The Allan McKay Podcast – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In this episode, Allan McKay sits down with Gavan Gravesen and Matteo Giuberti, the co-founders of RADiCAL, to explore the groundbreaking advancements in AI-powered motion capture and the future of accessible 3D animation technology.

They discuss Gavan and Matteo’s journey from their diverse backgrounds—Gavan from law and AI, and Matteo from biomechanics and motion capture—into building RADiCAL, an innovative platform that uses a single camera and AI to capture human body motion. They dive into the development of RADiCAL's tools, including RADiCAL Canvas, a browser-based, real-time 3D environment for collaboration and creation, and how their platform democratizes motion capture for filmmakers, game developers, and 3D enthusiasts alike.

The conversation touches on the challenges of developing AI that can work with any consumer-grade camera, the importance of scalability and accessibility, and how RADiCAL is poised to transform the way digital creators work. Gavan and Matteo offer key insights into the future of motion capture, real-time collaboration in 3D spaces, and how RADiCAL’s platform can inspire the next generation of creators.

This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of motion capture, 3D collaboration, and how AI is revolutionizing the digital content landscape.

Topics Covered:

• Gavan Gravesen’s transition from law and AI to co-founding RADiCAL
• Matteo Giuberti’s background in biomechanics and motion capture
• The development and impact of RADiCAL's AI-powered, single-camera motion capture technology
• The creation and evolution of RADiCAL Canvas as a collaborative 3D platform
• The challenges of developing scalable motion capture for all devices
• Insights into the future of AI in digital content creation

Quotes:

“Motion capture doesn’t need to be confined to expensive hardware anymore—it can be democratized.” “Our AI learns human motion to fill in the gaps, allowing anyone to animate their ideas.” “Creating a scalable, easy-to-use platform was key for us—it’s about giving everyone access to this magic.”

Resources:

• RADiCAL website
• RADiCAL Canvas

In this episode, Allan McKay sits down with Philip Cramer, VFX Supervisor at Digital Domain, to explore the groundbreaking world of character-based visual effects and the innovative tools shaping the future of the industry.

They discuss Philip’s journey from animation to supervising some of the most iconic visual effects projects, including Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame. Philip dives into the creation of Thanos and the challenges of delivering photorealistic CG characters with extensive screen time. He also covers the evolution of Digital Domain's facial capture technology, Masquerade, and its role in major projects like She-Hulk and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.

The conversation touches on the importance of flexibility in a technical pipeline, the advantages of working with both technical and artistic teams, and how to lead by example as a supervisor. Philip offers key insights on problem-solving in high-pressure environments and shares valuable advice for artists on how to stand out in the competitive world of visual effects.

This is a must-listen for anyone interested in character animation, performance capture, and the future of VFX technology, especially as studios transition to more real-time solutions and advanced facial capture techniques.

Topics Covered:

• Philip Cramer’s background and transition from animation to VFX supervision
• The creation and performance capture of Thanos for Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame
• The development and impact of Digital Domain’s markerless facial capture system, Masquerade
• The challenges of delivering a fully CG character for She-Hulk
• Leadership and team collaboration in high-pressure environments
• Advice for artists on standing out in a competitive industry

Quotes:

• “Never say no. Say yes, but explain the trade-offs.”
• “Leading a team is about working longer, working harder, and being there to support your crew.”
• “We needed to mass-produce She-Hulk’s performance in a way we had never done before, which pushed us to innovate Masquerade.”

Resources:

• Digital Domain website
• Masquerade facial capture technology

EPISODE 450 - THE SYMPATHIZER - CHAD WANSTREET - VFX SUPERVISOR

In this episode, Allan McKay interviews VFX Supervisor Chad Wanstreet about:

• His role as VFX Supervisor on the highly anticipated series The Sympathizer, an adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel;
• Collaborating closely with visionary director Park Chan-wook to bring his unique vision to life;
• The extensive previs and planning process that went into executing the show's complex VFX sequences;
• Overcoming the challenges of creating digital doubles and face replacements for Robert Downey Jr.'s multiple characters;
• Ensuring geographical and historical accuracy while shooting on location in Thailand and Vietnam;
• Making confident, split-second VFX decisions on set to keep production moving forward;
• Lessons learned from his experience on other shows like S.W.A.T., Dollface, and Sweet Tooth;
• Practical advice for up-and-coming VFX artists looking to break into the industry;
• And so much more!

If you enjoyed this episode, Allan would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to share it with others who might find it valuable. Your support means the world to him!

Listeners are invited to dive into this fascinating conversation with Chad Wanstreet and discover the behind-the-scenes secrets of creating high-end VFX for a prestige series like The Sympathizer.

Fred has over two decades of experience in computer graphics, visual effects and software development. He’s worked as a Lead Product Designer at Autodesk. He currently serves on the advisory board for Turbosquid, the world’s leading 3D model marketplace. Fred launched Refuge FX in 2013.

In this Episode, Allan McKay interviews Fred Ruff, VFX Supervisor and Owner of Portland-based VFX studio Refuge VFX, about a day in the life of a studio owner, the phases of growing a business, the importance of relationships, the positive impact of COVID-19 on the industry, how to avoid the race to the bottom dollar and get better quality work.

For more show notes, visit www.allanmckay.com/360/.

Bilali has supervised and executed on visual effects for commercials, tv and film for a number of high profile clients such as Adidas, Google, BMW, Starz, HBO, and Focus Features; as well as working with notable directors such as Dave Myers, The Russo Brothers, Lance Acord, and Thomas Bezucha.

In his spare time, he produces the Legends of VFX podcast, directs short films and is very passionate about street photography and food.

In this Podcast, Allan McKay interviews VFX Supervisor Bilali Mack about his journey from a VFX Artist to a VFX Supervisor, qualities of the most effective leaders, the importance of diverse storytelling, NFT’s and Bilali’s Podcast Legends of VFX.

For more show notes, visit www.allanmckay.com/359.

Tim Miller is a Film Director, Animator, Creative Director and VFX Artist. He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film for the work on his short film Gopher Broke. He made his directing debut with Deadpool. He is also known for creating opening sequences for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Thor: The Dark World.

In 1995, Tim co-founded Blur Studio with David Stinnett and Cat Chapman. Blur is where animators and artists can collaborate and be in control of their creative destinities. Since then, the Studio has evolved into an award-winning production company with work spanning the realms of game cinematics, commercials, feature films and more. Committed to their clients, artists and to the telling of great stories, Blur continues to grow not only as a high-end animation studio, but also as original content creators, having recently helmed Netflix’s first animated anthology Love Death + Robots.

In this Podcast, Allan McKay interviews Tim Miller, Film Director, Animator, Creative Director and Co-Founder of Blur Studio, about the history of launching Blur, its legacy; his ongoing collaboration with David Fincher, directing Deadpool and Terminator: Dark Fate – and creating Love Death + Robots.

For more show notes, visit www.allanmckay.com/358.

Janga FX was founded in 2016 by Nick Seavert, an entrepreneur who is well versed in both startups and real-time VFX. Janga FX was initially bootstrapped with credit cards, software sales, and many thousands of man hours instead of outside investments. The company’s core motive is to provide real-time VFX tools to artists and designers who work in video game or film industries. 

The first tool by Jang FX called VectorayGen was released in 2017. EmberGen is a standalone real-time volumetric fluid simulation tool built for generating flipbooks, image sequences, and VDB files.

In this Part 2 of Allan McKay’s interview with Nick Seavert, the Founder of Janga FX, Nick talks about his first job in the industry, the beginnings of Janga FX, its first software VectorayGen and the launch of Ember Gen.

For more show notes, visit www.allanmckay.com/357.

When Nate Black decided to start a YouTube channel, he had a significant advantage: As an actor, he’d been in thousands of live stage performances and knew how to play to an audience. After leaving the stage, he moved through various jobs until he found a passion for teaching.  

When he launched Channel Makers, a YouTube Channel that tackles the question “How to succeed on YouTube”, the number of subscribers grew from 0 to 25,000 in its first year. He creates original, data-focused informational videos using real-life tests and case studies. Nate helps a wide range of YouTubers, from beginners to established channels. Currently, the number of his followers is over 120K.

In this Podcast, Nate Black, Creator of a highly successful YouTube Channel called Channel Makers, shares his experience and gives advice on how to create and grow your YouTube, discusses YouTube shorts and lives, and the importance of market research.

For more show notes, visit www.allanmckay.com/356.

Clinton Jones is a Director, Content Creator, VFX Artist and Photographer. He has worked at Rocket Jump and at Corridor Digital. On his YouTube Channel, where he is known as Pwnisher, he launches challenges for his community, as well as creates tutorials. His YouTube Channel has a massive following of over 557K subscribers, while his Instagram has 110K followers.

Currently, Clinton is working on co-writing his first feature film, creating content and making art.

In this Podcast, Allan McKay and Clinton discuss the habits of successful people, productivity hacks, the importance of soft skills and how NFT’s are empowering contemporary artists.

For more show notes, visit www.allanmckay.com/355.

Ian Spriggs is a 3D Digital Artist and a VFX Artist. He completed his first 3D portrait in 2014. His work has become widely known for being photorealistic because they seem to represent the subjects’ inner selves. 

As a Lead Character Modeler, he has worked for studios like Unity Technologies, Scanline VFX, ILM, Mr. X. His projects include The Mandalorian, Mulan, Bloodshot. 

He is also the author of A Portrait of the Digital Age, a book on creating his meticulous character studies.

In this Podcast, Allan McKay interviews 3D Digital Artist and Lead Character Modeler Ian Spriggs about creativity, importance of innovation and authenticity, how to niche yourself as an artist, difference between commercial and personal work, artistic freedom – and so much more!

For more show notes, visit www.allanmckay.com/354/.