SydHUG @ UTS - Special guest, Solaris Lead Developer Mark Tucker!

Come join us for an exciting SydHUG event at the University of Technology, Sydney - Building 8, Room CB08.02.005 (Chau Chak Wing Auditorium), 14-28 Ultimo Rd, Ultimo NSW 2007

This in-person event brings together industry professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts to share their knowledge and passion. The UTS Talks will feature insightful presentations from experts in the field, while the SideFX Social offers a chance to network and connect with like-minded individuals. Don't miss out on this opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of computer graphics and have a great time!

Please meet us from 6pm @ 80 Bar & Cafe, right outside the Chau Chak Wing Auditorium, talks commence at 6:30pm sharp.

PRESENTATIONS
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Mark Tucker | SideFX
Mark will be taking us for a walk down memory lane, navigating us along the winding road of Houdini's history. We'll be peeking in at some of Mark's favourite Houdini versions, from his perspective as a developer at SideFX over the last 20+ years - not to be missed! Q&A to follow.

Mark Tucker is a Senior Software Architect at SideFX, where he has worked for over twenty years. For the past six years he has been leading the team developing Solaris, Houdini's native USD look development, layout, and lighting context. Mark also sits on the Alliance for OpenUSD steering committee, contributing to the further development & guidance of USD moving forward.

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Data Arena 32k - Ben Simons | UTS Data Arena
Ben Simons is the Technical Director of the UTS Data Arena, a 3D-Stereo-Immersive Multi-user VR CAVE, which opened July 2015 - https://dataarena.net. Ben will be talking to us about the new 32K display built in the Data Arena, and how Houdini was used to design it.

Ben has worked in Computer Graphics for nearly 40 years, winning international awards, prizes, and patents. His developments range from real-time video systems at CSIRO Manufacturing (co-invented the Safe-T-Cam traffic camera), to 10 years Scientific Visualization & High Performance Computing (HPC) in Physics at Sydney University. A computing cluster he built at USyd Mech Eng won the 1997 IEEE Gordon Bell Prize for HPC (Price/Performance Category) -- an international competition awarding the world’s fastest computers. Ben has worked in R&D and as a Visual FX Artist, VFX Animator, and Senior Technical Supervisor for 15 Feature Films at C.O.R.E Feature Animation and Mr. X Inc FX (Toronto Canada). Films include Resident Evil Extinction, Fast & Furious (2009), and Taking Woodstock. In Australia 2009-2012, Ben was Head of 3DFX with Kennedy Miller Mitchell which built Dr. D Studios at the Carriageworks and created the Feature Film Happy Feet 2. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2093522

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Prototyping for Stylisation – Raphael Gadot | UTS Animal Logic Academy

Raphaël Gadot from UTS Animal Logic Academy will discuss the research and development behind ALA's latest stylized animated short film (currently in production), focusing on Houdini as a prototyping tool. He will illustrate how Houdini was utilized to validate proofs of concept for modelling, surfacing, and animation techniques. The presentation will highlight how proceduralism and automation enable rapid iteration and testing of ideas in preproduction, facilitating the application of solutions across multiple CG disciplines.

Raphael Gadot is the FX Lead at UTS Animal Logic Academy. Prior to joining the Academy, Raphael was FX Supervisor at Industrial Light & Magic and has held creative roles at Animal Logic, Method Studios, Luma Pictures, Double Negative, Fuel VFX and Dr D Studios. He has worked on projects as varied as Interstellar, The Batman, Ahsoka, The Mandalorian and too many LEGO Movies.

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Social
8-10pm @ 80 Bar & Cafe, Building 8/14-28 Ultimo Rd, Ultimo NSW 2007.