21 January 2025
VES News
By NAOMI GOLDMAN
The much-anticipated third edition of the VES Handbook of Visual Effects: Industry Standard VFX Practices and Procedures will be released this month. Hailed as the most complete guide to visual effects techniques and best practices on the market today, it covers essential techniques and solutions for all VFX artists, producers and supervisors, from pre-production through production and post-production.
Edited by renowned Visual Effects Supervisor Jeffrey A. Okun, VES and Visual Effects Producer Susan Zwerman, VES, the update to the award-winning guide includes the latest industry-standard techniques, technologies and workflows in the fast-paced world of visual effects.
The VES tasked the original authors to update their areas of expertise, including AR/VR moviemaking, color management, cameras, VFX editorial, stereoscopic and the digital intermediate, and to provide detailed chapters on interactive games and full animation. Additionally, 56 new contributors – representing the best and the brightest in the industry – share their proven methods, tricks and shortcuts earned through decades of real-world, hands-on experience.
“The VES sees this book’s continual update as an essential mandate,” says Okun. “Far beyond basic information on techniques for visual effects artists in general, it shares the combined practical hands-on experience and tips from leaders in all VFX verticals. It is the guide to navigate the practical day-to-day issues that will be experienced by every working professional at various points in their careers.”
“This is a must-read for all visual effects filmmakers,” says Zwerman. “The writers have combined wisdom and practicality to produce an extraordinary book that covers every aspect of visual effects techniques in a concise manner without losing sight of its art and innovation.”
This third edition has been expanded to feature lessons on 2.5D/3D Compositing; 3D Scanning; Digital Cinematography; Editorial Workflow in Animated and Visual Effects Features; Gaming updates; General Geometry Instancing; Lens Mapping for VFX; Native Stereo; Real-Time VFX & Camera Tracking; Shot/Element Pulls and Delivery to VFX; Techvis; VFX Elements and Stereo; Virtual Production; and VR/AR.
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