Academy Award winner, Jerry Tessendorf presents...

The Whoosh Moment

Wed. Oct. 5th at 7:00pm
Research Hall, Room 163

Abstract:
Complex and massive computations are performed every day in the effort 
to make movies that audiences want to see. The quality of computer 
graphics are so good that many times they cannot be detected even by the 
expert practitioners. Other times the visual effects are obvious to 
anyone. Yet the focus of this technology is to achieve an artistic 
vision in storytelling. In this talk we look at the details of computer 
graphics and art that the experts create every day, using some examples 
from big (and not so big) feature films. We see what was done 
practically on set, what was done with the magic of computer graphics, 
and how people come to learn these techniques and join the small group 
of practitioners. When finished, you will never again be able to watch 
movies the way you did before.

Bio:
Jerry Tessendorf is a Professor of Visual Computing, and Director of the 
Digital Production Arts program at Clemson University. His research is 
in fluid dynamics, radiative transfer, and production workflow for 
feature films.  He has developed new movie production techniques and 
software for 15 years at Rhythm & Hues and Cinesite Digital Studios, and 
received an Academy Award for Technical Achievement. He has a Ph.D. in 
physics from Brown University.