tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79763992790957795472024-02-22T00:48:27.093-08:00The Art of CG SupervisionThis blog aims to inform readers about the art of CG supervision --the challenges and techniques of managing a crew of artists engaged in producing visual effects or motion graphics for film, video or other media.Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-13470399215680515992014-12-03T12:26:00.001-08:002014-12-03T12:26:28.175-08:00The Politics of The Green Screen Shoot
"Green Screen" by Peter Pearsonlicensed CC BY-SA 2.0
Often vfx professionals are confronted by other film or video professionals who see the world from their perspective without understanding our world, or who have notions about quality that will cause trouble down the line.
Case in point, I read a LinkedIn post today from an editor-animator-camera operator who has a DP wanting to Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-9563282683012328012010-12-22T05:24:00.000-08:002010-12-22T05:24:00.168-08:00#0051 Ten Essential Rules of File Naming -. SummarizedPrevious: Asset Management 101 – Ten Essential Rules of File Naming - 10 Include Extra Data
Asset Management 101
Ten Rules To File BySo about now you're wondering if you want to modify your naming conventions or not. Doing so can be a big undertaking, involving sometimes getting the consensus of other supervisors and producers. It Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-16333500536653275932010-12-21T04:13:00.000-08:002010-12-21T04:13:00.157-08:00#0050 Ten Essential Rules of File Naming 10-. Include Extra DataPrevious: Asset Management 101 – Ten Essential Rules of File Naming - 8 Abbreviate Consistently
Asset Management 101
Include Extra Data
In the post, #0043 AM101: Part 2 - Understanding File Classification , I list more than 15 ways to classify files. In your naming system, incorporating this meta-data into a file name can often be useful, avoiding theIsa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-45441445312753641962010-12-20T03:01:00.000-08:002010-12-20T03:01:00.703-08:00#0049 Ten Essential Rules of File Naming 9-. Use Project IdentifiersPrevious: Asset Management 101 – part 5: Essential Rules of File Naming 8- Abbreviate Consistently
Asset Management 101 – part 7
Use Project Identifiers Often in production asset files are named in a way that if you took shot 11 from three different projects and put them all in the same folder, you would overwrite two and end up with only one asset.Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-7434188881588573762010-12-19T01:15:00.000-08:002010-12-19T01:15:00.630-08:00#0048 Ten Essential Rules of File Naming 8-. Abbreviate ConsistentlyPrevious: Asset Management 101 – part 5: Essential Rules of File Naming 7- There Can Be Only One
Asset Management 101 – part 6
This rule could possibly be split into “Use Abbreviations” and “Be Consistent”, but then I'd need an 11th point, and that just would cause all kinds of psychotropic disruptions in the universe and list makers everywhere might shudder inIsa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-21281960593171228612010-12-18T01:11:00.000-08:002010-12-18T03:02:48.479-08:00#0047 Ten Essential Rules of File Naming : 7- There Can Be Only OneAsset Management 101 – part 5Previous:
Asset management 101 -- part 4 : Ten Essential Rules of File Naming 4-6
In this post, the fifth to look at the basic concepts of Asset management, we will look at the seventh rule of File Naming, call it the Golden Rule: There Can Be Only One of Each Version
It's called revision control for a reason.
Take controlIsa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-86126020405859080152010-12-17T04:46:00.000-08:002010-12-17T04:46:27.699-08:00#0046 VFX Fashion International
A simple cart. Bagdal Sharif, near Hyderabad India
I felt this looked very interesting.
Is this where Gandalf' parked it?
As some readers may know, I've been in India the last few months Digital FX Supervising at GEON Studios. GEON is a progressive VFX studio located in a Special Enterprise Zone in the northern part of Mumbai, specializing in digital visual effects for internationalIsa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-1005792783294608112010-10-05T00:01:00.000-07:002010-12-18T05:59:02.511-08:00#0045 Ten Essential Rules of File Naming 4-6Previous: Asset Management 101 – Ten Essential Rules of File Naming 1-3
Asset Management 101 – part 4
In my last post we looked at the first three of the ten essential rules: Let it Speak, Make it Short, Keep it Simple.
These provide the foundation of a good asset naming scheme. Before we go on, you will notice in this series I will use the Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-53350388294939022152010-10-03T15:08:00.000-07:002010-12-18T05:59:39.208-08:00#0044 Ten Essential Rules of File Naming 1-3Previous: Asset Management 101 – part 2: Understanding File Classification
Asset Management 101
The Ten Essential Rules of File Naming
Ever sit at the computer wondering what to name a file? Who hasn't? In the world of CG-VFX, this moment of decision gives either life or death to your file system organization. Good asset management begins with a Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-30577957150587171232010-09-24T11:45:00.000-07:002010-12-18T05:23:50.925-08:00#0043 AM101: Part 2 - Understanding File ClassificationMumbai, India – Good asset management begins with a well-designed file system and solid file naming conventions. It doesn't begin with expensive off-the-shelf or expensive custom solutions –No matter how sophisticated your asset management tools are, eventually someone will need quick, direct access to an actual file and won't have time to search through a mountain of obscure folders and Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-17537706944465757922010-09-23T14:17:00.000-07:002010-09-23T14:24:17.813-07:00#0042 Back in the Hot Seat
Image via Wikipedia
Monsoon rains sometimes flood Mumbai
wet and warm
MUMBAI, INDIA– I flew to Mumbai in early August, right in monsoon season, and have spent the last six weeks getting settled into my bachelor pad, Mumbai life and the new job. Mumbai is great, see my post on my VFX Supervisor site. Later I'll probably say a few words about working in India.&Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-73688674204102388902010-09-23T12:39:00.000-07:002010-09-23T22:01:24.327-07:00#0041 Asset management 101 – part 1: introductionMumbai, India – When it comes to managing your digital media assets, an elaborate database with asset access and revision control, cross referencing, robust search capabilities, linkage to command and control approval systems, solid pipeline integration and automatic mirroring is a wonderful thing. But, no matter how great the asset management system, quite often you'll find someone needs to Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-535091630107809442010-06-04T11:49:00.000-07:002010-06-04T12:12:43.333-07:00#0040 Cleaning Bookmarks
Where did I leave my cat?
Image via Wikipedia
Today being Friday,
it's sort of a whimsical day. I started it around 5AM, but then went back to bed for a long relaxing nap followed by a long relaxing breakfast with reruns of The West Wing. Then after a look at my garden to see if water is in demand (it wasn't) I headed down down down down to the office. Please follow along, Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-75539050124822835242010-06-03T17:14:00.000-07:002010-06-03T17:14:51.210-07:00#0039 Photos from IndiaIf my readers will permit a moment of personal business, some readers have written me about my experience in India teaching Nuke (tm) last February with Steve Wright. In particular there was interest in my photos, which are at http://picasaweb.google.com/isa.Alsup. The photos are rather touristy, but the trip was colorful and I captioned everything.
Mumbai during my visit was very Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-32391404668200620082010-06-03T17:06:00.000-07:002010-06-03T17:15:46.625-07:00#0038 Working Abroad - The Contract
The Gateway of India
Mumbai
About working abroad, one piece of advice: be sure and ask lots of questions. I found out after negotiations that the work week was six, not five days, and that taxes are taken out (to be claimed when filing US Federal taxes). The taxes I should have expected, after all, there are always taxes. Also, when negotiating, be sure and make clear if Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-29201504332975750052010-06-01T19:35:00.000-07:002010-06-03T16:28:22.830-07:00#0037 Updating skills with Lynda's HelpMy friends Darren Kiner and Steve Wright and others have been telling me to visit lynda.com for their great technical tutorials. Lynda.com may seem like old news to some, but for some time there I only had time for the projects I was working on. When I checked it out I was busy that day and it slipped away from my attention. That was a big mistake --because I Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-88248957183687833712010-05-23T00:03:00.000-07:002010-06-01T19:38:15.629-07:00#0036 Company Culture Effects Pipeline DesignOne may rightly ask, how can the culture of a company effect pipeline design?
Image via Wikipedia
By company culture, I mean the policies and traditions that the company may have. Policies about leadership development, employee roll-over, and technology updates and investment can all effect your pipeline. Traditional work patterns and team structures may be difficult to revise.&Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-30098270444706381532010-05-20T19:47:00.000-07:002010-05-20T21:55:09.094-07:00#0035 Production Pipeline Design: Functional MissionNow let us turn to some nuts and bolts: the CG Supervisor's pipeline design work-flow. (Bear in mind this work could be lead by a studio VFX Supervisor or CG-VFX Department Manager.) In doing so, my intent is to describe my process in a very generic way. This is a process that can work if the production pipeline is for a new company or department and equally well if it is a new project or an Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-31466175316140725702010-05-19T13:18:00.000-07:002010-05-19T20:25:40.280-07:00#0034 Seven Point Functional Description of Visual Effects PipelinesIn this post I re-publish the Seven Point Functional Description of Visual Effects Pipelines with two aims. First, to make it easier to find. Secondly, I've made three important changes and wish my readers to see them incorporated. Any further changes will be done as revisions to this post. After the description, you'll find an explanation of the changes and why they were made.
Seven Point Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-45552761171125629242010-04-16T12:06:00.000-07:002010-05-19T11:17:12.363-07:00#0033 Software for BreakdownsReader Jeremy asks: "What software do you prefer for breakdown/spreadsheets?"
While there are several great options, I like to use Open Office best. I've been using this software now for 10 years on PC and MAC. I like the price point of Open Office -$0, and the philosophy of open source. With a quick easy install I have access to a full suite. I mostly use the document Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-89994093802549163332010-04-02T10:49:00.000-07:002010-05-19T11:17:44.126-07:00#0032 Designing Digital Effects Pipelines - call for reader's feedback
The CG Supervisors' Network
is a LinkedIn group open to
supervisors, producers,
recruiters and other industry
management professionals
This post first appeared as a discussion item in the CG Supervisors' Network, by Isa Alsup, 2 April 2010. http://bit.ly/aqBW1K
Reader responses can be posted here as comments or as comments to the original discussion at CG Supervisors' Network. We areIsa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-26717335260674843892010-03-25T19:50:00.000-07:002010-05-19T11:18:09.556-07:00#0031 The Fourth Dimension of CG PipelinesI've described previously the three dimensions of digital fx production pipelines: personnel, tools and procedure. In recent weeks I've come to realize that my description is missing a crucial dimension, a dimension vital to us as supervisors and vital to the entire process. Let me begin now to rectify that with a quick review:
When we speak of pipelines, there is a great deal of Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-55689160596927562842010-02-03T15:48:00.000-08:002010-05-19T13:49:15.154-07:00#0030 The Best CG Production PipelineI’ve been fortunate to have worked for a number of companies during my career, either as a 3d artist, a compositor or a supervisor. I've observed that while many companies have similar CG production pipelines, the structure does vary. Further, over time, pipeline structures change.
Today we are back to the subject of pipelines with a look at some of the forms a production Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-42614704764779435222010-02-02T23:05:00.000-08:002010-05-19T11:19:29.323-07:00#0029 A Very Busy WinterHi all! Image via Wikipedia
After a 10 week hiatus, I've begun writing again, and the topic is CG Production Pipelines. During these weeks I've been hit with the cold-flu bug three times, forced to visit both Universal Studios Tour (Hollywood) and Disneyland, trampled by dozens of visiting in-laws, settling and unpacking from my forced migration in September, and between Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-35805674418572027992009-10-15T20:33:00.000-07:002010-06-04T11:09:28.774-07:00#0028 More on Twitter for Collaboration
I proposed using Twitter for collaboration in my last post, #0027, "Using Social Networking". After writing the blog, I jumped onto LinkedIn groups and asked for feedback. This is one of the ways I was suggesting we can use social networking tools: to get and give information.
Results were quick. LinkedIn VES group member (and former colleague and friend) Torey Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com0