Inquire with the Visionary: Katie Morris, Master of Virtual Effects in Digital Artistry
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In the bustling world of visual effects (VFX), Katie Morris stands out as a 2D and 3D digital paint and roto artist who has worked on over 82 feature films, including the Transformers series, Thor: Ragnarok, and Avengers: Endgame.
Morris's current toolkit includes Boris FX Silhouette and Foundry Nuke, which she uses to bring her artistic vision to life. One of her favourite features in Silhouette 2020 is the Show Shapes, a tool that allows shapes to be displayed in a paint node and used selectively as a mask to paint with.
Before making her mark in VFX, Morris was finishing up her MBA in Arts Administration and working in the Fine Arts field in San Francisco as an art consultant. However, her passion for art and technology drew her towards a new challenge, and she transitioned into the VFX industry.
Morris's favourite films include Contact, Jurassic Park, Pride and Prejudice, and the new Apollo 11 documentary. She advises her younger self to not limit herself, to explore different experiences, and to embrace resiliency and the ability to adapt.
To prepare for a big project, Morris ensures she is up-to-date on the latest techniques that are needed for the project. She finds energy for long work sessions through CrossFit, running, Cafe Americano, and potato chips. When she needs a break, a two-hour trail run in the mountains or an adventure that takes her out of her comfort zone, such as ziplining or nighttime ocean swimming, helps her recharge.
Morris is also passionate about the ocean and would like to collaborate with directors like James Cameron and filmmakers who specialize in underwater and ocean exploration documentaries. Her goal is to raise awareness about protecting the ocean.
In her work, Morris relies heavily on the on-screen controls to adjust the clone source while in Interactive mode, the Grade/Filter controls for colour matching in combination with the compare mode, the flexibility and productivity while doing roto that is enhanced by using layers and tracking, and the ROI feature in Silhouette. She has also developed a few shortcuts, such as using the "C" key for the clone brush and having a Python script that rebinds the "1" and "2" keys to decrease or increase the brush opacity.
Morris's work has been featured in several films, including A.I. Artificial Intelligence, Transformers: Age of Extinction, and The Revenant. She has even been an extra in Star Trek: Generations and is referenced in the book "Star Trek: The Next Generation Sketch Book: The Movies, Generations & First Contact."
Despite the lack of specific information about her personal career path or transition into the industry, it is clear that Katie Morris's passion, creativity, and resilience have played a significant role in her success as a VFX artist.
- Katie Morris's transition into the VFX industry was sparked by her passion for art and technology.
- In her current role as a 2D and 3D digital paint and roto artist, Morris utilizes gadgets like Boris FX Silhouette and Foundry Nuke, and leverages technology such as the Show Shapes tool in Silhouette 2020.
