From storyboard to screen, the Screen Industries Research and Training Centre (SIRT) brings it all together at a conference dedicated to previsualization and virtual production – two innovative processes that are changing the face of film and TV production. Hosted by SIRT at its Pinewood Toronto Studios facility, the conference will look at how digital technology and live on-stage computer graphics are allowing film, television and gaming professionals to become more creative, collaborative and cost-effective. Previsualization and Virtual Production: BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER takes place February 24 – 25, 2011 and includes panels, presentations and technology demos delivered by industry experts.
Previsualization (also known as previs) is the application of cutting-edge digital technologies, including motion capture, to help plan and create films and other projects. The process allows directors and other key personnel to explore creative ideas, plan technical solutions to production problems, and communicate their vision to the broader production team.
Day One of the conference is dedicated to previsualization with expert presentations from Ron Frankel, Founder of Proof Inc. (The Green Hornet, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse); Aaron Weintraub, Visual Effects Supervisor for Mr. X Inc. (Resident Evil: Afterlife, TRON: Legacy, and The Three Musketeers); Brian Pohl, Co-Founder of POV Previs (Star Trek, Star Wars: Episode I and II); and Darren Cranford, President and Director for Keyframe Digital (X-Men, Driven, and Zombieland).
The sexy sister of previsualization – virtual production – is the focus of Day Two with panels and practical demos covering the latest technologies. Virtual production is the process of shooting a movie with real-time computer graphics, either for all-CG movies such as Christmas Carol, or visual effects movies with live action such as Avatar. Confirmed speakers include: Jason Walter, Virtual Production Team Consultant at Autodesk; Jim Laird, CFO, Bedlam Games; Lui Francisco, Artistic Director, Bedlam Games; Steve Hoban, Founder/Producer, Copperheart Entertainment; and David Footman, Scripted Event Director, Ubisoft Toronto.
For a complete list of speakers and full conference agenda, visit www.sirtcentre.com/conferencesched.html
Previsualization and Virtual Production: BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER takes place February 24 – 25, 2011, 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., Pinewood Toronto Studios, 225 Commissioners Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Conference registration fee is $350 or $150 for partner members with a discount code. To register, go to: www.regonline.com.
Previsualization and Virtual Production: BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER is made possible with the support of the Ontario Media Development Corporation on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, and with the participation and sponsorship of the Directors Guild of Canada – Ontario, I.A.T.S.E. Local 667, FilmOntario, Computer Animation Studios of Ontario (CASO), The Previsualization Society, Pinewood Toronto Studios and the Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning.
About SIRT www.sirtcentre.com
The Screen Industries Research and Training Centre (SIRT) is an applied research/technology development/training/commercialization centre that links Sheridan College faculty, staff, and students and other Ontario academic and research institutions with Ontario’s screen-based industries.
About Sheridan College www.sheridaninstitute.ca
Founded in 1967, Sheridan has grown from a locally-based college with 400 students to a dynamic and innovative institution with 15,000 full-time and 35,000 continuing education students. Today, Sheridan attracts students from across Canada and around the world, and is nationally and internationally recognized for excellence in business, digital media and communications, performing arts, visual arts and design, science and technology, and community service studies. Innovation and creativity is at the core of what we try to impart on our students and, as such, is critical to our success.