Jill Smolin has seen things you people wouldn’t believe. Early computer graphics techniques on Amiga computers. CG breakthroughs at Digital Domain. Mind-blowing stereoscopy techniques in filmmaking and the advent of ultra-high-definition streamed content. All these memories will be discussed in this podcast.
Jill also talks about her background in theater and how a Canadian CG character drew her into the world of VFX, where she worked and taught Gnomon, Cinesite, Digital Domain. Jill also became important behind-the-scenes as a volunteer at SIGGRAPH, bringing in top Hollywood talent to discuss how they advanced VFX.
It’s a touching podcast in which Jill demonstrates an in-depth technical knowledge coupled with a genuine fondness for the many people with whom she’s worked.
Links:
3:37 From theatre to VFX: Meet Jill
9:00 Starting at Digital Domain
12:40 What courses can’t teach you
19:47 Working at Gnomon
21:34 Joining Cinesite
27:55 Learning Nuke
32:30 Jill’s stereoscopic vision
39:37 Women in the industry
47:01 The future of VFX
52:22 Seeing “The Hobbit” in every frame rate
55:08 From B&W to 4K HDR