Tag Archives: LAIKA

Thanks to LAIKA for showing off all things Missing Link!

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Just wanted to drop an open thank you to Michael Cordova and Jesselee Kahaloa for taking the time out to show off the team’s work from Missing Link. Five films in, the LAIKA pipeline is a well oiled machine, and it was great to get an inside look at every piece of the puzzle – especially the epic and difficult Loch Ness shot.
I have to say, this could have been the best Q&A I’ve witnessed while running the user group – well done, all!
OMSI continues to be a big supporter of SIGGRAPH and the local animation scene, and it was fantastic (as always) to catch this on the Empirical screen.
And a final thanks to my new favorite intimate venue, the back room over at The Toffee Club on Hawthorne. What a great vibe! We’ll be back.
Beautiful work, LAIKA!

Michael Cordova preps for the presentation at The Toffee Club after the screening

SIGGRAPH Screening + Shop Talk: Missing Link

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SIGGRAPH Screening #2 is locked and loaded, and I’m very happy to say we’re going to host an encore showing of LAIKA‘s Missing Link on OMSI’s fantastic Empirical Screen, followed by a presentation by LAIKA Lead Compositor Michael Cordova. He’ll be walking us through the LAIKA filmmaking process from a VFX Compositor’s viewpoint. After the film (for the presentation), we’ll migrate down the street to the friendly confines of The Toffee Club‘s back room, where we can check out Michael and the team’s handiwork over a drink + a bite.

LAIKA’s Michael Cordova

All of this happening the evening of Friday, June 7. Film at 7pm @ OMSI, presentation/drinks around 9pm @ Toffee Club.

OMSI has graciously given our group a discount for the film screening, and tickets to the film are just $5. Purchase online now, or dodge the fees and buy in person (as we do NOT expect the massive Empirical Theater to sell out). Online ticket link for the film – use promo code ML2019:
https://www.ticketing.omsi.edu/ItemList.aspx?node_id=1090

Next, grab your free ticket for the presentation! Seating at the Toffee Club is 21+ at that time, and very limited, so this will be ticketed through Eventbrite and you will need to present a ticket (printed or mobile) to attend the presentation after. Those are available here, and we DO expect these to sell out:
https://missinglinksiggraphscreening.eventbrite.com

Note: you are not required to attend the film if you have seen it and are only wanting to catch the presentation after. Meet us around 9pm as we switch venues. Just to repeat and make crystal clear, the screening is at OMSI, and the presentation afterwards is about a mile away at The Toffee Club on Hawthorne. And please note minors are not admitted to the presentation and it’s ages 21+.

Any chance to delve into the VFX happening out at LAIKA is a chance taken, and Michael’s presentation will make for a memorable night. Join us!

Friday June 7, 7pm
Missing Link Screening
OMSI’s Empirical Theater
1945 SE Water Ave
$5 – tickets

followed by Michael Cordova/LAIKA presentation (~9pm)
The Toffee Club (back room)
1006 SE Hawthorne Blvd
free – tickets

Next VFX/PDX Meeting: Side Effects Houdini w/ LAIKA!

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FireAndIceSmall
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 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, fluids…  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 resistance and create convincing FX simulations/animation that feel real.

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 a night we’re calling 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 shrouded in secrecy, David will be showing work from his past projects, including Life of Pi, Enders Game, and the most recent installation of the Spiderman franchise.

Also joining us from the ranks of LAIKA is long time Technical Director Peter Stuart, who has been part of many a successful sequence within LAIKA films, dating back to Coraline.  Peter speaks fluent “computer” and is usually tasked with special ops that showcase his uncanny ability 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 auditorium, in the Multnomah Village neighborhood.

Multnomah Arts Center
7688 SW Capitol Hwy
Portland, OR 97219

Get your free tickets now – seating is limited:   https://fireandice-fx.eventbrite.com

Refreshments provided and there will be some fabulous door prizes (including a license of Houdini from Side Effects), so make it a point to step out for this one!

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