Background Fundamentals is our bonus general curriculum course at fxphd. It is a TV-style program which forms the foundation of our curriculum at fxphd. The class covers a wide variety of topics which apply across all applications and is a favorite of our members.

This course is the Background Fundamentals series which originally ran during our April 2014 term.

course syllabus

Mike talks to four ILM supervisors about their career and how they got to where they are today.

Mike's take on the future in response to the VFX Nation blog on Cinefex.

Mike discusses the issues of doing a good keynote presentation.

Mike talks about Physically Based Shading techniques in gaming.

Mike revisits IP rights. Trade secrets, trademarks, copyright and patents.

Mike visits CSIRO to check out their Zebedee mobile 3D mapping system.

Mike goes in-depth on the facial capture and animation done by Digital Domain on the fairy characters in the film Maleficent.

State of things and the need to have a plan B.

Using the game inFAMOUS Second Son as an example, Mike explores the approach in facial motion capture and realtime rendering in gaming. Part 1.

Using the game inFAMOUS Second Son as an example, Mike explores the approach in facial motion capture and realtime rendering in gaming. Part 2.