| CGX
: |
So
tell us, how did you get started in 3D? |
| Jinho
: |
I started on programming with
basic software but it took so long to generate the frame and
crack your head just to make a cube. I started dabbling with
3D animation during my secondary days. After that, I started
using AutoCAD and I slowly got more interested in more than
just modeling, which led me to 3D software cos of my need to
create scenes with a variety of moods and themes. I wanted to
become a virtual director, to bring the mood of my creations
to the viewer. |
 |
| CGX : |
What software
were you using before you started using LightWave? |
| Jinho
: |
Before using LightWave
I was using 3D Studio for Dos, Release 3. I had not seen any
other software then. At that time I saw Jurassic Park, the movie
and I was very impressed. One day I read a news article on TV
series like Babylon 5 and Star Trek, which were done in LightWave.
From there I was introduced to the software. |
| CGX : |
Did you like the
software and the tools? |
| Jinho
: |
I watched a few
demo reels of LightWave, which I got from David Wee, one of
our lecturers in LimKokWing. At first I didn’t really like
the interface. I thought it looked a bit primitive. After that,
I found out that it was actually more productive. After one
to two weeks of familiarizing myself with the interface, I found
that it actually works very fast and I am able to create whatever
I want. |
| |
| CGX : |
What are your favorite features
in LightWave then? |
| Jinho
: |
The rendering quality.
Its fantastic cos its so well built that even on a lower end
machine you get performance. With ScreamerNet you don’t
need to spend on extra licenses. |
| |
| CGX : |
Noting your favorable opinion
of LightWave, can we assume it has made a significant difference
or impact in your work then? |
| Jinho
: |
Yes, definitely. It has shortened
the amount of time required for the job and the time saved gives
me the liberty of adding in more details, more stuff and produce
better quality images. It also gives me more time to do more
complicated work and focus on details. |
 |
| CGX : |
Have you done any projects
using LightWave? |
| Jinho
: |
Yes. I’ve done several
projects for LimKokWing College. |
| CGX : |
TV commercials? |
| Jinho
: |
Yeah. |
| CGX : |
Were those commercials broadcast
on air? |
| Jinho
: |
I did the LimKokWing bird that
was shown on TV a few months ago, uhm … sometime during
April to March this year. The next one, which I believe is going
to be aired during the Puasa month is my latest project, titled
“A Malaysian Friday”. |
| CGX : |
So Jin Ho, as an avid user
of LightWave, what other features would you like to see in the
future upgrade? |
| Jinho
: |
The features don’t really
matter. I think the accessibility of the software, like improving
the interface and making it better than the previous version
where shortcuts are all predefined, will be good. I think if
it’s not easily accessible, it defeats the purpose. Fortunately
with LightWave [6] I can customize the interface according to
how I want. |
 |
| CGX : |
Where do you see yourself
in 5 years time? |
| Jinho
: |
Part of my dream is to become
part of the film industry with the likes of
Digital Domain or Foundation
Imaging.. |
| CGX : |
How about the local industry?
|
| Jinho
: |
Yeah, local industry as well
if I can work with people who share a passion for what they
do. |
| CGX : |
Do you think we can start
something similar to Digital Domain over here in Malaysia? |
| Jinho
: |
Yes, why not. We can have something
like that if we have people who are willing to work hard and
not just focus too much on making a profit. I mean, yes, we’re
supposed to make enough to survive, but there must be a love
for what they do. Over here I find that the emphasis is more
towards quantity than quality. People are more interested in
getting the most out of their money by producing as much as
possible instead of bringing out better quality. |
| CGX : |
Point well taken. Looking
at some of the remarkable stuff you’ve produced, mind telling
us where you draw your inspiration? |
| Jinho
: |
Most of them are quick inspirations.
I was thinking about all the Digital Domain productions using
LightWave, with all the animation and special effects and complex
stuff like that you know. For me, I turn that around and fit
it into a normal scene. I try to use that high-end tool to mould
into a local low profile life-style. Basically its bringing
LightWave to show that its not only good for special effects
and complex animations but also a tool that can associate with
a normal life . |
| CGX : |
Tell us, what would you be
doing in Click Grafix if you do decide to join us? |
| Jinho
: |
Having fun making Click Grafix
one of the kick-ass company! |
| CGX : |
Way to go, young man! |
| |
|
Click Grafix Sdn Bhd thanks TanJinHo for his time and
effort in this interview.
Jin Ho’s works can be viewed on his website at www.tajino.net
|
