Migrating blog from Tumblr

I decided to move my blog to Blogger from Tumblr. While I was really happy with Tumblr I found it really difficult to pick a layout that wasn't too "busy". I was really impressed with the way Blogger allowed viewers to choose which layout they wanted and also how I could manage all my posts. There are still a few issues with some of the post saying you need Flash 10 to view the videos. This is an issue with Tumblr and I'm waiting for them give me an solution to the problem.

Passion Pictures BBC Olympics Titles

I was fortunate to do some pre-vis for this nice little piece created at Passion Pictures, directed by the great Pete Candeland.

Passion Pictures BBC Olympics Titles

Awesome RealFlow case studies!!

Awesome RealFlow case studies!!

Descriptions of how RealFlow was used to create the effects in different projects. A pretty interesting read if you’re into special fx.

Lots going on since my last post.

It’s certainly been a while since my last post (which talked about an XSI ICE compound I created, check it out!). Recently I’ve been sucked back into the world of web design but, fortunately!, within the realm of the VFX industry. Executive producers Rich Rama and Zak Thornborough recently formed a brand new studio BREED in Manhattan with a roster of directors that is kick ass. I’ve been crowned the resident “web guy” as well as wearing my usual “cg artist” title. Sharing the same office space is the VFX company ARTJAIL whom you’ve definitely see on television. I was tasked with converting their current Flash website into the HTML5 equivalent so that it can work on non Flash devices (like the iPad). The site is nearly finished and when it is I’ll let everyone know.

Screenshot of the week!!!!

Today I was pleasantly surprised that a “harmonic motion” XSI compound I created made it to the screenshot of the week on the eX-SI Support website!

Screenshot of the week

XSI ICE "Harmonic Motion" compound

Today I decided to make an ICE compound (honestly my first useful one) that creates an oscillating “harmonic” effect. This is useful for creating pulses of different amplitudes and frequencies for various point parameters (i.e. position, or scale). Simply attach the input you want to oscillate to the input and set the same value as the output position. There are other parameters for isolating the effect to a specific axis as well. Once the compound is installed it can be found under the “Simulation” section of ICE tools.

“Harmonic Motion” ICE compound

I encourage you to find any flaws or if you can make it faster please do so and let me know. Please feel free to email me at JonathanK.Kelly@gmail.com with any comments or questions!

I love particles!!!

I love particles, A LOT. While I’m still somewhat new to Softimage XSI I’ve quickly become a fan of ICE and what it is capable of during my experiments at work. The following video is of a new plugin by Eric Mootz called “emNewton2 v.2.0” and I consider it pure particle porn goodness! Enjoy!

Quick Rendering Tip #1

An ambient occlusion pass can help you determine if your geometry has overlapping faces or not!