Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1540269
2 cgw j u ly • a u g u s t • s e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 5 REIMAGINING THE FUTURE merging technology and techniques are continuing to revolutionize the computer graphics industry from the ground up, allowing creative and technical profession- als to reimagine their vision of the future. At the 2025 SIGGRAPH (Special Interest Group on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques) conference in Vancouver, there was a renewed sense of optimism about the overall trajectory of the industry. The initial chaos caused by the wide- spread launch of generative AI seems to have subsided, with companies making it a top priority to protect jobs and artists while implementing machine learning features in a more ethical way. Across the board, the industry is prioritizing the advancement of technology and workflows that will enhance efficiency, improve collaboration, and maximize creativity. In this issue of CGW, we showcase the tools and techniques that are allowing artists to reimagine the future of visual storytelling. In our cover story, we dive into the visual effects mastery behind 2025's How to Train Your Dragon. Director Dean DeBlois teamed up with Oscar and BAFTA-nominated production VFX supervisor Christian Mänz to bring his be- loved animated tale into the live-action realm. Mänz and the Framestore VFX team seamlessly merged cutting-edge visual effects art- istry with puppetry and other real-world practical effects techniques to capture realistic interactions between the cast and their dragons. "With this type of creature VFX work it doesn't matter how good the animation or final render and comp is—if the interaction isn't created authentically on set, the final shots just won't work," Mänz shared. "The interactiv- ity they created with the actors was so important." This issue also explores the epic visual effects that Wētā FX delivered for the second season of HBO's The Last of Us. VFX supervisor Nick Epstein and animation supervisor Dennis Yoo kept the visuals firmly rooted in realism as they craed terrifying new infected creatures, extensive CG environments, a new compositing-based weather control system, and more. Epstein noted, "Even though some of the work obviously is fantastical by its na- ture, it's all grounded within some level of reality." Read on for insights into the groundbreaking visual effects behind the superpowered new Marvel installment The Fantastic Four: First Steps, along with two highly-anticipated sequels in fan-favorite horror franchises: 28 Years Later and Final Destination: Bloodlines. We also highlight the top trends in the rapidly expanding immersive experiences market, along with advice on how to best protect your studio's intellectual property. We can't wait to see how computer graphics will continue to transform all aspects of creative storytelling in the future. As always, CGW would like to thank everyone who took the time to share their stories and insights with us for this issue! E 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