Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1536119
2 cgw a p r i l • m ay • j u n e 2 0 2 5 BREAKING BARRIERS s the computer graphics industry continues to evolve, collaboration is becoming more important than ever before. Production and development teams are imple- menting innovative new solutions that allow them to confidently conceive, devel- op, and deliver projects with collaborators across the globe. Whether the finished product is a piece of soware, a game, a television series, a feature film, or an immersive experience—collaboration is the key to success. At the 2025 NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) Show in Las Vegas, collabo- rative tools reigned supreme across the media and entertainment sector. Almost every exhibitor seemed to be showcasing new and improved technology to help teams work to- gether with fewer limitations and share assets with greater levels of efficiency and ease. Collaboration is a common thread running throughout this new issue of CGW. In our cover story, we explore the visual effects that brought Ryan Coogler's new horror feature Sinners to life on screen. VFX supervisor Michael Ralla and VFX producer James Alexander played a vital role in craing the film's captivating visuals, which required constant collab- oration across departments throughout production and post. From groundbreaking "twin- ning" effects for the leads (both played by Michael B. Jordan) to a transcendent musical sequence with ancestral spirits and a blazing inferno, the team seamlessly merged digital effects with large-format film photography to keep the story grounded in realism. "I see visual effects as a nexus of communication—we want to bring in all of the other departments and work with them as collaboratively as possible, so we can achieve the very best results," Alexander explains. "I think it's the communication between the depart- ments, the collaboration, and bringing everyone together that is the most satisfying part of the job." This issue showcases exciting advancements in the game development sphere, spot- lighting the evolution of JALI Research's innovative facial animation tools. The company has joined the Anim Revolution, an ongoing collaborative initiative focused on redefining the traditional content production pipeline. CEO Sarah Watling shares, "You might be a tool or a technology in development, but in deployment and production use you are not in a silo any longer." We highlight Nexus Studios' collaborative work on For Mexico, For All Time, a cinematic tribute to Mexican history and culture that premiered at the Las Vegas Sphere—currently the world's largest LED display with a 16K wraparound screen and a resolution totalling 144 million pixels. We also share an inside look into the visual effects of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, The Night Agent, and The Manhattan Alien Abduction, along with the volumetric cap- ture technology that breathed life into Munchkinland and the Emerald City in Wicked. As always, CGW would like to thank everyone who took the time to share their stories and insights with us for this issue! A R E C E N T A W A R D S E D I T O R I A L CGW MANAGING EDITOR Kendra Ruczak kruczak@cgw.com t: 818.291.1168 POST EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Marc Loftus mloftus@postmagazine.com t: 516.376.1087 PUBLISHER/PRESIDENT/CEO William R. Rittwage COP Communications A D V E R T I S I N G DIRECTOR OF SALES: PRINT, DIGITAL, AND AWARDS Mari Kohn mkohn@postmagazine.com t: 818.291.1153 c: 818.472.1491 EDITORIAL OFFICE / LA SALES OFFICE 620 West Elk Ave., Glendale, CA 91204 t: 818-291-1168 D E S I G N SENIOR ART DIRECTOR Michelle Villas michelle@moontidemedia.com ISSUE DESIGNER Kendra Ruczak kruczak@cgw.com C U S T O M E R S E R V I C E / C I R C U L A T I O N Junior Lopez jlopez@copcomm.com t: 818.291.1117 D I G I T A L M A R K E T I N G / S O C I A L M E D I A Tommy Rittwage tommy@copcomm.com t: 818.291.1166 COMPUTER GRAPHICS WORLD MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED BY COMPUTER GRAPHICS WORLD, A COP COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY. Computer Graphics World does not verify any claims or other information appearing in any of the advertisements contained in the publication, and cannot take any responsibility for any losses or other damages incurred by readers in reliance on such content. Computer Graphics World cannot be held responsible for the safe- keeping or return of unsolicited articles, manuscripts, photographs, illustrations or other materials. Address all subscription correspon- dence to: Computer Graphics World, 620 West Elk Ave, Glendale, CA 91204. Subscriptions are available free to qualified individuals within the United States. Non-qualified subscription rates: USA—$68 for 1 year, $98 for 2 years; Canadian subscriptions —$98 for 1 year and $136 for 2 years; all other countries—$150 for 1 year and $208 for 2 years. Digital subscriptions are available for $27 per year. Subscribers can also contact customer service by calling 818-291-1158, or sending an email to csr@cgw.com. Postmaster: Send Address Changes to Computer Graphics World, 620 W. Elk Ave., Glendale, CA 91204 Please send customer service inquiries to 620 W. Elk Ave., Glendale, CA 91204 Kendra Ruczak Managing Editor, CGW