Vanishing magnetic fields improve chip manufacturing
Princeton physicist Ahmed Diallo and graduate student Ben Israeli are developing a new method to improve production of semiconductor chips. A magnetic-free zone guides particles away from the highly sensitive mirrors used to etch the chips’ fine-resolution structures. Gaining security clearance to enter the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory to film was a thrilling experience.
My favorite part
Obviously we couldn't film this microscopic technology in action so I suggested demonstrating it with an animation. Designing the motion graphics to accurately reflect the laser etching process within the magnetic-free zone in a visually compelling way was the biggest challenge of this project. The client received nothing but positive feedback on it from both colleagues and general viewers.
Package delivery robot for the last 50 feet
Jaime Fisac and Robert Shi have developed a new robotic system that could solve the "last 50 feet" delivery problem, that is, getting packages off the truck and onto recipients' doorsteps. It's not everyday one gets to film a real-life robot that could transform an entire industry.
My favorite part
A split screen montage with wipe transitions gives the video a lot of energy in the beginning of the video. It also expands the significance and relevance of the story and the impact this new technology will have on package delivery services. All of the clips in this montage is stock footage which had to be carefully chosen to make the transitions fluid and and the scene cohesive.
Tackling AI’s energy appetite through data multiplexing (DataMUX)
With AI becoming mainstream, a lot more computer processing power is required. Karthik Narasimhan and his collaborators have found a way to reduce AI's energy consumption through a process call data multiplexing or DataMUX. The subject matter is well over my head but I think the motion graphics and visual effects in this video do the story justice.
My favorite part
From the opening shot to the motion-tracked titles, there's so many favorite parts in this video! If I had to choose one, the motion graphics on the whiteboard came out really well. First, the shot had to be motion tracked to anchor the digital lines animation to the whiteboard. Then the two subjects had to be rotoscoped ("cut out") to composite them above the whiteboard motion graphics. It transforms an otherwise plain shot into something visually spectacular.
Reinvention of the public toilet
This was a sh*tty video. Sorry—had to get that out of my system. Ok, for real, no more puns. Chukwuemeka has put forward a new vision for public toilets that's as unique as his name. Thankfully, I was able to use stock footage of toilets instead of having to travel to film multiple public restrooms!
My favorite part
The advantage of being both the videographer and the editor on a project is getting to "shoot for the edit". While filming around Robertson Hall and its iconic pillars, I realized the edges of the pillars could be used with a mask wipe transition. I was able to direct the subject while filming to achieve the best results for the transition. Adding the onscreen titles sweetens the scene by integrating the effect with the dialogue.
