‘The Matrix’, ‘Bullet Time’ VFX innovator wins SMPTE Progress Medal – The Hollywood Reporter
Two VFX pros behind the groundbreaking 1999 sci-fi thriller matrix will receive the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers’ highest honor, the Progress Medal, next week at the SMPTE awards ceremony that concludes the annual Media Technology Summit.
John Christopher Gaeta and Kim Libreri will be recognized for their contributions to emerging technologies, including virtual production, volumetric capture, and, most notably, the digital effects they pioneered in the original version, according to the announcement. It is said to include some “bullet time.” matrix movie. As a VFX supervisor, Gaeta won an Oscar for the following films: matrix; Libreri provided technical supervision of the production.
Since then, Gaeta has co-founded ILMxLAB and collaborated with various entertainment technology developers. Mr. Libreri currently serves as Chief Technology Officer at Epic Games and has been instrumental in bringing the power of Unreal Engine to film and television.
“The work of our honorees has impacted countless people,” said SMPTE Executive Director David Grindle. “Being able to recognize them and their impact on the art and science of media is an opportunity to shine a light on people who are largely unrecognized.”
The SMPTE Media Technology Summit will be held in Hollywood from October 16th to 19th, with the awards ceremony scheduled for October 19th at the Ray Dolby Ballroom.