Oscar Winner Brings Monsters to Life With His Simulation Software
Summary
IEEE Spectrum profiles Jernej Barbič and his Ziva VFX simulation software used to model muscles, fat, and skin for digital characters in major films. The article traces Barbič's journey from student to USC professor, the development of Vega FEM and Ziva Dynamics, and the software's impact on the film industry, including acquisitions by Unity and licensing by DNEG. It also notes NSF-funded work on hand modeling and the broader bridge between research and production tools.