tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79763992790957795472012-01-27T19:44:36.062-08:00This 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.comBlogger521100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-9563282683012328012010-12-22T05:24:00.000-08:002010-12-22T05:24:00.168-08:00

Previous:      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 should certainly be initiated only for new projects,

Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-16333500536653275932010-12-21T04:13:00.000-08:002010-12-21T04:13:00.157-08:00

Previous:      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 the need for secondary data files with

Isa 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

Previous:      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. That is to say, the shot name contains

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

Previous:      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 in disgust. The point is, when

Isa 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

Asset 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 control. Every CG Pipeline Production

Isa 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

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 international film and

Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-1005792783294608112010-10-05T00:01:00.000-07:002010-12-18T05:59:02.511-08:00

Previous:      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 terms file and asset interchangeably.  For

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

Previous:      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 good name. The magic of naming things

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

Mumbai, 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

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.  The best I can say is

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

Mumbai, 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

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, because this is

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

If 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

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 you expect fees

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

My 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 really love the site and

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

One 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.  Methods may

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

Now 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

In 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

Reader 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 writer and spreadsheet

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

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 are

Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-26717335260674843892010-03-25T19:50:00.000-07:002010-05-19T11:18:09.556-07:00

I'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 confusion

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

I’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 pipeline may take

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

Hi 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 running kids around to

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

  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 Alvarez called our

Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-77364045925171751382009-10-14T18:23:00.000-07:002010-06-04T11:09:28.777-07:00

Social Networking: A Management Tool Lately I've been interested in social networking tools, both for getting (and keeping) a job, and as a potential tool for pulling together work teams and speeding up feedback loops.  I've come to see that CG supervisors and producers need to embrace these tools for both reasons.  By embrace, I mean use and master. My journey into these tools began long

Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-16524338303210109762009-10-13T13:09:00.000-07:002010-06-04T11:12:30.640-07:00

Since my last post, life has been full of adventure and chaos, most of it unrelated to CG Supervision. My daughter started college, our family was forced to find new housing when our landlord lost his house to the bank, looking for work, and a million other distractions. Through it all, I have been thinking long and hard about the future directions that CG Supervision is taking, and how I

Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-69980863936693419352009-09-15T02:03:00.000-07:002010-05-19T11:00:43.287-07:00

Networking is all about sharing information, and while this blog allows me to share my views on CG Supervision and readers to comment, I felt more interaction would be helpful to us all. So I started thegroup, the CG Supervisors Network. The group provides a networking forum for professional CG Supervisors (anyone supervising CG workers) to exchange ideas, techniques, discuss supervisory issues

Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-80590028276349099462009-08-19T01:32:00.000-07:002010-05-19T11:19:12.333-07:00

    Coins in the fountain    Hey everyone...   Been swamped this week chasing the coin of the realm and haven't moved on to the next installment.  Wanted to mull over and organize my thoughts before I shifted into gear.  When I kick my ideas onto the back burner, my subconscious works in odd ways. Eventually something else, often seemingly unrelated, sparks my motor.     I've been

Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-92156566480327619472009-08-11T22:26:00.000-07:002010-05-19T11:07:14.141-07:00

              Defining the    Computer Graphics Pipeline    Before we move into an in-depth examination of CG production pipelines, let 's clarify our definition of a pipeline.  In parts 1 to 4 of this series, we deconstructed the pipeline and looked at what it is not and the characteristics that define a CG pipeline. In preparing this series, drawn mostly from my own experience, I made a

Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-752845133871361632009-08-10T21:33:00.000-07:002010-05-19T10:51:41.568-07:00

From One to Many     In this, part 4 of our series on pipelines we will look at how a pipeline and a workflow are connected and how they differ from one another,  an understanding key to talking about and discussing pipelines. In our previous posts, we explored the basic ideas of pipelines.  In post #0018 Understanding Pipelines, we de-constructed the three classes of CG pipelines:

Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-76740073054136309842009-08-02T01:55:00.000-07:002009-08-02T01:58:56.092-07:00

If you have not found it yet, noted VFX Supervisor Scott Squires has a blog on VFX called Effects Corner, http://www.effectscorner.blogspot.com/.Topics in the blog, which has been active the last few months even while Scott is working on the forthcoming VES Handbook, range through a variety of VFX issues, including some managerial and many technical and artistic.If particular relevance to readers

Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-56571605848923313072009-08-01T17:48:00.000-07:002010-05-19T13:49:15.158-07:00

Image via Wikipedia Technical Pipelines  Many CG artists and managers confuse the technical aspects of the CG production pipeline with the pipeline itself.   Let's look at the difference and while we're at it, look at the common attributes found in the three classes of pipelines: production, material and approval. The first thing to consider is that technologies change over time.  Two

Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-58500015992111268962009-07-30T20:21:00.000-07:002010-05-19T11:06:55.516-07:00

Image via WikipediaPipeline Design 101Anyone who has taken any sort of introductory design class, whether in art, graphics, architecture or what have you, knows that "form follows function". When designing a CG pipeline one needs to consider the function of the pipeline before designing the structure let alone the mechanics.In our last post, "#0018 Understanding Pipelines" we discussed that the

Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-84854852777825836982009-07-28T18:00:00.000-07:002010-05-19T10:56:33.837-07:00

Deconstructing the "pipeline"Among your key responsibilities as a Computer Graphics Supervisor may be the design or implementation of a CG pipeline.  Even if you do not design one, you will manage one, and as the pipeline manager your concern will be to keep it running efficiently.  Further, even if you do not design the pipeline you manage, you will be accountable to management to insure the

Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-49406730178481107712009-07-25T19:58:00.000-07:002009-07-26T12:26:49.091-07:00

Image by Elizabeth Buie via FlickrHello readers! Back from the BayouI'm back after a short trip to LOUISIANA to discuss vfx supervising some films there.Louisiana wants to attract more film business and unlike my lovely and great home state it is backing it up with tax incentives and such. Sort of put me in mind of my blog #0014 Labor Issue: Part 3, The Satellite Office.Great place. Climate

Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-54732612761871126932009-07-17T00:24:00.000-07:002010-05-19T11:04:26.791-07:00

Hello readers. As I said a day or two ago, I've some ideas rattling around in my head to share about Computer Graphics Pipeline design and maintenance. By coincidence, I stumbled upon a masters thesis on the subject, and would like to compare notes. This bit of serendipity, or "luck" as some call it, just dropped in my lap, I cannot recall from where. This put in my mind how computer graphics

Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-29538967580921651372009-07-14T17:01:00.000-07:002010-05-19T11:14:30.474-07:00

Today I thought I'd start a series on PIPELINES.  But, something else came up, and it got me to thinking about priorities. As a CG supervisor, VFX supervisor, producer, Computer Graphics artist or compositing wizard; in any job one has to balance priorities. All the planning in the world and good intentions can be wonderful, but at some point it comes down to what gets done today, and in what

Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-68910879931117977982009-07-13T00:01:00.000-07:002010-06-04T11:12:30.643-07:00

If your VFX or CG production company is in a large city, like Los Angeles, finding ways to increase capacity without a large increase in cost should be a concern, and satellite facilities may be an option.   In post #0011, we looked at the possible capacity problem: "Some leaders of the visual effects business, both at vfx shops and at studios, are warning there could be a shortage of vfx

Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-31182622709460478912009-07-12T00:01:00.000-07:002010-06-04T11:12:30.645-07:00

I recall spending several weeks winnowing through resumes and hiring a talented 3d artist, another few weeks bringing the artist up to speed within our breakneck production pipeline, only to have her suddenly resign because she found a job with a 20 minute commute instead of a 75 minute one.   Finding good talent at a good rate with good work ethics and attitude challenges CG Supervisors and

Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-1182486410173721482009-07-11T00:01:00.001-07:002010-06-04T11:12:30.647-07:00

The U.S. and California economies,  coupled with last year's uncertainties about labor negotiations with various guilds, have slowed production, causing some CG visual effects studios to close or radically downsize. David S. Cohen warns in Variety (May 15, 2009 http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118003757.html?categoryid=2520&cs=1 ) that the economic recession coupled with a production slowdown

Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-5460096020343105232009-07-10T00:01:00.000-07:002010-05-19T10:57:50.932-07:00

It's happened to us all:  working hard on a project and someone from accounting comes in with the news of doom --the project is over budget.  You've worked hard to make sure everyone has the tools they require and the information they need.  You've busted your tail and so have your CG coordinators to make sure the materials pipeline is flowing, command and control pipeline is productive, and

Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-84204034616344276072009-07-09T00:01:00.000-07:002010-05-19T11:00:06.271-07:00

Ultimately, the format of your breakdown depends on what information you include or are required to present. What information you should put in your spreadsheet depends entirely on what type of breakdown you are preparing and what method you are using for arriving at a cost estimate. You will need to consider the methods of cost estimation explained in post #0007 and the types of breakdowns

Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-48975158156165828982009-07-08T15:46:00.000-07:002009-07-08T15:46:08.448-07:00

Hello readers.  I'd like to know something about you so I can write for you a little better. Will you tell me what roles you currently play or played in your most recent job?  And will can tell me who supervises you or supervised you in the job? Poll closes in July 18th. 

Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-43898451448390063862009-07-08T00:01:00.000-07:002010-05-19T11:14:11.425-07:00

As a Computer Graphics supervisor, you'll find choosing a method of cost estimation and a breakdown approach is constrained by various factors, including the information given, project scale, preparation time allowed, your breakdown audience, your objectives and whether your breakdown is given freely or for pay. In previous posts we examined some approaches to cost estimation: widget counting,

Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-67167716294663736142009-07-07T00:01:00.000-07:002010-05-19T11:13:51.036-07:00

When breaking down a CG project, the CG Supervisor has several types of breakdowns to choose from, including the ballpark estimate, sampled estimate, production budget, and production plan and resource analysis. Preparing the right kind of breakdown for the situation can reflect greatly on your critical judgment and performance as a CG supervisor.In my last post we examined some approaches to

Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-41971527012544606612009-07-06T00:01:00.000-07:002010-05-19T11:10:09.410-07:00

When it comes to preparing efficient and effective shot breakdowns, the CG Supervisor needs to select the approach most appropriate to the situation. Several factors effect what kind of shot breakdown you will prepare: time constraints, remuneration, audience, breakdown objective, scale of project, and information available. Kinds of breakdowns you might prepare include the ballpark estimate,

Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-87318773399085366972009-07-05T18:41:00.000-07:002010-05-19T11:12:57.024-07:00

When troubleshooting problems in computer graphics and visual effects, the CG Supervisor's hole card is a thorough understanding of the technical paradigm under the software. Most 3d applications today are more or less procedural, using a node basis. The origin of nodes lies in C++, which introduced the idea of objects that can contain data and methods. "Methods" means a procedure or function

Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-78891852037237236822009-07-02T21:42:00.000-07:002010-05-19T11:16:39.918-07:00

Employment ads are often the closest a CG supervisor ever gets to seeing a written job description. What's really interesting, in my experience, is that there are many kinds of CG supervisors. More importantly, co-workers often have very different expectations of what a supervisor's job should be.#1 The CG Supervisor is the TechnologistThis role is often the key role of focus in want ads and

Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-81955053146669572482009-06-29T22:07:00.000-07:002010-05-19T11:12:38.739-07:00

What I want to convey in this blog is something that I see nowhere else. Now perhaps I'm not looking hard enough, but what I tend to see is about 90% focus on technology and tools and maybe 10% on aesthetics and 0% on the human factor in computer graphics. If we look at all the forums available, (and who has time do do that), I very much doubt any one of them looks at the human side, the

Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-4692000009311977462009-06-29T21:49:00.000-07:002010-05-19T10:54:52.671-07:00

For today's post, I thought we'd look at an unpublished piece I intended for an audience of CG artists producing shots for a television show. It remains generally applicable.The piece is the beginning of a discourse on a larger issue, the essential qualities of a good shot, or put another way, the aesthetics of visual effects and commercial graphics. I have found as a cg supervisor it is easy

Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-76460356636108471172009-06-23T22:26:00.000-07:002010-05-19T11:03:42.099-07:00

There are well over a 100 different software applications used in visual effects and motion graphics today. Wikipedia lists around 70 packages for 3d work alone. Clearly, the CG supervisor must be proficient in one or more of the major packages and knowledgeable in several others. Invariably, the CG supervisor will be working with artists using software outside his technical sphere and

Isa A. Alsuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03208639294629529707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7976399279095779547.post-2342961445887115402009-06-21T20:35:00.000-07:002010-05-19T11:14:41.871-07:00

Any time a group of digital artists are brought together to collaborate on a project, some leadership system needs to be established. With a small group of experienced professionals, this may be negotiated leadership, where peers through casual discussion reach a consensus on who will be responsible for what, how it will get done, what resources are needed and when it will be completed. This is

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