By Susan L. HowardPhysical Simulation Developer

Weta Digital, New Zealand

Research AssociateEarth & Space Research in Seattle, WA

The Science Behind Computer Generated

Visual Effects

Grew up in JeffersonvilleB.A. Rutgers University (Math, Physics

minor)M.S. Oregon State University (Oceanography,

Math minor)

Worked as Physical Oceanographer for 11 years

Worked in Digital Effects for 4 years as a Physical Simulation Developer.

Recently moved back to Seattle and am working again as a Physical Oceanographer.

My Background

Physical OceanographerStudies the physical properties of the ocean

Heat, saltMotion (currents)ClimateIce

I specialize in :

Polar OceanographyTidesData analysisNumerical modeling

Weta Digital is a five-time Academy Award winning visual effects facility based in Wellington, New Zealand.

Weta was formed in 1993 by Peter Jackson, Richard Taylor and Jamie Selkirk.

It later split into two specialized halves - Weta Digital (digital effects) and Weta Workshop (physical effects – props, swords, masks).

Weta Digital Employs ~900: artists, scientists, programmers

Weta Digital

Physical Simulation DeveloperI worked to create

realistic looking digital effects in movies

AvatarGulliver’s travelsX-Men First ClassRise of the ApesTintinPrometheusAvengersThe Hobbit

AnimationMotion captureCrowd generationModeling Compositing

Digital Effects

AnimationMotion captureCrowd generationModeling Compositing

Digital Effects

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSm3bvqHJJw

Tintin ALL Digital Effects!

What do Oceanography and FX workhave in Common? (or how did I end up at Weta!)

FLUID DYNAMICS

What do Oceanography and FX workhave in Common? (or how did I end up at Weta!)

In fluid dynamics, we have something called the EQUATIONS of MOTION.

The EQUATIONS of MOTION describe how fluid moves.

We use these equations, coded in computer models, to try to simulate a real oceans. Or, in the case of movies, to make realistic looking water!

Fluid Dynamics

In movies, we use the principles of Fluid Dynamics to model

WaterSmokeFireExplosions

Other types of computer modeling workHair motionCloth movementBody mechanicsFalling objects, collisions

In movies, we use the principles of Fluid Dynamics to model

WaterSmokeFireExplosions

Other types of computer modeling workHair motionCloth movementBody mechanicsFalling objects, collisions

All these effects need to follow physical laws – or they will look fake!!!!!

In movies, we use the principles of Fluid Dynamics to model

WaterSmokeFireExplosions

Other types of computer modeling workHair motionCloth movementBody mechanicsFalling objects, collisions

All these effects need to follow physical laws – or they will look fake!!!!!

Simple water modelhttp://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVM_Ba5T890

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xrb8PSpkhkQ

Hair Simulation

More waterhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3acQ

5dDKEs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tmm4BQX8TCQ

Fluid Effects In Movies

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYeQNH6gJhE

Digital FX in the Hobbit

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PSNL1qE6VY

AVATAR

Questions?

Fluid Simulation