Wētā FX ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ panels added to a vast array of already confirmed programming for the upcoming 4-day hybrid event, running April 25-27 and online April 28 in Stuttgart.
Ahead of FMX 2023’s kick off next week, when the conference returns to Stuttgart April 25-27 with an exclusive online day April 28, we have news of more recently confirmed programming that adds to a vast array of previously announced talks, panels, and sessions. Mark your calendar – you’re not going want to miss these:
VFX For Features (on site)
The photorealistic world of Pandora in Avatar: The Way of Water:
Wētā FX brought the photorealistic world of Pandora to life in Avatar: The Way of Water by grounding everything in real-world science. From the early stages of R&D to new on-set technology and the final artistic flourishes on a shot, Pavani Rao Boddapati (VFX Supervisor), Sam Cole (Associate VFX Supervisor), and Stephen Clee (Animation Supervisor) will share insights, stories, and exclusive content.
Digital Humans (on site)
Stuart Adcock shares Wētā FX’s “Anatomically Plausible Facial System” for Avatar: The Way of Water
Wētā FX’s new facial system used on Avatar: The Way of Water pushes beyond past techniques and establishes a new suite of controls to replicate an actor's facial performance. Join Adcock, Head of Facial Motion at Wētā FX, as he discusses the studio’s new Anatomically Plausible Facial System (APFS) and the journey of creating emotionally engaging performances for James Cameron’s Avatar sequel.
Virtual Production (on site)
Industry panel discusses the economics of virtual production:
“The Economics of Virtual Production – ICVFX" features panelists Amazon Studios virtual production executive James Thomas; Industrial Light & Magic executive producer Chris Bannister; Lux Machina Consulting/NEP Virtual Studios VP of Sales & Marketing Lauren Paul; and Paolo Tamburrino, Sr. Industry Strategy Manager, Autodesk & Executive Producer. The discussion will focus on the economics of using ICVFX (In-Camera Visual Effects) in virtual production.
Artificial Intelligence (on site):
Panelists Dave McKean, artist; Sam Hodge, founder Kognat; Andrew Cochrane, immersive content creator at The AV Club Productions, Inc; and Scott Broock, founder Totem Networks, LLC., will discuss the pros and cons of AI. The discussion will focus on using AI models to generate new myths and insights and how the models can enrich our understanding of ourselves and the world. In addition, they will explore the ethical challenges and risks which arise when these archetypes or stereotypes are exploited to influence our opinions and emotions.
Additional program information is available here.
Source: FMX 2023
Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.
