In this episode, we are joined by Tim and Alex Porter from Mod Tech Labs. They discuss their transition to founding a company that specializes in content optimization. They explore the challenges of creating efficient tools for artists, the role of AI in their work, and their vision for the future of technical optimization. The Porters also dig into the use of AI models and their excitement for an upcoming collaboration with CG Pro to develop AI tools for Unreal Engine.

Time Stamps:

00:01:07 Tim and Alex discuss their diverse backgrounds in the entertainment industry and their transition to founding Mod Tech Labs.

00:01:55 Alex shares her background in interior design and construction management and her transition to working in VR and AR.

00:04:14 Tim discusses his early influences, including his parents' professions and his educational path, leading to his career in the entertainment industry.

00:12:26 Challenges of working in studios and the motivation behind starting their own company, Underminer, and later Mod Tech Labs.

00:15:22 The idea for Mod Tech Labs stemmed from solving their own content pipeline and automation challenges, which they realized could benefit others.

00:20:03 Challenges in optimizing content for VR and XR, and the interest of various studios in content optimization.

00:20:53 The interest of large and small studios in content optimization, and the potential for customizing solutions.

00:22:53 The development of tools for simplifying processes and enabling content optimization, emphasizing the need for tools that work for individual content creators.

00:24:35 The application of optimization in VR, film, and virtual production, and the focus on making content look better and play back well on different screens.

00:26:25 The goal of enabling artists to focus on their art and the importance of maintaining quality through perceptual optimization.

00:27:38 Detailing their project and the challenges faced in optimizing content for different stages and led wall resolutions.

00:33:32 The vision of a future with reduced manual optimization, the role of AI in content optimization, and the potential for tools to replace manual optimization.

00:36:29 The two suggest that technical artists adapt their skills to tool development and shading, acknowledging the continued need for optimization skills in some scenarios.

00:38:27 The importance of client fit and the discovery process in understanding the client's mindset and interest in innovative solutions.

00:39:09 The company's infrastructure and the importance of client engagement in exploring unconventional projects.

00:41:24 The company's data storage capacity and the need for custom solutions for clients. 00:41:32 The size and specialized training data requirements for AI, and the challenges of finding quality assets.

00:43:04 They give an analogy of AI as a room full of people taking a test, and the use of GANs for generating secondary maps.

00:44:41 Using AI models and automated systems for content optimization and analysis.

00:48:35 The role of AI in enabling artists and reducing repetitive tasks, with a focus on artist control.

00:51:12 The evolving role of previs and collaboration with AI tools for better communication and visualization.

00:54:22 Invitation for collaboration and discussion of upcoming projects, including AI tools for optimizing scenes in Unreal for Fortnite.

Connecting with the Guests:

Website: https://modtechlabs.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alextporter

https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothymporter/

Connecting with CG Pro:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/becomecgpro

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becomecgpro/

Website: https://www.becomecgpro.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BecomeCGPro

In this episode, Tom Thudyanplackal talks about his fascinating journey in the film industry, including his early influences that sparked his passion for cinema and his significant work on acclaimed films. The discussion sheds light on the unique challenges he faced while navigating the film landscape and his distinctive approach to storytelling that blends traditional narratives with innovative techniques. Tom opens up about his decision-making process and the intricacies of virtual production and shares valuable insights on the importance of creative partnerships in the industry.

Time Stamps:

00:01:12 Tom dives into how movies sparked his imagination as a kid, leading him to dream up entire worlds.

00:02:15 Tom opens up about how his dad's love for storytelling and myths fueled his own filmmaking fire.

00:04:45 Tom gets real about the tough parts of funding films in India and why he chose to cut his teeth in advertising before hitting film school.

00:13:38 Hear about Tom's adventure in landing a U.S. visa and his first taste of America, which set him on a path to film school in Prague.

00:15:34 Tom shares his journey from the ad world to the film set, working with top-notch directors in India and getting a taste of the Oscar buzz.

00:17:32 Tom reflects on why it's crucial to keep your values in check and draw the line when it comes to work relationships.

00:19:23 Tom sheds light on the tricky task of juggling people and expectations when you're trying to produce something great.

00:21:30 Tom can't help but geek out over the game-changing potential of virtual production to solve on-set headaches.

00:21:43 Tom gets candid about the ups and downs of bringing his labor of love to life and why a controlled set is key.

00:22:48 Tom chats about his plunge into virtual production, the challenges of filming with kids, and how Claudio Miranda's work is a big deal.

00:23:45 Tom is on a mission to champion virtual production in India, teaming up with industry pros to make it happen.

00:25:53 Tom talks about how he got roped into an exciting fellowship and the connections that made it possible.

00:27:26 Tom shares the nitty-gritty of learning virtual production on the fly and the obstacles along the way.

00:30:46 Tom spills the beans on his involvement with "Fathead," the challenges faced, and the journey of storytelling.

00:36:21 Tom breaks down the storytelling and character crafting in "Fathead" versus "Europa."

00:43:35 Tom highlights how crucial early decisions are in virtual production and the role of stage teams and tech.

00:44:20 Tom talks about the perks of partnering with Pixel Mondo and the importance of teamwork from the get-go.

00:45:22 Tom recounts reaching out to the CG Pro Crew and why bringing them in early was a game-changer.

00:46:41 Tom stresses the importance of having a team with varied backgrounds and the rich technical discussions that follow.

00:50:00 Tom offers some golden advice for film rookies: learn broadly, get game logic, and stay curious.

00:54:44 Tom ponders the future of AI in storytelling, underscoring the need for human emotion and connection.

01:03:37 The conversation turns to how immersive storytelling can be, with ideas and human connections at its core.

01:04:52 Tom encourages folks to dive into the virtual production community, highlighting the importance of the right mindset and solving problems together.

Connecting with the Guest:

Website: https://thestorytellersdesk.us/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thestorytellersdesk/

Connecting with CG Pro:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/becomecgpro

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becomecgpro/

Website: https://www.becomecgpro.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BecomeCGPro