Interviews that focus on the CG creative in visual effects, architecture and beyond. Christopher Nichols of Chaos sits down with directors, artists, photographers and developers for candid discussions on technology and art, all with a focus on computer graphics. Visit chaosgroup.com/cg-garage for more information and an archive of past shows.

In this week’s podcast, Chris digs into the relationship between CG and archaeology with world-renowned archaeologist Bernard Frischer. Having studied Classics, Bernie discovered a passion for the past and led excavations of Horace’s Villa in Licenza, Italy. At the same time, he maintained a keen interest in the evolution of computing technology and used it to reconstruct Rome for his Rome Reborn project.

Bernie reveals his vast knowledge of ancient history, explaining what made ancient Roman and modern American societies similar, how chariot racing was the spectator sport of its time, and why he prefers Rome to Athens. He also tells Chris how he founded Flyover Zone and reveals his plans to bring history to the world of videogames.

Direct download: CGGarage_Podcast340_BernieFrischer.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:50am PDT

Liz Montes bumped into someone at an LA party—and landed a job at Digital Domain. Here, she worked alongside Chris on movies including Real Steel and Oblivion. Then she moved to visualization specialist The Third Floor, where she worked as a production manager and producer on blockbusters including Edge of Tomorrow, Solo: A Star Wars Story, and Avengers: Endgame.

In this podcast, Liz talks about how The Third Floor’s expertise in previs has made it a perfect fit for the emerging world of virtual production. She delves into how The Mandalorian’s immersive set, Volume, helped the cast and crew create incredible worlds in real-time. She also discusses The Third Floor’s work on Loki, how gaming graduates are taking over VFX, and how working from home has changed the industry.

Direct download: CGGarage_Podcast339_LizMontes.mp3
Category:VFX -- posted at: 7:53am PDT

Chris Harvey’s brief encounters in biology and theater set him up perfectly for a thriving career in VFX. After taking an animation course, he went on to work on movies such as Chappie, TRON: Legacy, and Zero Dark Thirty. Then, he helped Neill Blomkamp launch independent production company Oats Studios and now he works as a freelance VFX supervisor.

In this podcast, Chris talks about striking a balance between working hard and raising a family. He shares the lessons he learned from working at the ahead-of-its-time Oats Studios, covers how easy it is to tighten pipelines and make filmmaking more efficient—and reveals why Neill Blomkamp’s new production house is called Stability. 

You’ll also find out about Chris’ upcoming sci-fi film projects, including Neill Blomkamp’s Demonic, and 65, from the team behind A Quiet Place.

Direct download: CGGarage_Podcast338_ChrisHarvey.mp3
Category:VFX -- posted at: 8:02am PDT

Want to know the secrets of a successful VFX career? In this week's podcast, Andy Boyd tells Chris how he worked his way up from VFX artist to head of 3D at MPC and then became co-founder of his own company, Jamm VFX, moving from Johannesburg to London and Los Angeles in the process.

Andy gives useful insights on getting noticed and securing promotions. He also talks through the nerve-wracking process of founding a company and taking it from desperately seeking clients to being in a position where it can turn down work. Andy finishes with his thoughts on how AI will change the future of VFX and sheds a little light on Jamm’s upcoming projects.

Direct download: CGGarage_Podcast337_AndyBoyd.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:18am PDT

Introducing the CG Garage podcast’s first-ever virtual guest: PHIA, AKA Sophia Bollinger. In the space of little over a year, PHIA’s “The Virtual Reality Show” has amassed over 100,000 YouTube and Twitch subscribers who tune in to find out about the latest tech and trends in VR. At the same time, she’s become a virtual celebrity, and running the show has become her full-time job.

In this podcast, which is better watched than listened-to, the enthusiastic VR expert tells Chris why she started the channel. She talks about how the virtual world can offer a haven from the real one and discusses some of the more unusual phenomena that come about as a result of fooling your brain into thinking the virtual is real. You’ll learn what the best tech for a modern VR setup is—as well as PHIA’s ambitious plans for the future.

Direct download: CGGarage_Podcast336_PHIA.mp3
Category:VR -- posted at: 7:43am PDT

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