Talk to a Movie Digital SFX Expert

Posted by Roblimo on Wednesday July 17, 2002 @05:00AM from the help-me-I'm-morphing dept.

Thad Beier has been working with computer graphics and film since the late 70s. In 1995 he and three partners founded Hammerhead Productions, a company that specializes in computer-generated special effects. Thad received a Technical Achievement Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (the Oscar people, not the MPAA) in 1998 for one of his many technical innovations. He's worked on Terminator 2, Angels in the Outfield, The Fast and The Furious, and the upcoming Blue Crush, among other films. He wrote this 1992 Siggraph paper, and now writes all of Hammerhead's software tools and manages the company's mixed bag of SGI and Linux equipment. So ask Thad anything you want about computer-generated special effects. We'll send him 10 of the highest-moderated questions, and post his answers when we get them back.

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Meesa Big Bad Ideeeea by Lev13than · 2002-07-17 05:13 · Score: 5, Funny

How many years do you think the introduction of Jar Jar Binks has set back the quest to gain legitimacy for your industry?

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When you have nothing left to burn you must set yourself on fire
Re:Will SFX Overtake Actors? by dvdeug · 2002-07-17 06:23 · Score: 3, Funny

I'm still waiting for the next Shirley Temple movie...
Re:Shaders by tetuth · 2002-07-17 06:41 · Score: 2, Funny

BTW, I realize that special effects are half artistry, half mathematics and half sweaty work

Yes, with mathematics being extra important, which is why it totals to three halves. :P
Re:best way to get into the industry? by King+of+the+World · 2002-07-17 08:39 · Score: 2, Funny

What is the best way to get into the computer generated special effects industry?
Blackmail. Definately blackmail.

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