Jeasy SEGHAL | Founder | Professor of Practice: Virtual Production & VFX
SØRENGE
Enter the realm where creativity meets technology to forge hyper-realistic digital humans, bridging film, gaming, and extended reality. Meet Jeasy Sehgal, a trailblazing creative technologist and filmmaker from New Zealand, mastering cutting-edge tech like motion capture and virtual production. From founding ventures in New Zealand, employed at top-tier companies the likes of NVIDIA, Weta Group and Ferrari to leading a groundbreaking US university program, Sehgal’s journey is impressive. In a world of blurred lines between imagination and reality, he is helping shape the future of entertainment.
Creative Media Industries Institute (CMII): Changing the future of film making – College of Arts and Sciences, Digital Filmmaking, Virtual Production & Visual Effects Concentration, M.F.A.
Thank you Jeasy for joining TrailblaXR, please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about you.
I’m an International Award-Winning Filmmaker, Emerging Technology Specialist in Film, Motion Capture, AR/VR/MR, Animation and Game Development. Experienced Founder with a demonstrated history of working in the design industry. Multi-talented creative with a recent Diploma in Film and Television focused in Postproduction from South Seas Film & Television School. Industry Best Practice Certification from Weta Group Park Road Postproduction.
I’ve successfully completed Master of Technological Futures from Tech Futures Lab -Auckland, New Zealand, Research focus in Digital Humans, Empathic and Emotional Responses in Digital Humans, Virtual Production and Interactive Production.
In addition to this, I’m the founder of Graphic Monk Ltd., a multi-disciplinary production house with multiple brands incorporated under the umbrella, Imperial Swords, The Imperial School of Swordsmanship, Dynakinetix: Motion Capture & Virtual Production Dojo Training Academy.
I also established Virtual Production Dojo, New Zealand’s first Unreal Engine Authorized Centre and Reallusion Certified Training Centre, offering industry-specific, hands-on training and talent development training for the Screen and Games Industry for Virtual Production Methodologies.
You’ve made an exciting move to a renowned university in the US, please tell us what you’re specialising in there.
I recently relocated in 2022 from New Zealand to Atlanta, Georgia, USA to take up a new appointment as a Professor of Practice in Virtual Production and VFX at the Creative Media Industries Institute at Georgia State University to spearhead the new M.F.A in Digital Filmmaking and Virtual Production.
At the institute I specialise in Virtual Cinematography, Realistic Digital Humans, and Emergine Technology Methodologies in interactive gamification and narrative design. I’m also actively involved in cutting edge research in Ethical AI and Computer Human Interface design at the Center for Integrated AI Research at the Edge (CiARE), a distinguished DoD-sponsored Center of Excellence in Advanced Computing and Software (COE-ACS), led by Georgia State University, Creative Media Industries Institute in partnership with Duke University and collaborators from the U.S. Army Research Laboratory.
What are the technologies being taught in the programme?
Some of the technologies are Unreal Engine, Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN), Reallusion Character Creator, iClone, Photogrammetry, Volumetric Scanning and 3D asset creation and more.
What are the key qualities, skills and specific software’s required to fulfil your role?
I am New Zealand’s inaugural and only Epic Games Unreal Engine Authorized Instructor, Reallusion Authorized Instructor, Avid Certified Editor, Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve Certified Editor. My focus has always been in becoming a solution architect rather than focusing on a particular software toolset.
Sehgal has been highly active in Institute administrative work (contract and project management, search committees, regular faculty meetings, etc.), and in faculty conversations about the future of curricular development in the MFA and game design degree programs. Sehgal is especially to be commended for working so energetically to promote the work of CMII, to better connect us with industry leaders, and to help formulate a demanding educational experience so that our graduate’s are prepared to enter highly competitive advanced technology career pathways.
CMII | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Please provide an overview of the Epic Games Unreal Engine certifications you’ve achieved and how it’s aided your skills and career path.
Being an Unreal Authorized Instructor offers significant advantages for professionals in the rapidly growing field of interactive 3D. This designation not only provides priority access to Unreal Engine tools and materials but also opens up increased job opportunities across various industries like gaming, architecture, media, and more. Authorized instructors are part of a prestigious community that meets rigorous standards for both teaching and technical skills. This opportunity enhances one’s ability to tackle complex real-world challenges, fine-tuning skills and advancing knowledge in Unreal Engine, thus significantly benefiting one’s career path and expertise in cutting-edge technology.
You are Founder of two businesses in New Zealand, please tell us about these.
In a groundbreaking stride towards the future of entertainment, Graphic Monk Ltd. is where innovation and creativity converge. At our multidisciplinary production house, we’re pioneering the use of hyper-realistic digital humans, pushing the boundaries of realism across various platforms like films, games, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and virtual productions.
Our recent foray into full-body motion capture for film, VFX, games, commercials, and immersive VR/AR experiences marks a significant leap in storytelling. By leveraging emerging technologies, we’re not just keeping pace with the industry’s evolution but actively shaping the trajectory of immersive storytelling. Our work promises to transform audience experiences, offering a new level of engagement and realism that goes beyond mere visuals or sound.
Through our endeavors in VR filming and game development, our aim is clear: to craft stories that are not only seen or heard but felt, thereby redefining how narratives are both told and experienced. As we continue to explore the frontiers of technology and creativity, Graphic Monk is poised to redefine the landscape of digital entertainment.
On the other hand, Virtual Production Dojo stands as a pioneer in digital filmmaking and storytelling innovation in New Zealand. As the country’s inaugural and only Epic Games Unreal Engine Authorized Training Center, we provide unparalleled opportunities for professionals and enthusiasts to delve into the realm of virtual production.
Virtual production combines real-time rendering capabilities, virtual reality, and traditional filmmaking techniques to craft immersive, visually stunning narratives. Through our hands-on training and access to cutting-edge technology, we equip participants with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital entertainment industry.
Our academy’s courses are meticulously designed to nurture talent and foster innovation, ensuring individuals are well-prepared for the future of content creation. At Virtual Production Dojo, we’re not just embracing the future — we’re actively shaping it!
From your experience is VR, XR, spatial computing, AI and machine learning being utilised in the film and games industry, and how are these industries benefiting?
Yes, VR (Virtual Reality), XR (Extended Reality)/Spatial Computing, AI (Artificial Intelligence), and machine learning are being utilized extensively in the film and games industry. These technologies enhance storytelling and gameplay by creating more immersive and interactive experiences. VR and XR offer new ways for audiences to experience stories, allowing them to step inside the worlds being created. AI and machine learning are used to develop more lifelike characters and environments, automate tasks such as animation, and personalize user experiences by adapting to their preferences and behaviors. These technologies are revolutionizing content creation, offering tools that enable creators to push the boundaries of imagination and realism.
Which are some of the most exciting companies you have worked at within your career?
South Seas Film and Television School (Yoobee School), Park Road Post Production, Weta Group, Animal Logic, Provost Studios, Atlanta Opera, Auckland Live, Coca Cola, Pepsi, Ferrari, Dunedin City Council, CODE (Center of Digital Excellence), Innov8HQ, The Mind Lab (AcademyX). Globe Theatre, NVIDIA, Rokoko Motion Capture, Southern Institute of Technology, Massey University, Digital Boost, VimpleCom and more.
The film and video games industry is fast evolving with more automated methods and workflows, with the use of emerging tech such as what we see in motion capture today. How will this impact the future of virtual production and game development?
The integration of automated methods and emerging technologies like motion capture is transforming virtual production and game development. These advancements allow for more realistic and immersive experiences by streamlining workflows and enhancing creative possibilities. As technology evolves, we can expect virtual production to become more accessible and efficient, leading to richer storytelling and more engaging content in both film and games. This shift not only broadens the scope of what’s possible in digital storytelling but also opens up new opportunities for creators and technologists.
Congratulations on winning awards for short film Oyuns Quest. Which key technologies and tools were used in the production and what were some of the surprising features you found expedited production.
Thank you! It is a humbling feeling to have won a multitude of awards and now our second film: The Osiris Code is on a winning spree as well.
Oyun’s Quest is being developed with a focus on merging emerging technologies with storytelling, filmmaking, and gaming. The project utilizes game mechanics, live performance capture, digital humans, full-body motion capture, and cinematic cameras to create an immersive experience. This effort aims to bridge the gap between new technologies and creative industries, enhancing both game development and narrative delivery. Oyun’s Quest utilizes a combination of Unreal Engine for virtual production filmmaking, Reallusion for creating realistic digital humans and animation, and motion capture technologies from DeepMotion, NVIDIA, and Move AI. It also incorporates AI-generated voice-overs through Eleven Labs, showcasing the fusion of cutting-edge technology and creative storytelling. These tools together expedite production and introduce surprising features, such as highly realistic characters and environments, real-time rendering, and interactive storytelling elements, pushing the boundaries of traditional filmmaking and gaming experiences.
We’re witnessing emerging quality tools and tech that is enabling significant cost and time efficiencies for indie producers and small production teams on a budget. Can you talk about what this means for both creators and audiences?
The advent of affordable, high-quality tools and technologies is a game-changer for indie producers and small production teams. This democrotization of technology empowers creators to bring their visions to life with unprecedented speed and efficiency, levelling the playing field with larger studios. For audiences, this means a richer diversity of content, as barriers to entry for content creation are lowered. Creators can experiment more freely and bring unique, innovative stories to the screen, enhancing the cultural landscape with fresh narratives and perspectives.
Do you have any words of advice for your readers?
Dive into your creativity and embrace the boundless possibilities that lie ahead. Remember, the tools and technologies at your fingertips are merely extensions of your imagination. As you embark on your creative journey, let curiosity be your guide and innovation your compass. The world is eager to witness the stories only you can tell and the visions only you can bring to life. Share your unique voice with the world, and let it resonate with the hearts and minds of your audience. Your next masterpiece awaits!
Thank you Jeasy for contributing to TrailblaXR, keep on inspiring and trailblazing the creativetech industries!
Image Credits: Jeasy Sehgal and Creative Media Industries Institute
Tune in to more awesome TrailblaXR stories or scan the QR code!
Become a future TrailblaXR of the multiverse and shine under the starlight with Instinctively Real Media.
Let Instinctively Real Media promote your brand, contact Enquiries@InstinctivelyReal.com for a chat.
Subscribe to the Ezine to hear further insights from industry professionals and businesses pioneering and shaping the industries!
Instinctively Real Media | Global Creative Agency 