Interview with Heiko Wenczel and John Wyland
Interview with John Wyland -
Mackevision’s EVP and Head of Production
Hello John, will you please tell us about yourself and which services are offered in Mackevision?
I have always loved cars. As a kid, I prided myself in my ability to distinguish one car from another when I could only see the smallest of detail. Then, there was the love of photography. Even in high school I was assisting a photographer and attending film school to learn light, lenses and composition. After time, I graduated to film and I have spent the last 30 years making commercials. It was through filmmaking that I got to know Mackevision. Agencies were asking for effects to be added to their traditional live action films. I was so impressed with the artistic level that I immediately saw that Mackevision was the only place that fully understood the integration of the two worlds. When Mackevision opened its Detroit office I saw an opportunity to bring these two worlds together. Partnering with Heiko has brought both of our technical expertise and artistic desires together to move forward in areas that not too long ago were only dreams.
Together, the Detroit office, along with Stuttgart, has brought to market compelling new directions to CGI and to our clients. We have pioneered Digital Running Footage Libraries where the customer can choose from a menu the road, a driver, a car, a trim, a color, a wheel, a license plate and various other accessories. That is automatically assembled and delivered to the client within a short timeframe. That led to creating a Web-based image creator for clients to utilize as a tool to create everything from Web to print applications, from the comfort of their own office, which is rendered and returned in record time. All of that, and the incredible images and movies we create for our customers. Mackevision really is bringing together passion and technology.
Are you also using mocap in any VFX project and what do you think: in the future, will mocap replace traditional animation?
In our car projects we haven’t been using mocap thus far, as we have created our own rigs and workflows to create animations to full beauty. Working with characters, though, we will have to use mocap solutions for ongoing and future projects. The recent developments and solutions in that regard offer strong support in finishing projects more efficiently and of high-quality. Depending on the needs, animation will always be a balance between the accuracy of physics simulators, the honesty of mocap, and the artistry of traditional techniques. You use each where it gives you the best result.
Are there any tools or services which are offered exclusively at Mackevision, and what are your future plans?
One of our most interesting services at this time is the creation of running footage based on real location shots and complete, virtual cars in several configurations. We’ve combined our film expertise with our real-world CGI capabilities. And, with our focus on creative visualization and mass content creation, we develop tools that we not only use, but our customers do, too. Our rapid visualization tool, F_BOX Picture Shooter, and our semi-animated product-visualization solution, Living Backgrounds, are the first of many significant steps into a new era.
Can you tell our readers about the process involved from the time the client enters the studio with the concept through to final execution?
A client’s first impression will stay with them for their entire career. It is important for them to know we are here to provide a solution to their dreams. We have clients that come to us with everything from a blank slate to a polished storyboard. Some just come with an idea on a napkin. It is our job to listen and contribute to their quest.
Superficially, CGI has many similarities to other traditional production flows, but it stops there. Even though dreams are a hallmark of CGI it is still a medium not meant for reactionary decisions. With CGI, it is essential to have a workflow with intermediate steps for approval that have to be strictly adhered to. Any deviation costs money and time. It is the implementation and understanding of a proactive workflow that ultimately keeps everyone happy.
It is our goal to provide a comfortable reassuring and nurturing experience to every client from the first meeting to the final delivery.
During recruitment, what does a company like Mackevision look for?
We are always looking for a new perspective and people who want to bring that quality to their professional experience.
Are you also feeling the heat of recession and you are still hiring the creative people?
No business is recession-proof, but CGI has been an impressive tool for our clients. They see it as the future; not only as a cost-saving measure, but as a new artistic outlet to be explored. It took quite a long time for the world to accept photography as a form of illustration, and we are now experiencing the same with CGI. With all the new options for marketing and advertising, CGI is proving itself as a tool to reach out to all levels. To answer the question, yes, parts of some industry segments have slowed, but we are always proactively on the lookout for fresh and creative ideas for the future.
What is one piece of advice you would give to any artist looking to work with Mackevision?
Please let us know of your interest in Mackevision. Do not wait for us to reach out. We are always looking for people willing to take initiative, and what better way to start? Who knows, we may not even know we need you.
Anything you like to add? It is your chance now to state your opinion about anything.
There is nothing like working on the razor’s edge of technology and its relationship to creativity.
Thanks a lot, John and Heiko for taking out some time from your busy schedule for us.
Mackevision's Website - www.mackevision.com
|
Rate this Interview -
|
|
