WEEK 5
1.VFX supervisors
VFX supervisors are in charge of the whole VFX project. They manage the VFX pipeline, including all of the VFX artists that work in this process. They have ultimate responsibility for all of the VFX elements produced for a project by their company or studio.
VFX supervisors work on a project from the early stages of preproduction. They are the main point of liaison between a VFX studio and the director or producer of the film or TV programme. Together, they decide on what VFX is needed for every shot of the film. VFX supervisors then work with the VFX artists to create prototype materials to present. These can include concept art and 3D computer-generated images (CG). The prototype materials help to inform the style of the VFX in the production.
VFX supervisors are present for filming during production so that they can see if the shots are satisfactory and ready for the VFX elements. VFX studios prefer if shots (pictures) are ‘locked’ (edited and okayed, ready to have VFX elements added to it) during filming. That means they can start working on the VFX while the rest of the film is being shot.
VFX supervisors continue to lead their team when the film is being put together during post-production. They oversee the quality of all work produced and make sure that it is in line with the vision of the director or producer.
Depending on the size of the production, VFX supervisors, may be employed on a single film for up to two years.
VFX supervisors work with the VFX production management department. They work with VFX producers to bid for work from prospective clients, as well as to set schedules and budgets. They provide notes for the VFX production coordinators so they can do the admin needed to keep the project on track.
VFX supervisors work with film directors and producers. Together, they decide on what VFX is needed for every shot of a film. They also lead all of the different kinds of VFX artists within a VFX company or studio.
2.data capture TD
Data capture technical directors (TDs) go onto the film or TV set to collect the information about the live-action footage that the teams in the VFX studio need to add the visual effects. They take photographs of the set and the way the cameras are positioned. They “capture data” about the type of lens type being used, its focal length, filters, focus and colour temperature. They also record the camera height, camera mount and distance between the camera and actor, and other details. And they take photos of surfaces, so that the textures can be recreated digitally later on. All this information is necessary so the exact scene in the live action can be recreated digitally and the VFX can be incorporated in a believable way.Data capture TDs use a variety of tools to capture the data, including cameras and a ‘total station’ which electronically measures horizontal and vertical angles and distances.They upload, log and backup all the data, before sending it on to the relevant members of the VFX company on a daily basis.
What’s a data capture TD good at?
1.Being accurate: be methodical in your work, pay close attention to detail, have strong problem-solving skills
2.Technical knowledge of cameras: have an in-depth understanding of all motion picture equipment, cameras, lenses, monitors and lights
3.Understand the VFX pipeline: know the process through which visual effects are created
4.Using software: use the data sharing application FileMaker Pro, be able to operate and maintain your data collecting equipment yourself
5.Being efficient: work quickly and accurately on set so that the physical production can run smoothly, organise and prioritise your tasks
Who does a data capture TD work with?
Data capture TDs work with camera trainees and camera operators on set to gather data about the cameras, camera shots and lenses. They also work with script supervisors to the same end. Data capture TDs work with the VFX supervisor and matchmove artists on set to ensure that the sets and actors have tracking markers placed on them in the necessary way so that the footage can be used by the matchmove artists and roto artists. They also need to communicate with the various VFX artists and compositors who will be using the information that they have provided.
3.Compositor
Compositors ensure that all the visual elements of a film are rendered seamlessly on the screen. They deal with a complex combination of images including green screen/chroma key sequences, special effects, visual effects, mattes and live action coming together to complete a believable whole.
The role of the Compositor is a crucial one as they produce the final output of the film or game. A high level of technical knowledge is required to integrate the layers made up of different formats. The Compositor will work throughout the production with various departments to ensure that all visual elements are delivered in compatible formats.
Compositors play a vital role in the final output of the finished film, television series or computer game. They assemble all the layers of live action footage, animation, and special effects into one at the end of the post production process.
A solid knowledge of CGI elements and how to integrate them is essential to the role of the Compositor. Their work is key to the visual success of the film, television episode or game.
Responsibilities of the Compositor may include:
1.Liaising with the director, producer and post production head to establish the formats and delivery items of all the elements that make up the production 2.Collating all the materials from the camera, animation and special effects teams, and ensuring they are all compatible 3.Advising filmmakers on the best lighting, color levels and blacks to maintain a consistency of style and look throughout the shoot 4.Working closely with lighting technical directors, roto artists and render wranglers to ensure the smooth running of the production pipeline 5.Taking responsibility for continuity of shots and effects of the entire work 6.Enhancing lighting effects 7.Creating convincing shadows within a shot 8.Adding motion blur to scenes 9.Integrating rear projection into background images,Working with blue/green screen effects,Ability to do some keying, rotoscoping and creating mattes as required 10.Conducting quality assurance of visuals and correcting errors before final composition,Ensuring the director’s vision of overall style is delivered
4. compositing supervisor
Compositing supervisors are in charge of the department that puts together all the different elements of the visual effects (VFX) shots. They manage the compositors, who do this work, and check it for quality. They are also responsible for ensuring the continuity of colour between shots.
Compositing supervisors are very experienced in compositing. They are experts in taking different digital materials, like computer-generated (CG) images and live-action footage, and combining them to appear as one cohesive shot. They organise the team of compositors to meet the deadlines so the film or TV production company gets the VFX work on time. They may also composite shots themselves if needed.
Compositing supervisors tend to be employed by VFX companies or studios rather than being freelancers.
Compositing supervisors work with the compositors in their team. They also have to work out precisely what’s needed and the order in which things needs to be done. They work with the head of the whole project (the VFX supervisor) and with the computer graphics (CG) supervisors in order to do that. They also talk to the film production company and VFX producers.