Rookies Weekly Update

Welcome back to The Rookies weekly update with Conor Woodard, and we have an exciting lineup of news and developments in the world of animation and 3D design to catch up on. From groundbreaking animated films to innovative technologies and job opportunities, there's something for everyone in this week's edition.

Buckle up, because we've got a lot to cover. Let's dive right in!

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse - A New Animation Gem: Without a doubt, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is a game-changer in the world of animation. The captivating story and stunning visuals make it a must-see film. In its opening weekend, it sold four times as many tickets as the original, becoming the second biggest box office opening after the Super Mario Bros movie. Surprisingly, both of this year's top movies are animated films. Don't miss out on this masterpiece!

For those curious about the intricate design behind the mind-blowing sequences, Seng Khantrum has posted an amazing breakdown.

Mortal Kombat Returns to Its Roots: The new Mortal Kombat gameplay trailer is out, and it promises to stay true to its roots. Expect fast-paced action, intense fighting mechanics, breathtaking environments, and of course, the signature gruesome fatalities. Get ready for an adrenaline-filled experience!

Real-Life Objects Meet Unreal Engine: Exciting news for 3D enthusiasts! The Reality Scan app for Unreal Engine has been released. Now, you can use your phone to create photogrammetry scans of real-life objects. With quality markers adorned with green dots, you'll know just how good your scan is. Once you're finished, it conveniently uploads your creation directly into a private Sketchfab file. This might give Substance Sampler a run for its money!

Apple Vision Pro Unveiled: Apple recently announced the Apple Vision Pro, a truly remarkable innovation. Though some have raised concerns about its $3,500 price tag, it's important to remember that Apple is known for its brand excellence. While Meta's new headset may be 30% cheaper, Apple competes based on trust and affordability. Regardless, it's fascinating to witness the growing power and accessibility of such technology.

AI-Generated Images Meet Practical Workflows: James Robbins has presented one of the first practical workflows involving AI-generated images converted into models. Using Mid Journey to create an image, followed by Zoedepth to generate a depth map, and then Blender to transform it into a 3D model, James demonstrates the possibilities. To complete the process, Gravity Sketch in VR is utilized to craft new topology. Find a comprehensive tutorial on each step on James' YouTube channel.

Exciting Job Openings: The Visual Effects Society has shared an incredible list of job boards and openings, including opportunities at Digital Domain. They are currently seeking mid to senior animators and various other positions. Don't miss the chance to explore these opportunities.

Featured Artists:
• Every Rookie artists that submitted to the 2023 Rookie Awards!
• Sergey Prikhodko for an amazing hand painted chisel
• Tenacious D for their music video rendered completely in Unreal Engine
• The 10,000 Claynosaurz animations for the Claynosaurz ecosystem.

See Conor's full Weekly Update here.