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Autodesk once again supported the Visual Effects Society (VES) by sponsoring the Student Award for the 14th consecutive year. This award aims to recognize emerging talent in the visual effects industry.
This year's nominees continued to push creative boundaries, presenting projects that ranged from dystopian landscapes to magical dreamscapes, all while addressing serious issues like climate change. Each student team demonstrated impressive adaptability in their work, showcasing not just technical skill but also resilience in adapting to remote or hybrid workflows amidst the ongoing pandemic.
Although there could only be one winner, every nominee deserves recognition for their efforts in creating immersive worlds and compelling narratives through their digital artistry.
My colleague Eric Bourque, our VP of Engineering, had the honor of presenting this year’s VES Student Award to Camille Poiriez, Arielle Cohen, Eloïse Thibaut, Louis Florean, and Theo Fratissier from ARTFX Montpellier. Their project, titled "Green," stood out among the rest.
"Green" is a photorealistic animated short that tells the story of an orangutan navigating through the changing landscape of her Indonesian jungle home. Through this film, the filmmakers aimed to highlight the fragility of nature and the urgent need to address climate change. The short beautifully captures the transition of the orangutan’s habitat from lush greenery to devastation, drawing viewers into the heart of the ecological crisis.
The film’s success lies not just in its stunning visuals but also in its ability to connect emotionally with its audience. A particular standout moment is when the orangutan, portrayed with incredible realism, looks directly at the camera—a powerful reminder of the consequences of human actions on wildlife.
I recently reached out to Camille to get insights into how they brought "Green" to life. Here’s what she shared:
**Inspiration Behind the Film:**
The idea for "Green" came from a documentary featuring an orangutan named Green. Moved by the original documentary, the team decided to create an animated version that would delve deeper into the broader issue of biodiversity loss caused by deforestation and climate change. They wanted the film to feel like a documentary, using photorealistic visuals to immerse viewers in the narrative and provoke thought about these pressing environmental concerns.
**Character Design and Animation Process:**
Eloïse Thibaut, the character artist, meticulously studied orangutan references to ensure Green looked as authentic as possible. She paid close attention to every detail, from fur texture to facial expressions, aiming for a lifelike representation. While motion capture was initially considered, practical challenges led them to animate by hand instead. Theo Fratissier drew inspiration from videos and photos of orangutans to capture subtle nuances in Green’s movements and expressions.
**Creating the Environments:**
The film’s setting played a crucial role in conveying its message. The first half of the movie features a vibrant, lush forest filled with sunlight and color, designed to evoke optimism and wonder. Real footage of plants was blended with 3D models to enhance authenticity. In contrast, the latter part shifts dramatically to a darker, grimmer atmosphere, using grayscale tones and fire imagery to underscore the destructive forces at play. This stark contrast amplifies the emotional impact of Green’s plight.
**Tools Used in Production:**
Maya was instrumental in handling rigging, animation, and layout tasks, while Arnold proved indispensable for rendering due to its capability in managing complex textures and high-resolution fur details.
**Challenges Faced:**
One of the main hurdles was ensuring the film resonated deeply with audiences, prompting reflection on climate change. Achieving photorealism was key; referencing real-world environments, lighting conditions, and characters helped immensely. The climactic scene where Green stares directly at the camera served as a poignant conclusion, encapsulating the urgency of the issue.
For those interested in learning more about "Green," I encourage checking out additional resources available online. It’s inspiring to see young creators leveraging technology to shine a light on critical global issues.
*Note: The images accompanying this article provide glimpses into the meticulous craftsmanship behind "Green," showcasing both the character and the environments in vivid detail.*