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Solent CG Magic

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See some of the magic from the CGI and VFX students at Southampton Solent University

See some of the magic from the CGI and VFX courses at Southampton Solent University

04/09/2024

Film-Throwback!

This is a wonderful picture that you may have seen before, Steven Spielberg during the pre-visualisation work for West Side story. Starring Ansel Elgort, Rachel Zegler, and Ariana DeBose this reimagining of the classic involved detailed organisation within the space and visual coordination. We all know what they say about planning! Are you set and ready for university? On a serious note, we can't wait to welcome you all back to Solent and absolutely ace the upcoming year! :) Missing you all! :)

03/09/2024

The VP stage also has the option to show tracking markers on the stage that can be dropped in on a seperate frequency so they aren't captured during the actual shoot itself. This is a great way to maximise the takes that you get for post work and compositing/ VFX.

02/09/2024

Another from the shoot. If anyone is keen on learning and developing lighting skills, the VP stage is a great place to practise .... Most shoots that we have booked in often involved collaborations with either students, staff or external companies that use these skills on a daily basis.

30/08/2024

Speaking on Dancing with Death (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31827928/), here's an eerie photo from the recent VP shoot. More coming.

That's not a person (it was in the actual shoot), it's just a really freaky mannequin .. we say freaky, well - it didn't move much anyway ...

29/08/2024

Fantastic to have our students working with talented local directors and editors. For those students currently working on the Dancing with Death short, Evan Preston of Presto Films is directing the short.

For anyone with a spare few minutes, help the cause and feel free to put in a quick nomination for Evan :) https://www.creativeindustryawards.co.uk/vote

Thanks all!

28/08/2024

Quick throw back to our Industry Week from the last year. This talented bunch are getting an absolute masterclass from SideFX software that have kindly dropped in virtually to deliver an awesome workshop for our students on RBD sims and some of the newest features in Houdini.

27/08/2024

Ah, okay this is the second picture (haha). Also included a third so you can see what the point data looks like in the Faro Scene software, it's pretty interesting stuff! :)

26/08/2024

Another part to the Purbrook project is the mapping of the site itself. With thanks to some excellent students (Thanks Ciaran and Ruben) for helping out with initial scans and some world class renders (Ruben), these maps are online and measurable for clients and anyone that needs Cm accurate data on a site using our Faro Focus 3D (pictured in the second image).

23/08/2024

A small break through on the research machine in May as we finally are able to measure the environmental impact of weathering on the Eastern Wall Collapse at Fort Purbrook.

The heat map shown in the image is showing the surface level displacement from 2023-2024 for the same area by mapping the difference using two LiDAR scans :)

We're due to present this back at Fort Purbrook, Portsmouth, in early October as part of the upcoming Victorian Fort Network presentation evening hosted by the fort itself. Although this is an early test (and not refined as we are working out levels of accuracy) - areas in Red are over 10cm displaced from previous scans taken at the same location.

22/08/2024

The Photogrammetry rig is continuing to make leaps and strides thanks to the excellent work of Christopher Lee and team.

For any Digital double work, potentially Digital Character as a base mesh, and research that you are interested in doing, get in touch :)

21/08/2024

For any of you planning work on the Virtual Production stage, we highly recommend that you complete the ICVFX training on Unreal's learning platform:

https://dev.epicgames.com/documentation/en-us/unreal-engine/in-camera-vfx-production-test?application_version=4.27

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZlv_N0_O1gaXvxPtn8_THYN_Awx-VYeu

You can download the test Level and get started developing those skills!

20/08/2024

Reminder that we have a series of live briefs available for any students looking to get stuck in to a summer project ahead of coming back to University. Many of which are paid or with IMDB credits to start your career in the Visual Effects industry.

Also a big well done to the several of you still working on these throughout the summer months, both current students and alumni - this will really help you establish yourself in the future. Reminder that even as Alumni, you can enter your shots and reel work into the Rookies up to one year after graduating (this is actually what most of the big uni's do), so please consider e.g - Apocalypse Box next year for a 2024/2025 entry to help get some awards, you've done incredible work!

Check out the page over at - https://solentcgmagic.myportfolio.com/live-briefs

The password has been e-mailed to your e-mail account.

19/08/2024

An incredibly talented individual and one of our first final year students to specialise in virtual fashion, Introducing Kate Gunchenko, who has crafted a stunning piece as part of her Final Major Project. Kate combines artistic creativity with her own moody style to create an engaging, often psychedelic journey inspired by BALENCIAGA's fashion and Yori's environments. Her project explores virtual fashion and contemporary digital techniques, delving into the liminal space aesthetic to evoke emotion and unease while pushing the visual boundaries of fashion. As the first student to specialize in digital fashion in her Bachelor of Arts degree, Kate has showcased incredible innovation and skill. Her work is a captivating personal journey into the unknown. Well done Kate :)

Portfolio & Socials:
https://solentcgmagic.myportfolio.com/katerynagunchenko

16/08/2024

One of our super budding CG superstars, Jimani Elamin has been developing skills in Motion Graphics across the recent months. With a keen eye for detail, Jimani has been developing her core artistic skills while exploring digital as an expressive medium. Contact her on the details below:

check out her course page here: https://solentcgmagic.myportfolio.com/jimani-elamin

15/08/2024

One our superstar Arch Viz students, James Bendall has produced this stunning piece of work as part of his FMP. James is an incredible mix of both technical and artistic talent and has created some stunning work with us during his short time at Solent. Taking this concept of a modern contemporary apartment, James has built on his already versatile skillset to produce these wonderful images.

Portfolio & Socials :
https://solentcgmagic.myportfolio.com/james-bendall

14/08/2024

With a beautiful yet dark and sinister character inspired by the world of Castlevania, Vicky Blake has continued to excel and produce stunning artwork throughout her time with us. She has built on a solid understanding of lighting, tone and composition to develop her 2d Artistic skillset, when she has been applying to her already strong 3d portfolio of work.

Multi-talented, check out her stunning 2D and 3D portfolio over on her course page at: https://solentcgmagic.myportfolio.com/victoria-blake

and of course, being Multi-Talented, Vicky also is rocking at IMDB credit over at:

IMDB Link : https://m.imdb.com/name/nm16246014/?ref_=m_ttfcd_cr

13/08/2024

... next up we have Jack Green! Jack has spent the last year developing his skills to become an 3d Modeller and Texture artists in the Games Industry.

Jack has been developing a range of skills across his time with us and has been exploring a range of skillset's across multiple industries. He has decided to focus his final year on hard surface modelling with this abandoned sci-fi warehouse scene where he has developed his hard surface skills. He also holds an IMDB credit for his excellent VFX work on a taser shot.

Portfolio & Socials : https://solentcgmagic.myportfolio.com/jackgreen

IMDB Link : https://www.imdb.com/name/nm16246021/

12/08/2024

Introducing Kai Bourne, one of our absolute After Effects Whizzkids! Kai has been heavily into VFX since starting with us, but also brings a wealth of film and on set experience with him. A keen compositor, Kai has worked and coordiated a number of film shoots alongside his professional studies where he has been focusing on the use of Nuke's VFX software to develop his skills further - check out his ace reel over on his course page:

Course Page: https://solentcgmagic.myportfolio.com/kaibourne

09/08/2024

Tia is another of our incredible 2d artists that has done some exceptional work across her short time with us. Confident and an excellent team leader along with a wonderful eye for the small artistic details, she has continued to blow everyone away with her wonderful illustration, concept and character work. For more of her designs, pop over to her course page over at:

https://solentcgmagic.myportfolio.com/tiaensby

Well done Tia, wonderful work!

08/08/2024

Another amazing VFX'er - Rhianna Griffin has absolutely been exceptional in her short time with us. Dedication and hard work are commonplace as Rhianna has developed her sImulation portfolio in Houdini, exploring how simulations work and slowly layering to build more complex visuals using various bases alongside her core compositing work on the recent Jim Eaves film. Since graduating Rhianna is working on other live brief projects to add to her portfolio where she is liaising with clients and continues to produce exceptional work alongside continuing to develop her Houdini skillset.

Check out the details and some short clips over on her page:
https://solentcgmagic.myportfolio.com/rhiannagriffin

IMDB : https://www.imdb.com/name/nm16246018/

07/08/2024

An incredible Character Artist, Will Howard has produced some exceptional work the last few years as he has quickly evolved his sculpting skillset. Will has work tirelessly in exploring the various techniques used to craft lifelike sculpts, and how groom affects the design.

Hi work has specialised further and further through the last few years as he has refined these skills, he is also incredibly adept with Substance Painter as well and has been exploring XYZ Texture packs. His FMP, a sculpt of actor, Andrew Lincoln, has allowed a deeper exploration of Xgen for Maya as well.

Check out his page : https://solentcgmagic.myportfolio.com/williamhoward

06/08/2024

One of our exceptional VFX'ers this year.
Robin Wahl has produced some absolutely stunning
work in his time with us at Solent. As student Rep for
year 1 and more recently receiving an IMDB credit for
his work on the Apocalypse Box, Robin is always
looking to improve and work with others. His work for
Set Capture and VFX Simulation saw Robin and a team
of two others produce some fantastic work with
Prosphetic students, Film students and other
partnerships. His FMP has allowed him to deep dive in
VFX areas that he has been keen to explore. Check
out the details and some reel shots over at:

https://solentcgmagic.myportfolio.com/robinwahl

IMDB : https://www.imdb.com/name/nm16246016/

05/08/2024

Well, it's official. There's a really shiny new and rather fast computer up in the office! officially this is for Research related to some of the various projects in Heritage that we've been involved with, however if you would like to use this for your own research, please let a member of the team know.

Thanks!

02/08/2024

One of our super talented 2d Artists, Melissa Wronka, has created this as part of the Valentines Day Game jam in association with Annie Durwood, a local Game developer focused on turning Southampton into the next of the UKs Games Hubs.

A regular on the Southampton Games Network and incredibly talented, you can check out the rest of this project over on her course page at:

https://solentcgmagic.myportfolio.com/melissawronk

Well done Melissa :)

01/08/2024

... next up we have Joseph Harrison! Joe has spent the last year developing his skills to become an environment artist. His FMP has ultimately looked to create a diorama of an floating citadel - pretty beautiful stuff!

Having focused on broadening his skill set across the year, Joe is now looking to form a startup Games Studio with a few other incredibly talented individuals from the course. As soon as we get confimation of a few other details (like the name), we'll happily share it here, for now, please visit the link below to check out some of Joe's FMP work.

Portfolio & Socials : https://solentcgmagic.myportfolio.com/josephharrison

IMDB Link : https://www.imdb.com/name/nm16246019/

31/07/2024

Meet Ciaran Locke, Junior Compositor. Ciaran has done a huge amount of client work with us at Solent, working on Heritage Projects within the department, taking the lead on the Jim Eaves, 'Apocalypse Box' film alongside working on client briefs via Solent Creatives.

Ciaran has produced some stunning work this year and you can read more about it over on his course page at https://solentcgmagic.myportfolio.com/ciaranlocke

Check out his final piece over at : https://youtu.be/gWFzHhh6N9Q. Why not drop him a line and say hi! :)

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm16246022/

29/07/2024

26/07/2024

One our superstar Arch Viz students, James Bendall has produced this stunning piece of work as part of his FMP. James ...

25/07/2024

24/07/2024

Address

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SO140YN

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Website

https://solentcgmagic.wordpress.com/contact/

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Videos

and another post showing the VP stage in use with some of our students. The image above is a pipeline test from the photogrammetry rig and then into Unreal. The visiting group did some great stuff! @solentuniversity #CGIVFX #Inspiring #Solent #SolentCGMagic #Southampton #CGI #VisualEffects @solentuni #Awesome #CGIandVFX #CGI #VFX #Southampton #solentuniversity #SolentVirtualStage #VirtualProductionSolent #SolentUniStage #DigitalArtsSolent #InnovationAtSolent

Early water simulation tests in Houdini by Year 3 student, Rhianna Griffin! :) Uploaded to rushes for feedback recently and absolutely loving the water displacement from the tail! Great work! #fishytails #PortfolioPiece #simulation #Houdini #Pipeline #SkillImprovement #InspiringTalent #Solent #SolentCGMagic #Southampton #CGI #VisualEffects @solentuni #Awesome #CGIandVFX

We're excited to share this work from the Compositing module from our ace aspiring Compositor, Joshua Brown! Taking initial inspiration from Pacific Rim, @joshuabrown6372 has created a visually captivating scene that showcases his skills and talent. Check his profile for a swipe of the original shot. This Comp is a perfect example of the type of work that students produce in their Compositing module! can't wait to see what he creates next! :) Good work! #vfx #pacificrim #cgi #solentvfx #southamptonvfx #solentcgi #southamptoncgi #solentcreatives #southamptoncreatives

This is some ace WIP footage for the Compositing Module by a Rafal Sommerfeld in Southampton. The right one is the original footage, with the Comp. footage on the Left. This was uploaded to Rushes for feedback and we love it! Keep it up Rafal! :) #cgi #vfx #awesome #solent #compositing #vfx #cgi #southampton #feedback

We are excited to reveal a new visual effects asset of Ditto, the shapeshifting Pokémon! This look dev asset setup showcases Ditto's ability to transform into any other Pokémon. We love the way the light reflects off of Ditto's smooth, jelly-like body (got to have some Ditto Love right here) ;) thinking the same thing? Ditto (Okay, I'll stop now). great work from Ciaran Locke! #Character #LookDev #digital #zbrush #pixologic #solent #southampton #CGI #VFX #Games #Film

And another stunning WIP from Rushes, this one from Robert Coleman of year 2. Some wonderful early stage Comp work. Rob has been placing this downloaded CG asset in a camera tracked shot, after rigging and skinning it. Credits to follow. Love this!!! #CGI #VFX #Matchmove #visualeffects #compositing #solent #southampton

More stunning work from one of our aspiring Digital Fashion students, Kateryna Gunchenko as part of the Welcome Back Rushes. This is where students explore some of the areas they choose to focus on across the final year of the course. We love the abstract and surrealist nature of this piece, exploring fashion as a vehicle for art. Great work Kate :) #solent #digitalfashion @solentuniversity #southampton #cgi #vfx #awesome #welcomeback #year3project

Merry Christmas

CGFX Festival 2019 Coming Soon...! Find out about the CGI and VFX industries from top industry professionals. Watch this video from last year's event.