CODING
My initial exposure to programming occurred quite early in my life. Before enrolling in university, I extensively engaged in web design and development for smaller companies, utilizing HTML and JavaScript. During my time at university, my focus shifted towards other creative areas such as 3D design and drawing. Later, around 2015 , while working as a professional animator, I rekindled my connection with scripting (MaxScript). Around 2017, I began coding in Python as Autodesk Maya became increasingly significant in my professional life. After realizing the incredible possibilities that Python offered, I immersed myself in a deep exploration of the language.
Coding in Python and PyQt has since become one of my personal hobbies and a central element in my professional work.
SOME PROJECT EXAMPLES | PROFESSIONAL & PRIVATE
SCANLINE VFX - Production Tools
CARDBOT
Maya UI/Tool to import 2D image sequences as cards. Automatic transparency generation (luminance-based), resampling into pipeline structure, easy controls for offset, color and duplication.
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
Connected Maya with Shotgrid + EDLs to preview adjacent shots as image planes. Artists could scrub in Maya and directly see comp, layout, playblasts, or Avid refs of pre - and post scenes. Fully integrated into Scanline pipeline.
REF BUDDY
Reference manager for animation: converts YouTube, MP4, GIFs or image sequences via FFMPEG into Maya-ready formats and stores them in a searchable library. Importable as scalable, offset-able image planes.
MOCAP LIBRARY
UI to browse all mocap clips (by action, theme, gender, length) and transfer them directly onto Scanline rigs via internal retarget system.
NOTE-GUN
Standalone UI tool to publish caches, cameras, etc. into Shotgrid and create automated handoff notes for downstream departments. Adopted into official Scanline pipeline.
VERSION MANAGER
Simplified version control for playblasts and renderings in Shotgrid. Enabled quick status switching, commenting and tracking of iterations.
RAGDOLL UI
Maya interface for setting up ragdoll dynamics with Scanline’s creature rigs. Allowed animators to quickly add physics-based secondary motion.
PRIVATE PROJECTS
Audible Converter
Python/FFMPEG tool to legally convert Audible audiobooks into MP3, split into chapters, add covers and organize the files for private use.
Wisdom App (Kivy)
Mobile app prototype to collect knowledge from online articles and local sources. Provides a searchable database and quiz functionality. Designed as a personal knowledge manager.
SCRIPTING SKILLSET
Here’s a brief summary of my coding skill set along with the modules and APIs I’ve been using over the past years...
Python + PyQt
Advanced
Over the past few years, I have dedicated significant time to research and programming, particularly focusing on Python and PyQt. In addition to developing my own Python tools on the Windows platform, I have undertaken the creation of substantial Maya tools for ScanineVFX. I plan to showcase some examples of these projects on my website in the near future.
Python + Shotgrid API
Intermediate to Advanced Level
Given that most current VFX companies utilize Shotgrid to manage their shows, I seized the opportunity to enhance my knowledge of interacting with the Shotgrid API using Python. Several of my Maya tools now extensively communicate with Shotgrid, allowing for seamless integration and efficient workflow management.
Python + Kivy/MD
Advanced
When embarking on the journey to create my first mobile app, I sought a seamless transition given my existing expertise in Python. During my exploration, I came across Kivy and Kivy MD. Kivy proved to be an easy-to-learn framework that yielded impressive results, especially in the realm of user interface creation. Its simplicity and effectiveness made it an ideal choice for leveraging my Python skills in mobile app development.
Max Script
Advanced
As mentioned earlier, my initial exposure to coding in a professional environment occurred through MaxScript/3dsMax. I owe much of my coding proficiency and knowledge to my mentor, Manuel Ferdinand, who played a crucial role in guiding and teaching me valuable skills in this domain.