VFXWorld Magazine

South Park Goes AI? Headline News

Trey Parker and Matt Stone Deepfake Startup Gets $20 Million Investment

The ‘South Park’ creators’ new company, Deep Voodoo, will focus on accelerating AI deepfake technology with the capital secured from Connect Ventures, a partnership between CAA and New Enterprise Associates (NEA).

The Perfect Hypno-Hustler! Headline News

Donald Glover to Star in and Produce 'Spider-Man' Feature at Sony

The ‘Atlanta’ actor will not play Spidey himself, but rather the ‘70s supervillain Hypno-Hustler, who uses high tech musical instruments to hypnotize and rob audiences.

Business Headline News

The Cinesite Group Secures $235M Funding Package

The VFX and animation studio collective announces new long term financing deal to continue its acquisition revenue growth, increase client offerings, capacity, and expand its global footprint; NatWest Corporate Bank led the financing alongside Barclays – the company’s longtime bankers.

Can Bad Guys Be Good? Headline News

DreamWorks Shares ‘The Bad Guys: Anatomy of a Car Chase’ VFX Reel

By Dan Sarto | Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at 3:46pm

In an AWN exclusive, see how the studio designed and produced the signature opening chase scene, where cops and robbers careen across Los Angeles, in the studio’s 3DCG action comedy about a crackerjack criminal crew of animal outlaws attempting to become model citizens, starring Sam Rockwell, Craig Robinson, and Awkwafina.

The Ol’ Switcharoo Headline News

Is Jason Momoa Shedding the ‘Aquaman’ Mantle to Become Lobo?

Both DC Films co-CEO James Gunn and the star have hinted heavily at the introduction of the badass interstellar mercenary and bounty hunter into the new DCU, with the actor likely assuming the role.

The Great Shakeup Headline News

With Cavill Out, Are Any Actors Safe During the DCU Creative Shakeup?

Major changes are coming to the superpowered studio now run by new co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran; fans are worried their beloved character actors are in danger.

Recognizing Messages of Environmental Awareness Headline News

2023 AIS Lumiere Awards to Honor James Cameron and Jon Landau

EARTHDAY.ORG’s ‘Voices For The Earth’ Award recognizes the message of environmental and cultural preservation in the Academy Award-winning filmmakers’ recently released ‘Avatar: The Way of Water.’

Wakanda vs Talokan VFXWorld

Digital Domain Gets Stealthy for ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ VFX

The studio harnessed Maya and Houdini to deliver 500 visual effects shots, creating backgrounds for the film’s finale aboard a futuristic Wakandan stealth ship; with Houdini’s crowd tools, CG digi-doubles based on live-action footage of 20 stunt performers translated to 100s of warriors on deck, on the hull, and in the water.

Marvel VFXWorld

VFX Editor Anedra Edwards Navigates the ‘Cutting’ Edge in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’

Working directly with visual effects vendors during pre-production and communicating constantly with those houses as well as the film’s three editors during the entire production through postvis, were key to helping director Ryan Coogler get his ‘Black Panther’ sequel to the screen.

The Day They Almost Caught Captain Jack Sparrow Headline News

Margot Robbie Out, Johnny Depp In for ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ Spinoff?

In a wild game of musical ships, it seems as though the two fan-favorite actors are contending for the title of Captain.

For the Emperor Headline News

Henry Cavill Boards ‘Warhammer’ Project with Amazon

No stranger to action adventure and franchises with large and demanding fanbases, the previous ‘Man of Steel’ and ‘The Witcher’ actor will now play an integral part in creating a live-action cinematic universe for the beloved tabletop and video game IP.

No Cavill for You Headline News

New DCU to Focus on Young Superman, Sans Henry Cavill

Co-CEO of DC Studios James Gunn reveals the new DCU will include a ‘Young Superman’ feature penned by Gunn, with the possibility for the ‘Man of Steel’ actor to re-enter the franchise in the future.

Tiny Bubbles… Not! VFXWorld

Wētā Forever: The Esteemed VFX Studio Dives Deep on ‘Black Panther 2’

In an extensive Q & A, Senior Animation Supervisor Sidney Kombo-Kintombo and VFX Supervisor Chris White talk about water, swimming, beards, and bubbles – all part of their work on Marvel Studios’ ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,’ now in theaters.

Who ya gonna call? Headline News

Gil Kenan to Direct ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ Live-Action Sequel

Jason Reitman, ‘Afterlife’ director and son of original ‘Ghostbusters’ director Ivan Reitman, has passed the torch to co-writer Kenan while still retaining his roles as producer and co-writer alongside Jason Blumenfeld.

Technology Headline News

Chaos Releases V-Ray 6 for Houdini

Featuring full support for Houdini 19.5 and Solaris and new creativity enhancers, render boosts, better shading, and increased function in V-Ray Frame Buffer, the new release helps users create quality renders at any stage of the process.

It’s Unreal! Headline News

Epic MegaGrants Shares Latest Recipients and 2022 Recap

New film and TV recipients include animated shorts - Bit Film’s ‘Little Bird,’ Westworld’s ‘The Silent Sea,’ and Chromosphere’s ‘Mall Stories;’ since its inception 4 years ago, 1,800 recipients across 6 continents have been awarded grants.

People Headline News

Freefolk Bolsters VFX Team with Key Hires

VFX Supervisor David Bowman and VFX Producer Hannah Dakin will help expand studio’s film and episodic division; company will soon move to a new facility boasting state-of-the-art production servers and workstations to streamline workflow and increase capacity.

Education Headline News

Escape Studios Launches Undergrad Tech Programs

Students will be taught technical skills needed for in-demand jobs to meet the industry’s growing demand in virtual reality, interactive entertainment, and virtual production environments; applications now open for Fall 2023.

Middle-earth is Growing! Headline News

The Cast Expands on Prime Video’s ‘Rings of Power’ Season 2

The series, currently in production in the UK, has added Gabriel Akuwudike, Yasen ‘Zates’ Atour, Ben Daniels, Amelia Kenworthy, Nia Towle, and Nicholas Woodeson, while the role of Orc leader “Adar” has been recast with Sam Hazeldine.

Honoring the Best in Kids and Family TV Animation Headline News

Children’s & Family Emmy Award Winners Announced

By Dan Sarto | Monday, December 12, 2022 at 3:53pm

‘Maya and the Three,’ ‘Hilda and the Mountain King,’ ‘Centaurworld,’ and ‘City of Ghosts’ each take home multiple awards in NATAS’ brand-new, expanded standalone ceremony held over two nights this past weekend.

Pages