May 6, 2004

Computer Graphics tools

The subtle things are always very hard to do in computer graphics especially animation. Hair, clothing with movement and drape and folds -- skin is also difficult with its texture and lighting. The BBC has a nice article about Dr. Henrik Jensen and his work on the problem of skin. (His algorithms were used for Gollum in LOTR) bq. If you get a close look at some of the creatures of the night in the Van Helsing movie, you might notice how realistic their skin looks. bq. The reason is a program that works out how light affects surfaces like skin to make computer-generated characters look more believable. bq. The software was first used on Gollum in the Lord of the Rings trilogy and is now a staple of blockbusters packed with visual effects. bq. The man behind the technique, Dr Henrik Jensen of the University of California at San Diego, was recently rewarded for his contribution to Hollywood. bq. In February he received a Technical Achievement Award from the people who hand out the Oscars. Dr. Jensen's home page is here Links from here show samples of his work. Pretty amazing stuff! Posted by DaveH at May 6, 2004 11:41 AM