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Event Watch
Hot Tickets: Among the highlights this year are (from top): a panel on the making of Sony’s The Mitchells vs. the Machines, the VR project Once Upon a Sea, the new Pixar SparkShort Twenty Something and the game cinematic Watch Dogs: Legion — Tipping Point.
Interactive Immersion W
This month’s virtual SIGGRAPH offers a wide showcase for the latest CG and technology achievements, as well as opportunities for connecting with schools and studios.
hat better way to escape the summer doldrums than by diving into the wonderful collection of panels, keynotes, production sessions, screenings and meet-and-greets that this year’s virtual SIGGRAPH confab is offering. Of course, we don’t have the electric excitement of “being there” in person and walking through the packed exhibitors’ space that we used to enjoy in pre-COVID times, but there are still lots of wonderful opportunities to take in the best of the world’s latest CG achievements, VR projects, student films, tech papers as well as job recruitments and art galleries. We had the chance to check in with this year’s conference chair Pol Jeremias-Vila, Computer Animation Festival Electronic Theater director Mark Elendt and VR Theater director Larry Bafia to learn more about the 2021 edition:
Can you tell us what to expect from this year’s SIGGRAPH program? Elendt: As a developer at SideFX, I’m always interested in the new research presented at SIGGRAPH, so I look forward to the Technical Papers program. There are also courses suitable for everyone, whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned veteran. Another one of my favorites is the Talks program. While Talks cover a diverse set of topics, they often dive into more tangible applications of research to practical problems. For example, I’m always interested in the latest production techniques, so you’ll definitely find me watching the two pipeline Talks. Unlike much of the on-demand content, there are many sessions that will only happen once, including some great Production Sessions offerings. Make sure to add those do-not-miss events to your calendar! But, what I appreciate most about SIGGRAPH is
the chance to see work that falls outside of my area of expertise. You’ll likely find me in the Q&A for the Art Gallery’s “Forms And Reflections” or even, perhaps, exploring projects on immersive medicine. You never know what might inspire you. Jeremias-Vila: What Mark said! Plus, don’t forget to mark your calendars for live sessions from our Featured Speakers as well as within the Production Sessions program. There’s something for all walks of computer graphics in both lineups, including deep dives into the productions for Pixar’s Soul, Netflix and Sony Animation’s The Mitchells vs. the Machines, visual effects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and more. I would also encourage everyone to take advantage of the fact that a majority of the Talks and content will be accessible on-demand until October 29.
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