4-day event kicks off in Stuttgart on April 23, 2024; new program confirmations include ‘The Power of Collaboration’ a discussion of Global Inclusion, Community, and Connection and Feature VFX: A look behind the scenes of ‘The Creator;’ tickets are now on sale
The countdown continues for FMX 2024, and as is customary we have the latest program updates for the 4-day hybrid event, which returns to Stuttgart April 23-26, available on demand April 27-May 31.
Here are the latest updates:
IMMERSIVE WEB & SPATIAL COMPUTING: Developing Open Standards for the Metaverse
Marc Petit of the Metaverse Standards Forum curates.
This track explores the integration of open standards in the 3D internet. Discussions feature Europe’s user-centric metaverse approach, AI in storytelling and gaming, and web browsers’ role in 3D. Speakers include Neal Stephenson, Patrick Cozzi (Cesium), Anne Bajart (European Commission), and experts from Google, ThatOpenCompany, W3C, and the Academy Software Foundation.
VFX FOR FEATURES: A look behind the scenes of ‘THE CREATOR’
ILM's Charmaine Chan (VFX supervisor) and Amanda Johnstone-Batt (CG supervisor) break down the pre-production, shooting, and post VFX for Gareth Edward's The Creator. From early concepts and designs to virtual production and the unique way Edwards approached shooting and finalized visuals, the team will showcase the process and how VFX became an integral partner in every step.
THE POWER OF COLLABORATION: Global Inclusion, Community, and Connection
Julie Ann Crommett (Collective Moxie, WIA) and Jinko Gotoh (Producer, WIA) curate.
To connect ideas globally, we must build an industry where we all belong. This track builds on last year’s inclusion and sustainability theme asking each of us to commit to connection and community. How do we recognize our shared humanity while celebrating our uniqueness? The sessions will explore different aspects of storytelling and ask us what we can do to drive greater empathy and connection, understanding that it’s necessary for our shared success. Attendees will leave this track with new ideas and tangible actions to immediately impact their organizations, communities, technology, and creative work.
Izumi Yoshida talks about the making of her award-winning short film The Bridge which deals with social complexities and healing after a war. Coincidentally, her team was all female.
LGBTQ+ representation in VFX and Animation
Panel hosted by Julie Ann Crommett with Bret Parker (director, Pete), Charmaine Chan (The Creator, ILM), Nosipho Maketo-van den Bragt (Chocolate Tribe) and Michaela Olsen (Mighty Oak).
The discussion will explore how LGBTQ+ identities intersect in their life, creative work, geographies, and companies. Audience members can take away a better understanding of the opportunities for LGBTQ+ people and stories within our industry.
Representation and Inclusion in Stop-Motion
Studio leaders Michaela Olsen (Mighty Oak) and Noriko Matsumoto (Dwarf Studios) will lead an in-depth conversation about representation and inclusion in stop-motion. They will share how they built their companies and talk about tangible actions of how to drive inclusion within stop-motion and where there are global opportunities to learn from each other.
EXPANDING REALITIES: EU XR track - Located in the foyer of Bertha-Benz-Saal throughout the entire opening day.
A unique line-up of XR Innovation Actions presented on the opening day will showcase insightful presentations, followed by a panel discussion bringing together five projects funded by the European Commission - PANEURAMA, MAX-R, EMIL, XRECO and TRANSMIXR.
Discussion will provide insights into the collaborative efforts shaping the future of XR and the transformative potential these projects hold across diverse technologies and industries. Experience the projects firsthand with live demos.
Forum News: School Campus (fully booked)
Here are our latest confirmations:
- Marketplace: 3D Connexion, Optitrack, ThePack, Xencelabs, and Rigsters.
- Workshops: Pixar's RenderMan, Prism, and Select VFX Studio.
- Recruiting Hub: Dassault Systèmes 3DExcite, Ghost VFX, Ingenuity Studios, and Skydance.
- School Campus: Arts University Bournemouth, Luleå University of Technology, Mediadesign Hochschule für Design und Informatik - University of Applied Sciences, Merz Akademie - University of Applied Art, Design and Media, and Vancouver Animation School.
At the School Campus:
- ACCESS:VFX, a global non-profit organization focused on driving inclusion and diversity in the VFX, animation and gaming industries.
- Breakpoint Books: bookstore
Tickets are on sale here.
Source: FMX 2024
Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.
