Project Overview
Padlet Board: https://artslondon.padlet.org/csfetsios2/sci-fi-production-fpjqi8urh4fj73bo
Moodboard (Steampunk): https://artslondon.padlet.org/rstolk0320221/moodboard-steampunk-xdzegqc9h6haeove
The purpose of this project is to loosely mimic the workings of a production studio. Our task is work with the footage of a corridor filmed inside LCC and to make it look like the inside of a sci-fi spaceship.
When choosing which group to join between Low-fi, Cyberpunk, and Steampunk, I opted for Steampunk because it aligns with my preferred style of intricate designs and moody lighting. My objective is to secure a CG Generalist role, with a focus on improving my lighting skills and acquiring new ones throughout the project. Handling various assets in Maya presents an exciting challenge, and I am committed to creating the best possible composition for the scene.
One of the groups was eliminated and the members were divided between two other groups due to the lack of interest in Cyberpunk style. Although this provides us with more Look Dev Artists, it may cause challenges for me when adding more models to the scene later on. I am especially worried about the render time and quality. However, I am hopeful that it will be manageable, and I am prepared to make adjustments to the project as necessary.
After finalizing our group members, we created a moodboard to clarify the style we wanted to achieve for our Steampunk project. There are two main styles in Steampunk: one with an industrial focus and the other with an Art Deco influence. Since most of us were interested in creating highly detailed models, we decided to go for a polished look. I included references from Dishonored 2 in the moodboard because it features exceptional industrial style and various unique concepts. Additionally, the game’s lighting is soft but cinematic.
References for Lighting:
David Alvarez (2015). Assassin’s Creed Syndicate /// Assassination wall. Available at: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/JEDXv (Accessed: 24 April 2023).
Joan Piqué Llorens (2015). Steampunk Restaurant. Available at: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/wPx59 (Accessed: 24 April 2023).
Karim Abou Shousha (2016). The history of world. Available at: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/EJ32q (Accessed: 24 April 2023).
Kevin Gnutzmans (2022). Classroom. Available at: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/QnGXkr (Accessed: 24 April 2023).
Leopoldo D’Angelo (2022). Leap of Faith. Available at: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/JEDXv (Accessed: 24 April 2023).
Leopoldo D’Angelo (2021). Peaceground. Available at: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/nY6O9o (Accessed: 24 April 2023).
Leopoldo D’Angelo (2023). The Big Glass Eye. Available at: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/ZeKG48 (Accessed: 24 April 2023).
Stefania Hernandez (2021). Hitman 3 : Dartmoor Lighting. Available at: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/Aq4G8V (Accessed: 24 April 2023).
CG Generalist/Lighter: The job role is to collect and import all the assets from the rest of the modelling crew, organize it and assemble it into the scene. I will need it to light it and create renders, trying to match the plate. I will also need to update assets in the scene after every iteration comes in. e.g: I am given an updated model.
https://www.careersinscreen.ie/role/cg-generalist/
Role Overview
CG Generalist
The Generalist is expected to be a strong all rounder with broad knowledge of the entire VFX pipeline though they will have varying levels of knowledge in certain areas. They often have in depth knowledge of the CG assets creation pipeline (Modelling, Texturing and Lighting). They are experienced artists who can learn on the job while delivering to a high standard. They are usually not technical specialists and are generally not concerned with more specialised technical requirements such as scalability, reusability, and pipeline efficiency.
- Will have in-depth knowledge of how to create clean and efficient models, UV, texture and Light scenes.
- Can work efficiently and to a high standard across multiple CG tasks. Will often be responsible for an entire shot or even sequence of shots from conception to delivery.
- Not considered a specialist but can learn effectively on job and will turn their hand to most CG tasks.
- Works with the CG Supervisor and VFX Supervisor to ensure that all artistic and technical requirements are satisfied.
- Will optimise, refine and correct shots to satisfy the artistic requirements of the Supervisor(s)/Client.
- Will have expertise in software across the VFX pipeline and good knowledge of most CG disciplines, though this may vary in some areas.
- Will use multiple software, be adaptable and willing to learn new programs.
Show reel and production experience are very important for this role.
Role overview:
CG Generalist Requirements:
- Organize asset in a single folder.
- Use name convention.
- Reduce the number of faces in the model to make it easier to render.
- All textures should be placed in a single folder, with names that correspond to the textures they represent (such as bump maps, etc.).
- Make sure to work with proper UV’s.
Lighting process:
- Shot overview: examining the plate and lighting.
- Create an IBL from the footage.
- Line up the IBL with the footage.
- Add AOV’s for VFX.
- First test render with just the IBL.
- Create a ground projection light.
- Set up camera projection based light.
- Test render with ground mesh light (projection light).
- Create a light group for separating lights.
- Test render with 3 lights in the scene.
- Create an aim controller for a light.
- Compare all the renders.
Bibliography:
Industrial Light & Magic (2022) Inside ILM | To be a Generalist. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNZgG8htns0 (Accessed: 26 April 2023).
VFX Tutors (2021) VFX Lighting Basics: Blocking Out Set Lighting Step By Step Tutorial. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpL3dTXzU90 (Accessed: 28 April 2023).