to your paint application and renderer of choice.

In this class, we examine a creature modeling and detailing workflow using Autodesk® Mudbox® and Maya® software. Topics covered include concept techniques in SketchBook® Pro software, creating freely in Autodesk® Mudbox® without the worry of the underlying topology, and new retopology techniques that allow for the creation of an animation and rig-ready mesh. The class also takes an in-depth look at the processes of sculpting, detailing, and painting to bring our creature look and style to life.

Autodesk Mudbox software is a creative design tool that combines free-form expression with ease of use to support the fast creation of initial design concepts. By using Mudbox early in the ideation phase, designers can explore more options, and then reuse and refine their design concepts within Autodesk® Alias®. Designers can become productive with a few days of training, even if they lack extensive prior experience.

In this class, you will learn how to improve your design process, increase your creative freedom, and reach your deadlines faster with Autodesk® Alias®, Autodesk® SketchBook® Pro, Autodesk® Maya®, and Autodesk® Mudbox® software. We will go through the entire process of creating a new product, from the conceptual level up through surfacing and prototyping. All class data will be available for download.

In this class, we will examine a creature modeling and detailing workflow using Autodesk Maya and Autodesk Mudbox software. We will begin with exploring creature concept techniques in Autodesk® SketchBook® Pro software and then review clean and optimized polygonal modeling tips and tricks in Maya. Next, we will send our base mesh into Mudbox and take an in-depth look at the processes of sculpting, detailing, and painting to bring our creature look and style to life.

In this course you will study and implement techniques for modeling and rendering high-resolution tiling textures in 3ds Max software for design visualization, simulation, and games. Starting with a highly detailed model, you will set up a camera and lighting rig using mental ray software for rendering. Additionally, we will set up the rig to produce a tiling texture without perspective using the mental ray software Production Shaders. Then using render passes and render layers, you will produce albedo, diffuse, normal, specular, mask, and ambient occlusion images suitable for a physically based rendering workflow used in modern rendering and game engines.

In this intermediary class I will discuss the theory behind my workflow for shading and texturing environments, props, and characters. These techniques can be used to texture any high-resolution object, whether for visual effects, animated films, video game cinematics, or even architectural work. We will discuss shaders, as well as available methods for applying textures to your models. We will also cover pattern creation methods, from procedurals to hand-painted textures to photo manipulation. We will focus on how to efficiently shade thousands of individual objects without having to spend a lot of time UV shading everything (although we will touch on UV shading). Many of the examples will use 3ds Max software, Mudbox software, Chaos Group's V-Ray rendering engine, and Adobe Photoshop—but you can apply the principals discussed to the 3D app, paint application, and renderer of your choice.

Stiller Studios has 1 of the most advanced and VFX-friendly motion control/green screen setups in the world. Tomas Wall and Hugo Guerra will take you through the process of how the game cinematic, "Homefront: The Revolution" was created, using leading studio and motion control technology supported by Autodesk software—in preproduction, live on set, and in postproduction.

This class will cover the speaker’s experience in production of monumental sculptures with powerful technologies. We will find out what benefits 3D modeling, animation, simulations, and 3D printing provide to shape creation of the new era, and how advanced visual effects technologies can improve production of classical sculptures. We will show you several examples of actual projects and discuss the future of sculpture.

Over the past year, we’ve seen the pandemic change the way studios work and affect how artists collaborate with one another. With remote work becoming the “new normal”, it’s become apparent that sharing a common physical space isn’t always necessary. We decided to put ourselves in the shoes of our customers by setting up a small remote studio to create a 3D sequence called Mkali's Mission, from concept through final render. We set out to create our animated short using each of the tools in the Media & Entertainment Collection – including Maya, 3ds Max, Arnold, and Mudbox – to showcase the breadth and power of the toolset. We also set up a ShoGrid site to track our progress and manage reviews. To bring this project to life, we hired freelance artists from across the globe for modeling, rigging, animation, FX, look development, and rendering. During this session, I’ll take you through each step of our journey, sharing all of the challenges, successes, and learnings along the way.