Skip to main content

15-16 May 2024
Olympia London

MPTS
02 Nov 2021

Rising Sun adds AI experts for VFX innovation

Max Miller - Broadcast

Two post-doctoral researchers will look at AI’s possible applications in the VFX pipeline

Rising Sun Pictures has added two post-doctoral researchers from the Australian Institute for Maching Learning.

Dr. John Bastian and Dr. Ben Ward will develop pipeline tools based on machine learning and other AI applications as a means of streamlining visual effects (VFX) production and creating visuals that look more photo-realistic. They have previously worked at AIML for three years researching and developing machine learning and computer vision technology. 

This move comes after the pair worked with Rising Sun on visual effects sequences for Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and the Ten Rings. They developed a novel technique for facial replacement that was used in high-intensity martial arts combat sequences, which involved machine learning tools training neural network models of principal actors and applying them to the faces of stunt doubles to produce faster and more lifelike results. 

They are now involved in three film and series projects involving these facial replacement applications, and will also seek to develop general workflow tools for such routine visual effects in both 2D and 3D.

Ward said: “Our focus is on building AI-tools that can be integrated into RSP’s existing workflow to overcome the limitations of current technology. It’s about helping artists improve results, achieve outputs faster and push beyond what was previously possible.”

Bastian added: “AI can help artists accomplish incredible artistic effects without the tedium of executing every frame in a long sequence. Facial replacement was a good place to start because faces are largely rigid, but we’ll soon be able to do the same with the human body. We’ll be able to make an actor taller, shorter, skinnier, or more muscular.”

Rising Sun Pictures managing director Tony Clark said: “AI holds great promise for visual effects applications, especially in terms of accelerating labor intensive tasks and augmenting human creativity. Our early work with AI has produced spectacular results and we are eager to push development further.”

View all Industry News
Loading

Exhibitors Include:

 


 

Testimonials

Testimonials

  • It’s the best show I’ve ever been to, to be honest, I think you guys have done an incredible job. It’s really packed, there’s a very broad selection of people here.
    James Burstall
    Argonon
  • MPTS is an important event in our fast-paced, changing industries. A great place for minds and technology to come together, learn, interact, explore and create for the future.
    Carly Paradis
    Composer
  • My first time attending MPTS 2023 and I was blown away at how much was on offer - from the exhibitions to the seminars, not to forget all the attendees who gave it a great atmosphere and fantastic networking opportunity. Will definitely be back next year.
    Jahreal Wright
    Sky Production Services
  • It’s been our first time exhibiting at MPTS and we will definitely be coming back. The quality of the customers and panels was perfect for us.
    Dawn Bochenski
    CVP
  • MPTS 2023 was a tremendous opportunity to not only catch up with colleagues, but meet so many enthusiastic new faces and have the opportunity to share insights, knowledge and debate about the future of tech in the creative economy
    Dr Jodi Nelson-Tabor
    Final Pixel Academy
  • We had a great time at the show this year at MPTS, I think the interest in cloud production has significantly increased in the last twelve months and we saw a lot of traction with customers and people looking at solutions in transforming the way that live TV is being produced. So we've got a great partnership
    Gareth Capon
    Grabyo
  • MPTS has been really wonderful, it is great to see how much the show has expanded this year. In my opinion, it just seems to be getting better and better every year and I can’t wait to see what next year brings
    Lexie Morgan
    HHB Communications
  • I think the panel discussions here are of huge benefit to everyone that comes, especially freelancers and maybe students wanting to work in this industry. The hot topics that are affecting everybody in their jobs o its quite a unique day out, and its free
    Ria Hebden
    TV Presenter & Broadcaster
  • A truly brilliant event. It was absolutely buzzing with excitement, innovations, and incredibly interesting and insightful stories. With sessions ranging from sustainability to virtual production, XR, the talent gap, and accessibility and inclusion in production, it’s become the UK media and tech show to attend for anything content creation and should not be missed.
    Amisa Saar-Stout
    VizRT
  • It was great to meet with customers, partners, and prospects in the heart of the UK M&E community, demonstrating how LucidLink enables remote collaboration from anywhere in the world. MPTS 2023 was a huge success for us, and experiencing professional ‘white glove’ treatment from all the show staff, just made my job that much easier
    Julie O'Grady
    LucidLink
  • We get to see a lot of customers, we get to talk about what their plans are for the next year, we get to see all of our resellers as well, it’s a really important day for us
    Simon Sherbourne
    Avid
  • I find myself among people like me who love new technology and love the potential of what we can do
    LJ Rich
    Presenter and Broadcaster
  • Of all the trade shows that Argosy participates in, MPTS represents the greatest return on investment for us, by far!
    Chris Smeeton
    Argosy

MPTS 2024 Reg Now