newslounge.co · Jan 16, 2024

Good Morning. 

We'd like to remind our new readers that we introduced the 'Tuesday Update' edition last month. In these, we'll be sharing cool and interesting finds that you can skim through in 5 mins.
Thursdays, on the other hand, are reserved for more in-depth and comprehensive content.
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Here’s what we got for you today:

• The Perfectly Imperfect VFX of ‘Poor Things’

• The Seeress - An AI Film

• The Look-Dev of The Future

• The Future of Content Creation and more..

-newslounge

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HEADLINE

The Perfectly Imperfect VFX of ‘Poor Things’

“Poor things” is a movie based on the book by Alis Ray about a woman named Bella Baxter who is brought to life by a strange scientist and what happens when she runs off to discover the world.
Yorgos Lanthimos is one of the most consistent and unique directors working today and that I have been waiting for his next movie for a long time.

I do have much to say about this film, but here's a quick overview from a visual narrative standpoint.

"Poor Things" distinguishes itself in the VFX landscape by merging traditional techniques with contemporary digital effects.

"Poor Things" stands as a significant example of how blending classic and modern VFX techniques can enrich a film's visual narrative. The use of Unreal Engine, in particular, highlights the evolving nature of film production, where digital tools are used not just for creating effects but also for planning and visualizing entire scenes. This film not only challenges traditional VFX methods but also enhances storytelling through its layered and unique visual presentation.

💡Innovative Approach:

• Hybrid Animals: Used actual animal footage to craft surreal animal hybrids.

• Film Stock Integration: Employed three different film stocks for diverse visual effects.

• Painted Backdrops: Revived 1950s-style painted backdrops for a distinct visual flair.

• Unreal Engine Usage: The art department leveraged Unreal Engine for setting up 3D models and visualizing set extensions.

▶ Watch the trailer here.

▶ The making of “Poor Things” here.

-Ardy

CASE STUDY

The Look-Dev of The Future

To AI or not to AI:
In today's fast-paced visual effects (VFX) world, AI has the potential to be making things easier and more exciting, and ComfyUI is at the heart of this change.

ComfyUI and AI are still growing, and there's a lot more they could do, especially in animation. Using ComfyUI and AI in VFX isn't just about the latest tech. It's about making it easier for artists to bring their wildest ideas to life.

Augmentation, not replacement:
AI won't replace designers, but rather become their powerful partner. Tools will automate repetitive tasks like layout, generate multiple variations of concepts, and personalize designs based on user data. This frees up designers for more strategic thinking and creative exploration.

🎁 You can download my project file here.

▶ Watch this short video where I go over the setup.

-AA

SNIPPETS

💲 Microsoft tops Apple as world’s most valuable company.

🚨 Tesla's Optimus robot is now able to fold shirts.

📽 Virtual Production features coming to Unreal Engine 5.4.

🍎 Apple won the CES headset game without showing up.

💡 TikTok Marshmello: 2 million views motion capture realtime and final video with no clean up - made with Unreal 5 and Qualisys optical system for social media!

AROUND THE WORLD OF AI

"The Seeress": An Impressive AI-Generated Film Trailer

Storybook Studios has kicked off the year with an extraordinary achievement: the release of "The Seeress", an AI-generated trailer for a project currently in development with PANTALEON Films. Remarkably, the studio achieved this feat without relying on popular tools like Runway or Pika Labs, showcasing their innovative approach.

✔Founded in 2023, the AI studio is currently developing a variety of projects for the international market. A particular focus is on the production of animated films and series for the family target group.

Storyline:
This trailer introduces viewers to a captivating narrative set in 233 A.D., featuring Ganna, a young Germanic seeress, and Livius, a Roman agent. Together, this unlikely duo investigates a string of murders along the Roman-Germanic border. Amidst a backdrop of conspiracy, time is a luxury they cannot afford. To save themselves, Ganna and Livius must confront their past demons and overcome the menacing forces in their present.

▶ Watch the trailer here.

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