This week, the 16th SIGGRAPH Asia conference and exhibition is underway in Sydney, Australia (December 12-15), offering visitors the chance to interact with the cutting edge — and catch a glimpse of the future — of computer graphics and interactive techniques, across their myriad applications. With informative talks, compelling discussions, artistry, technological explorations and, of course, the latest animation on display in the Electronic Theater, the 2023 edition once again offers a well-rounded view of these interconnected industries from the Southern Hemisphere.
Dr. June Kim, Conference Chair for SIGGRAPH Asia 2023, and Rob Coleman, co-Chair of the Computer Animation Festival, spared a few minutes to answer a few questions about this year’s event:
Animation Magazine: So tell us, what makes this year’s offerings stand out?
June Kim: This year’s SIGGRAPH Asia offerings stand out for several compelling reasons:
- Thematic Focus on “Connecting Stories”:
The event revolves around the theme “Connecting Stories,” emphasizing the influential role of narrative in technology evolution. This transcends mere technological advancements, adding a profound layer of storytelling and communication across diverse fields.
- Distinguished Keynote Speakers and Featured Sessions:
The event features distinguished Keynote Speakers, Professor Jun Murai and Academy Award Winner Joe Letteri, along with prominent speakers from leading organizations.
Featured Sessions by industry experts, including Rob Bredow, Paul Debevec and Sabine Laimer, showcase valuable insights at the crossroads of technology, visual effects, virtual cinematography, and virtual production.
- Innovative Programs:
Introduction of the inaugural Junior Computer Animation Festival, nurturing the creativity and technical skills of young participants.
The Super Speed Connectivity for Digital Twins program exemplifies a unique global collaboration, pushing the boundaries of connectivity and creativity through real-time demonstrations connecting cities worldwide.
- Recruitment Opportunities:
SIGGRAPH serves as an opportunity for international visitors to connect with production houses, fostering partnerships and collaborative projects. This not only benefits individuals but also contributes to global growth and collaboration within the computer graphics industry.
In your opinion, what are some of the highlights of the program this year?
Some key highlights of SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 Program include:
- SIGGRAPH Asia expanded 2023 Conference Programs:
- Return of four distinguished segments led by experts, offering enhanced content selection such as “Crossing Thresholds” program, led by Victoria Szabo, explores how advancements in computer graphics reshape stories and memories.
- Demoscene program, guided by Joe Cincotta, promises an immersive experience for the global computer art subculture.
- Doctoral Consortium provides a platform for insightful discussions among PhD students about their research.
- Educator’s Forum, a collaboration of seasoned professionals and academics, imparts invaluable insights to elevate learning experiences.
- Elevated Mainstay Programs:
- Computer Animation Festival (CAF) featuring Electronic Theater, Animation Theater, Technical Papers and Art Gallery.
- Emerging Technologies program in the Experience Hall, showcasing functional prototypes influencing technological innovation.
- Introduction of XR Theater, offering immersive cinematic storytelling in a Virtual Reality (VR) theater-style environment.
- Real-Time Live! presents the most innovative graphics and interactive techniques deconstructed live on-stage.
- Explore the Future at the Exhibition:
- SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 exhibition, from December 13 to 15, unveils the latest advancements in computer graphics, special effects, and animation.
- Platform for direct engagement with leading industry organizations from across the Asia Pacific region.
- Immersive experience with over 30 renowned companies from 11 countries and regions, including industry giants like Adobe, Animal Logic, Canva, NVIDIA, Pixar RenderMan, and more.
- Opportunity for students and young professionals to connect with potential employers recruiting talent for dynamic industries.
- Cutting-Edge Technologies and Industry Giants:
- Showcase of cutting-edge technologies shaping both commercial and consumer markets. Over 30 renowned companies and brands, including Adobe, Animal Logic, Canva, NVIDIA, Pixar RenderMan, ILM, Meta, and Wētā FX, offering an immersive experience in the Asia Pacific region.
What is your take on the future of AI in the CG animation world?
Indeed, AI is poised to profoundly influence the evolution of the CG animation industry. Research in AI within CG is rapidly advancing across various domains such as procedural content generation, character animation, in-between animation, rendering and simulation, as well as storytelling. This transformative impact spans every facet of CG animation development, eliciting enthusiasm from both researchers and end-users alike. Notably, keynotes and featured speakers in SIGGRAPH Asia this year already announced to share their compelling insights into the successful integration of AI into the production of their featured films in their upcoming talks.
Nevertheless, as we embark on this fourth or even fifth wave of this innovation, there is a recognition that the broad-scale adoption of AI may reshape the ecosystem of the CG animation world. While this transformation holds considerable long-term promise, the rapid pace of change may present challenges for skilled workers and established pipelines. It is imperative to approach this shift with caution. Thus, alongside technological advancements, there is a crucial need to concentrate on researching AI’s ethical dimensions, ensuring equity and diversity are integral considerations. Balancing these perspectives is paramount as we navigate the dynamic landscape of AI in CG animation.
Can you tell us a bit about the 2023 selection? What makes them stand out?
Rob Coleman: The Computer Animation Festival at SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 includes an impressive selection of short films. It consists of an eclectic group of films showcasing various computer graphics techniques, processes and designs.
How long did it take to make the selection and how many projects did you have to select from?
We received 382 shorts for consideration; our pre-selection committee reviewed all of the submissions, and then the jury deliberated on which shorts would be included in the Electronic and Animation theaters. The whole review process took six weeks.
Did you see any trends about this year’s selection?
We did not see any trends; happily, there was a nice variety of techniques, stories and designs. Seeing how filmmakers approach their work using computer graphics is always inspiring.
Learn more at asia.siggraph.org/2023.
