It’s no secret these days – within the realm of VFX and 3D, FX Artists are having all the fun!  Who else walks into work each day and proceeds to light things on fire?  Blast them with water?  Freeze them with ice?  Blow them away with a whirl of a tornado?  Dust, debris, smoke, liquids…  plus character FX like cloth, hair, and fur – all fall under the FX Artist’s domain.  Despite the technical challenges and sheer amount of physics inherent to any FX task, it’s still necessary to keep one toe grounded in the artistic side.  It takes a unique set of skills to unearth the path of least resistence and create convincing FX simulations/animation that doesn’t look “fake.”

We’ll have 3 such individuals presenting at the next VFX/PDX meeting, which will heavily feature their weapon of choice:  Side Effects Houdini.  Portland, it’s time for FIRE & ICE!  Woo ha!

David Horsley is a recent arrival at LAIKA and the Lead FX Artist on the upcoming film Kubo and the Two Strings. As that is still in production and top secret, David will be showing work from his past projects, including Life of Pi, Enders Game, and the most recent installation of Spiderman.

Also joining us from the ranks of LAIKA is long time Technical Director Peter Stuart, who has been part of the most successful sequences in LAIKA films dating back to Coraline.  Peter speaks fluent “computer” and is usually tasked with special ops sequences that showcase his ability to be half man, half machine.  He’s been known to code his way out of a jam when something seems impossible using traditional means.  Peter will be showing breakdowns from LAIKA’s most recent film, The Boxtrolls.

Up from LA is Side Effect’s Senior Product Specialist Rob Stauffer, a former FX Supervisor who will be showing off all of the new toys in Houdini 14.  A very special thanks to Side Effects for sending Rob, helping to put this night together, and making it a rare can’t-miss event.

All of this takes place Monday, June 22nd, from 6:30-8:30pm at the Multnomah Arts Center in the Multnomah Village neighborhood.

Multnomah Arts Center
7688 SW Capitol Hwy
Portland, OR 97219

You’ll find us in the auditorium.  Refreshments provided and there will be door prizes, so make it a point to step out for this one!

Get Plugged In!

Thursday, June 25th, 2015 / Get Plugged In with Rowbyte & Red Giant

AEPDX is excited to have Satya G Meka of Rowbyte, maker of the popular After Effects plugin Plexus, who will be discussing that plugin as well as give people a sneak peek at his upcoming plugin: Flux. We’ll also have Harry J Frank, who’ll be covering new design and effects technology from Red Giant with new unannounced motion graphics and visual effects products, plus color correction and grading with brand new products from the Magic Bullet suite including Magic Bullet Looks 3, Magic Bullet Film and Colorista III.

The Presenters:

Satya G Meka / @Rowbyte / http://www.rowbyte.com

Harry J Frank / @graymachine / http://redgiant.com

This is a FREE event but please be warned that seating is limited. Reserve your spot now.

Thursday, June 25th, 6:30-8:30pm
Helios Interactive / 328 NE Failing St. Portland, OR 97212
Click here to RSVP now on Eventbrite

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn for future event info! Monthly Meetups here.

Special thanks to Adobe, Helios Interactive, and 3DV for sponsorship and support.