Visual Effects 101

Learn the fundamentals of visual effects from Kenneth Lui, award-winning director of ARTISTS IN AGONY: HITMEN AT THE CODA TEAHOUSE, and a visual effects artist on Marvel's DR. STARNGE, CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR, BATMAN VS SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, Quentin Tarantino's THE HATEFUL EIGHT and more!

Film is a visual medium and as a visual storyteller it’s important that you know all the tools utilized in visual effects (VFX) so you can extend the universe of your story. Our imaginations are limitless and finding the correct approach to telling stories from our imagination in a visual medium can be daunting. The best filmmakers are familiar with the parameters of VFX and how to best use them. As technology becomes more affordable and sophisticated, having high quality VFX in your projects is more accessible than ever.

However, an understanding of how to not only use visual effects but incorporate them into your story is critical if you’re going to make the most out of these amazing technologies. As a filmmaker, it is important you understand the fundamentals of visual effects so you can grasp how you want to use them in your story and relay that to your visual effects artists and production team. 

In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, award-winning visual effects artist/writer/director Kenneth Lui will take you through the fundamentals of visual effects to elevate your work whether you’re doing a small short or a big budget feature. Kenneth will walk you through how effects are designed and executed on his award winning films as well as the basics of how it’s done for Marvel and DC films.

Kenneth has worked as a visual effects artist on Marvel’s CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER, IRON MAN 3, THOR: THE DARK WORLD, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, ANT MAN, CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR, and DOCTOR STRANGE as well as other blockbuster films like Quentin Tarantino’s THE HATEFUL EIGHT, BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE, JUPITER ASCENDING, DIVERGENT, TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN, as well as a digital effects artist on PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES, GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO, and more! Kenneth is sharing his vast knowledge and industry experience exclusively with the Stage 32 community to help you get the most out of visual effects in your next project.

In this information-packed webinar you will learn how to design your shots and characters to maximize the impact of visual effects in your story, how to make VFX pay off and help your story, and how to incorporate visual effects in your project without going over budget. You will gain an understanding of the critical elements of visual effects that will help you plan your story, your shoot, and ensure you can troubleshoot issues that come up on set while filming for your visual effects shots.

This webinar is an incredibly unique and rare opportunity to learn the art and application of visual effects from one of the most experienced VFX artist in the industry.

Praise For Kenneth’s filmmaking

"Kenneth Lui’s expertise as a visual effects artist for Marvel and DC movies shines through, elevating the film’s action and drama. Lui orchestrates a seamless and masterclass blend of action, drama, and dry humor that captivates audiences from start to finish.”- Punch Drunk Critics

• Introduction to Visual Effects
• Difference between “special effects” vs “visual effects” (practical vs digital)
• What is CGI really, why it doesn’t work sometimes, and how to play to its strengths
• What is compositing and why it’s important to understand what it is
• Elements/departments of VFX (compositing, roto, tracking, 3D animation)
• Kenneth Lui: A Journey into Visual Effects and guerrilla filmmaking
• Kenneth Lui’s VFX and filmmaking career
• Experience and insight from the industry
• Star Wars case study: The evolution of special effects to visual effects
• The original Star Wars to the Prequels to the Mandalorian: Discussing how the effects in the original trilogy were done and how the technology affected the philosophy and technique of doing things:
• The character Yoda as an example of different techniques to make that character come to life.
• How Star Wars went from practical to digital to a hybrid.
• Making a plan for the VFX in your project
• “What is a Yoda? Do we need a Yoda? What do we have to shoot to pull off a Yoda?” Exploring the best options in making effects work for your story. What do we SEE, what do we have to SHOOT?
• Knowing the elements you need to make your effects work best (assets, technique)
• Birdemic: why does it look so shitty? (lighting, tracking, 3D modeling/animation, interaction with actors)
• Generally having the process of VFX demystified so anything you imagine on paper can be possible on film along with a plan on how to do it.
• Q&A with Kenneth

Q: How do I watch my webinar live?
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If you received a confirmation that your webinar is on Zoom, you will receive a separate email from Zoom with further instructions for participating in the live webinar. Your login link will not be in your Stage 32 profile. If you did not receive your link via Zoom please email support@stage32.com.

Q: How do I watch my webinar on demand?
A: You will be able to watch your webinar on demand as many times as you’d like inside your Stage 32 profile. The recording is processed and posted between 24-48 hours after the webinar concludes. You can follow the instructions below.

YOU MUST HAVE A STAGE 32 PROFILE TO WATCH YOUR VIDEO – STAGE 32 IS FREE TO JOIN If You Already Have a Stage 32 Profile:

1. Log into your Stage 32 profile
2. Click "Settings" in the top right-hand corner (gear icon)
3. Click "Purchase History"
4. Choose this webinar and click the link to view

1. Go to www.stage32.com
2. Create a profile using the SAME email address you used to sign up for this webinar. The email addresses must match in order to watch the webinar.
3. Once you have your profile set up, you can view the webinar by clicking "Settings" in the top right hand corner (gear icon)
4. Click "Purchase History"
5. Choose this webinar and click the link to view

Q: What is the format of a webinar?
A: Stage 32 Next Level Webinars are typically 90-minute educational broadcasts that take place online using a designated software program from Stage 32. Your webinar will be taught by a working industry professional with in-depth teaching on a topic. If you are able to attend live you will be able to ask your Stage 32 Educator questions during Q&A.

Q: What are the system requirements to watch my webinar live?
A: You will need to meet the following system requirements in order to run the webinar software: Windows 7 or later Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks) or later.

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Q: What if I cannot attend the live webinar?
A: If you cannot attend a live webinar or purchase an on demand webinar, you will have access to the entire recorded broadcast, including the Q&A.

Q: Will I have access to the webinar afterward to re-watch?
A: Yes! Like all Stage 32 education, after the purchase of a live or on demand webinar, you will have on-demand access to the recording.

Q: How do I get a copy of the handouts provided?
A: If the webinar you take included handouts you can find them as downloads underneath your on demand video. You must be logged into your Stage 32 profile to view the video and get the handouts by clicking settings in the top right hand corner, then clicking purchase history.

Q: What if I need accessibility and accommodations?
A: Email support@stage32.com to request accommodations.

Thanks for your loyalty to Stage 32 Education. We value having you in the Stage 32 community.

If you have any further questions, we are always happy to help. Please contact Stage 32 support at support@stage32.com.

Praise For Kenneth’s filmmaking

"Kenneth Lui’s expertise as a visual effects artist for Marvel and DC movies shines through, elevating the film’s action and drama. Lui orchestrates a seamless and masterclass blend of action, drama, and dry humor that captivates audiences from start to finish.”- Punch Drunk Critics

"For horror fans thirsting for an over-the-top, tongue-in-cheek take on crime thrillers, ARTISTS IN AGONY looks to be a must-see!" – Horror Facts Magazine

"The film (ARTISTS IN AGONY) embraces its violent content with reckless swagger and abandon which plays nicely in bouts of laughing fits. This is just an absolute joy to watch.” Reel Reviews