In this edition of our “Day in the Life” series, we delve into the world of Kostiantyn Shpak, a skilled VFX & Cinematics expert. As the lighting and shading lead in the 3D department, Kostiantyn’s role is vital in bringing visual magic to life in movies, TV shows, and full CG productions. Join us as we explore his daily responsibilities, creative approach, and how he can create stunning visual experiences.

Daily Responsibilities

Kostiantyn’s role encompasses both applied and creative tasks, along with close collaboration with artists in his specialization and related departments. His typical day begins with reviewing tasks and analyzing feedback from clients or project supervisors. Checking render tests provides valuable insights into the overall look and ensures alignment with client expectations. With a focus on lighting and material setup, he dedicates his time to working on current tasks, meticulously preparing 3D objects or entire scenes for stylized or photorealistic outcomes.

VFX & Cinematics Day to Day

As part of the Magic Media VFX & Cinematics division, Kostiantyn’s day begins with reviewing tasks and analyzing feedback, setting the stage for a productive day ahead. He quickly checks the render tests he had set the previous evening, examining how they align with the project’s look development and client expectations. Armed with this valuable information, he dives into his current tasks, focusing on lighting, shading, and material setup.

Collaboration plays a pivotal role in Kostiantyn’s daily routine. He collaborates closely with artists specializing in various fields, ensuring seamless integration of different elements. Regular communication with supervisors and producers keeps the project on track, guaranteeing that creative visions are realized effectively.

Continuous learning and sharing ideas with colleagues are integral to his approach. He actively engages with specialized materials and media content, staying up-to-date with the latest visual effects industry trends and techniques. By fostering open communication, both creative and technical challenges are overcome more efficiently, resulting in superior project outcomes.

Kostiantyn’s approach to VFX & Cinematics combines his deep understanding of the craft with a holistic perspective. While his main focus is lighting and shading, he also studies related disciplines such as texturing and modeling. This comprehensive knowledge allows him to see production processes more holistically and contribute to the project’s overall success.

Throughout the production journey, Kostiantyn applies his expertise to every step. Starting with the initial session, where the project’s core idea takes shape, he meticulously plans and prepares for production. Technical and creative solutions are sought to strike the delicate balance between maintaining high-quality standards and meeting production timelines.

Kostiantyn Shpak, with his unwavering commitment to excellence, brings visual enchantment to life as a VFX & Cinematics expert. With his keen eye for detail, collaborative nature, and thirst for knowledge, he ensures that every project he works on surpasses expectations.

At Magic Media we are veterans of the film, tv, gaming and entertainment industries, offering comprehensive VFX services for in-game, cinematics, and more, as well as animation and full art services! Our main goal is to provide a one-stop solution for any project. We love nothing more than collaborating with creative minds, so drop us a line and let’s talk!

The Magic Media team was excited to partner with Netflix on the production of Carter for VFX, a white-knuckle action thriller directed by esteemed South Korean filmmaker Jung Byung-gil. For this project, the Magic Media team was tasked with creating VFX to integrate with the project’s live-action footage seamlessly.

As a preview of the movie and the work we completed for it, we assembled this video trailer which showcases some of the techniques we used throughout the production, and the incredible action, choreography, and stunt work that went into Carter.

Carter VFX Techniques

VFX production on Netflix’s Carter required employing a wide range of techniques to make it look as seamless as possible with the live-action footage. As seen in the preview video, much of our work involved recreating sizeable 3D environments using VFX processes.

We extensively used a technique known as match moving to create 3D cameras, which in turn helped us create the impression of seamless single takes. Ample work was also put into the lighting and shading to make the scenes we worked on appear as realistically lit as possible. We completed substantial compositing work too to integrate the live-action footage with our VFX and rendered it using software called GPU. All of these techniques are on full display in the teaser video, showing different stages of the process.

Carter VFX Production Challenges

The majority of the footage seen in the trailer was shot in 4K resolution, which is standard in the modern movie industry. Some scenes, however, needed to be rendered in 8K to create seamless transitions between shots as seen in the preview video to depict the footage as being done in one take rather than traditional editing techniques.

This presented an issue with storage requirements. 4K footage is considerable in file size, but 8K footage file sizes are exponentially larger. The Magic Media team is, however, prepared for such unforeseen circumstances and has experience dealing with such logistical issues. Fortunately, we were able to optimize the storage we had available and make use of it for the 8K footage before it became a critical problem.

Selecting the Best VFX Clips

Producing VFX for any project is an involved process, and our work on Netflix’s Carter was no different. For this video preview, we needed to select the best clips that showcased our processes in a distilled way. This was challenging, as our Carter VFX production work took roughly 90 days of dedicated and thorough work, which meant we had a lot of possible material to choose from.

Our priority was to use clips that demonstrated the main techniques we used, such as match moving, compositing, and recreating large 3D environments using VFX. Though it was a painstaking process, we selected what we felt were the best possible examples of our work for this preview, and we couldn’t be happier with how it showcased it.

The Magic Media team has extensive experience crafting VFX and cinematics for film, television, and games. We’re proud to offer an expansive range of services including full-cycle game development, game porting, video production, and more. Get in contact today and let’s create magic!

The world of film and television is constantly evolving, and the visual effects industry is no exception. Today, a new generation of filmmakers and artists is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on screen with innovative techniques and technologies. In this article, we explore six of the top visual effects trends that are shaping the future of the film and television industry.

Virtual Production

Virtual production is changing the way films and television shows are made. This technique allows filmmakers to shoot in a virtual environment and see the final result in real-time, giving them the ability to adjust lighting, camera angles, and other aspects of the scene in real-time. It’s quickly becoming the new standard for the visual effects industry.

Machine Learning

Machine learning is revolutionizing the visual effects industry. With complex algorithms, visual effects artists can create realistic, complex scenes in less time than ever before. Machine learning is also being used to create more advanced simulations, such as realistic water and fire effects. As this technology continues to develop, we can expect to see more advanced and realistic effects in films and television shows.

Augmented Reality

Augmented reality (AR) is being used in the visual effects industry to create interactive experiences for audiences, such as in theme parks or interactive exhibits. This technology overlays digital information onto the real world, creating a hybrid environment. As this technology becomes more advanced and accessible, we can expect to see it used in more creative and innovative ways in films and television shows.

Real-Time Ray Tracing

Real-time ray tracing is a technique that allows for more realistic lighting and shadows in real-time rendering. This technology is being used to create more realistic virtual environments and objects, and is a significant advancement for the visual effects industry. As real-time ray tracing technology becomes more accessible, we can expect to see more films and television shows utilizing this technique.

5G Networks

5G networks are expected to have a significant impact on the visual effects industry, as they offer faster data speeds, lower latency, and more reliable connections. With 5G networks, visual effects artists can work together from different parts of the world, creating more efficient and effective workflows. This technology allows for more seamless collaboration and remote work.

Extended Reality

Extended reality (XR) is a term that encompasses virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). XR is being used in the visual effects industry to create immersive experiences for audiences, such as in virtual reality experiences or augmented reality exhibits. As XR technology continues to develop, we can expect to see it used in more creative and innovative ways in films and television shows.

In conclusion, these six visual effects trends are leading the way in the film and television industry’s evolution. As filmmakers and visual effects experts at Magic Media VFX & Cinematics, it’s imperative to push the boundaries of what’s achievable on screen. With these innovative techniques, we can expect to see even more advanced and creative visual effects in the future. The visual effects industry is evolving rapidly, and keeping up with the latest trends is crucial for success.

At Magic Media, we are veterans of the film, tv, gaming and entertainment industries with a passion for the creation of ground-breaking visual effects and digital content. We have deep experience with in-game cinematics along with photorealistic and live action cinematics. Our main goal is to provide clients with the highest quality VFX & cinematic services to help your project reach its full potential. Magic Media provides a one-stop solution for any project. Get in contact today and let’s create magic!

Today marks a significant milestone as Magic Media expands its area of expertize with the addition of Magic Media VFX & Cinematics. We are thrilled to have a dedicated team focus their experience, skills, and their proficiency in visual effects and cinematic services for the film, television and games industry.

With this investment in our people and our project capabilities, Magic Media now boasts a more diverse and comprehensive range of services. Magic Media VFX & Cinematics division complements our existing offerings and enables us to deliver a more complete suite of services to our clients in the games and entertainment industry.

This investment in the entertainment industry provides Magic Media with even more resources and empowers us to tackle larger and more complex projects with ease. We are excited to see what this new path will bring and look forward to delivering exceptional services to the entertainment industry.

Discover our new Magic Media VFX & Cinematics website and reach out to us today to see how we can bring your project to life!

The world of cinematics is fascinating, and the process of bringing a script to life on the big screen is equally enthralling. A lot goes on behind the scenes, and one of the most critical aspects of filmmaking is cinematics. In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of cinematics in film, its impact on the movie-going experience, and how it contributes to the overall success of a movie.

What Are Cinematics?

Cinematics, in the simplest terms, refer to the art of visual storytelling. It is the process of creating visuals that support the narrative and evoke emotions in the viewer. The use of camera angles, lighting, color, and other visual elements help create a visual language that enhances the story and engages the audience. In essence, cinematics is what separates a good movie from a great one.

Why Are Cinematics Important in Film?

Cinematics are crucial to the filmmaking process because they contribute to the overall impact of the movie. It is the visual language that helps convey the story, evoke emotions, and keep the audience engaged. Without cinematics, a movie would be nothing more than a script on paper.

Cinematics are essential because they create a cinematic experience that immerses the viewer in the story. The visuals help transport the audience to the world of the movie, making them feel like they are part of the action. This is why many people choose to watch movies in the cinema rather than at home; the cinematic experience is unmatched.

The Impact of Cinematics on the Movie-Going Experience

The impact of cinematics on the movie-going experience cannot be overstated. The visuals are what create the mood and tone of the movie, and they help the audience connect with the characters and the story. When done correctly, cinematics can evoke powerful emotions and leave a lasting impression on the viewer.

For example, a well-shot action scene with carefully crafted camera angles and lighting, like Jung_E, can leave the viewer on the edge of their seat, feeling the tension and excitement of the moment. Similarly, a beautiful, sweeping landscape shot can evoke feelings of awe and wonder, transporting the viewer to a different world.

Cinematics also play a significant role in the success of a movie. A visually stunning movie is more likely to be successful than one with poor visuals. People are drawn to beautiful visuals, and a visually appealing movie is more likely to generate positive word of mouth and attract a larger audience.

The Role of Cinematics in Different Genres

The role of cinematics can vary depending on the genre of the movie. In action movies, cinematics are often used to create thrilling, high-energy scenes that keep the audience engaged. In horror movies, cinematics can be used to build tension and create a sense of dread. In romantic movies, cinematics can be used to create a romantic atmosphere and enhance the emotional connection between the characters.

In conclusion, cinematics play a vital role in the success of a movie. It is the visual language that creates a cinematic experience, immersing the viewer in the story and evoking emotions. Cinematics are what separates a good movie from a great one, and they are essential to the filmmaking process. Whether you’re a filmmaker, a movie buff, or someone who appreciates the art of storytelling, cinematics are something that cannot be overlooked.

Magic Medias expertize in cinematic production has made them stand out in the film industry. By carefully considering every aspect of the cinematic process, from the script to the final cut, Magic Media has consistently produced outstanding work that exceeds their clients’ expectations.If you’re looking for a team of professionals to bring your vision to life, Magic Media is the best choice. With their exceptional creativity, technical skills, and dedication to their craft, they are the ideal partner for any project.

At Magic Media, we are veterans of the film, tv, gaming and entertainment industries with a passion for the creation of ground-breaking visual effects and digital content. We have deep experience with in-game cinematics along with photorealistic and live action cinematics. Our main goal is to provide clients with the highest quality VFX & cinematic services to help your project reach its full potential. Magic Media provides a one-stop solution for any project. Get in contact today and let’s create magic!

As VFX becomes more commonplace, there is always the question of what that life is really like. With Marvel movies having more VFX than live action, what is the job like of a Lead FX Supervisor?

Luckily, we are here to answer that question! With our own Lead FX Supervisor, Taras Burlin, we can get an insight into the world of VFX and what it is like supervising a team of VFX professionals. Taras lends his talent to Magic Media VFX services from our stellar partners over at Magic Room, our dedicated VFX experts.

What is an FX Supervisor?

An FX Supervisor is in place to help plan out VFX and FX work as well as oversee the project. They are there to work with the senior producers and director to ensure the team has the guidance they need to create the magic. As the Lead FX Supervisor, Taras works with the CG and other VFX Supervisors to realise the director’s vision for the ongoing project.

It’s Taras’ responsibility to take that vision and make sure it is communicated properly to the experts on the ground creating the shots. For Taras and Magic Media, the majority of this work is on films and cinematics. While we dabble in video production and advertisements, we leave that to the experts at Igloo Creative House and Igloo Gaming.

A typical day for an FX Supervisor

A typical day for a VFX and FX Supervisor involves communicating with the senior members of the project to double check on the work and how happy they are with the current progress. This involves planning FX assets on the script stage and finding and approving references with the director for each one. An FX Supervisor would also be supervising the FX team itself in the technical and artistic aspects of FX asset production.

And importantly, an FX Supervisor is always ensuring connections between his FX departments and the compositing teams. His lines of communication don’t stop there. Taras, like any good FX Supervisor, is keeping in constant contact with the Director, VFX Producer, FX Line Producer, VFX Supervisor, and CG Supervisor on each project.

Finally, as an FX Supervisor and a Lead, it’s his job to create solutions for any problems.

The tools of an FX Supervisor

For the FX work in his day to day, Taras uses a number of programs. These include Houdini, Nuke, Sublime, and Solaris.

For the management and organisation side of projects, they like to use Shotgrid. Taras says that while it’s an older solution, it’s dependable and very reliable for VFX projects. As the Magic Room and Magic Media teams are spread across the world, Shotgrid helps to keep all the updates and communication in one place. Meaning any and all project updates are clear and communicated directly to those who need them. 

Life as an FX Supervisor

For Taras, it’s an ongoing and evolving life and career. Originally, he worked as an FX Lead and FX Supervisor. So, in a way, he worked and supervised himself for many projects. He likes to say that this was a very fun and challenging experience ensuring he didn’t get complacent.

As Magic Room grew and brought in more FX Supervisors, he now enjoys the collaboration with his fellow FX Supervisors. The driving force to good FX work, he believes, is interesting or challenging projects. Which gives artists, leads, and supervisors the drive and desire to give their all.

And for him personally, the best thing about the work is delivering great results. That what his team delivered was the best it could be.

Currently, the Magic Room team are transitioning to the USD method of VFX creation. USD, or Universal Scene Description, is a universal framework which allows teams to utilise multiple tools, like Maya, Houdini, and Blender in a single scene. Taras sees that it gives teams more potential for higher quality work and creates more possibilities for multi-user work. 

We hope this piece helped show the job and responsibilities of a FX Supervisor. As such a rapidly growing and integral piece of the gaming and entertainment industries, our hope is that more people are inspired to enter the VFX industry and help create magic with us. You can see some of our cinematic work here. And if you’d like to get in touch, click here!

For any Film or TV project that requires extensive VFX work, ensuring quality standards and visual continuity is vital. Although VFX is commonly thought of as a post-production task, its planning and coordination with other departments in the pipeline is crucial for producing high-quality visuals. For VFX, this specialized oversight is known as On-Set Production. For our team over at Magic Room, if a video project requires cutting-edge CG and cinematics, their specialists are an integral part of carrying out these On-Set Production protocols.

In any given shoot, the production is generally divided into three stages: the ‘pre-production’ stage; ‘production’; and the ‘post-production’ stage. On-Set Production for VFX is required across each of these stages, beginning with adequate ‘pre-visualisation’ or ‘pre-viz’: this consists of mapping scenes out, and determining their look through techniques such as storyboarding and animatics. Various departments, including the art and costume departments, are consulted in this process, as well as in constructing a script analysis. This locks in the quantity and style of shots which require VFX. The Producer is always a good link between all the departments: they organize and coordinate all of the work on the project on every stage.

Moving onto principal photography, or ‘production,’ the main goals of VFX Supervision on set is to oversee that all necessary VFX shots are composed as discussed. This is key in managing the budget, schedule, and expectations of the VFX shots’ technical requirements. The shooting crew, actors, and film equipment arrive on set according to the time specified in the shooting schedule. If pre-production has been carried out properly, then all the details will have been approved in advance (costumes, set design, props etc.), and each department can move ahead with their tasks while in the loop with the On-Set Producer’s specifications.

Each shot is filmed at the specified time according to the shooting schedule. The filming process on set is mainly controlled by the First Assistant Director, responsible for keeping the shooting schedule on track. A shoot is considered successful if all the footage is filmed as planned, and the schedule doesn’t run into overtime. For On-Set Supervision and Production, the team works closely with the Director of Photography, discussing the composition of specific shots. In addition, they’ll assess and correct light levels, clean unnecessary elements from the frame, and collect photogrammetry data on set, which the post-production team may need later.

Executing On-Set Production protocols is a necessary condition for achieving a successful result in the final edit in post-production. Because of the high volume of creative talent involved in the creation of video content, On-Set Production protocols help to structure this complex process, and to make communication faster and more efficient. Everything about On-Set production is geared towards sending off the best possible footage to the post-production team, so that they can tell the project’s story with only the highest-quality visuals.

With the right expertize, On-Set Production for VFX elevates your video product to the highest standard. If you’d like to learn more about VFX, and what it can do for your project, get in touch! Let’s see how we can collaborate on ensuring that you get the most out of your post-production needs. We’re ready and waiting to help bring the magic to your project.