USD

Insect Flocking System is a research focused on developing a highly controllable framework for simulating large-scale insect swarms. This system enables the creation of complex formations built from multiple insects, character morphing, and realistic behavioral patterns while maintaining exceptional performance with millions of agents. Technical implementation Designed a point-based collision system with 3-dimensional radius representation. Optimization algorithm for packing ellipsoids into any volume with artistic control of surface patterns. Created state-based behavior management system using Markov chains. It allows precise control of state proportions at each stage of the simulation. Implemented tools for previewing and precisely controlling the speed and position of the swarm at each moment in time through a shot. Several highly efficient algorithms for managing shape transitions and animation following. Developed a high-performance rendering pipeline using USD and Karma XPU. Optimized render-time memory usage using USD layering and instancing techniques. This makes it possible to render millions of animated insects on my RTX 3090. For more details on the process, visit this post.

Wolf Pack is a science fiction series that involves fire effects and creature development. My role and responsibilities Technical Direction: Worked on the integration of USD and developed the 3D department’s pipeline in collaboration with my team members. Managed the assembly, rendering and optimization of complex scenes involving fire, smoke and animals. Character Development: Created the grooming for the werewolf. Developed the simulation of werewolf fur. Key skills developed Gained a deep understanding of USD concepts and pipeline solutions. Acquired expertise in grooming, fur simulation, and rendering techniques. Demonstrated strong time management skills, consistently meeting tight deadlines.

My experience in pipeline development aimed to establish a robust and scalable production infrastructure by integrating USD technology with existing tools and workflows. This long-term activity extended across multiple productions and continuously evolved to address the studio’s growing needs. Developed workflows and tools USD Integration Framework: Collaboratively designed a USD-based pipeline architecture for 3D departments. Implemented tools for asset retrieval and tracking within the existing project management system. Created an automated scene assembly system and build scripts. Asset Resolution System: Integrated the USD Asset Resolver. Developed a context manager for granular asset resolution management. PDG-based Automation Framework: Developed PDG tools for two-way communication with the project management system. Implemented flexible task filtering mechanics based on input dependencies, statuses, and special attributes. Created tools for rendering, preview generation, and publishing task outcomes. Various Tools and Utilities: Integrated project management interfaces into all file loading nodes, enabling automatic tracking of used versions. Developed tools for easy management of AOVs to meet studio compositing standards. Integrated GitLab into the studio development pipeline and built CI/CD to simplify testing and separate development and production environments.

Getting Started When I learned I had a month for this project, I decided to tackle a demo I’d been wanting to make for a while. With such a tight timeline, careful planning was crucial - I had to be strategic about where to invest time and where to cut corners without compromising quality. From Concept to Model I started by generating an insect concept in Midjourney - something fly-like but with its own character. ...