Software solutions in an exciting and rapidly developing industry

In 2012, Victoria University launched a new postgraduate programme in Computer Graphics, developed in conjunction with movie visual effects company Weta Digital, games company PikPok and former advanced technology company Fingertapps. The programme combines courses from Computer Science and Design, thereby giving students mastery of existing animations and game techniques as well as the ability to create new types of software and effects.

Richard Roberts, who is completing a PhD thesis in Computer Graphics, is working on an algorithm that will allow animators to create cartoons more easily. It will let them exaggerate the motion of their characters beyond the laws of physics, using a knob to tune the energy of an animation.

Richard realised that in order to understand animation he needed to learn to draw. "You wouldn't design a race car without learning to drive, so I thought I'd better get drawing."

Richard completed his undergraduate degree at the School of Design, but moved to the School of Engineering and Computer Science for his PhD, as his work was becoming increasingly technical. His supervisor, John Lewis, was another drawcard.

Richard says the switch to Engineering has been challenging. "The math side of things was pretty new to me. It's been a challenge, but an enjoyable one."

During his undergraduate degree, Richard enjoyed an internship at Weta, where he worked on an asset-tracking system that gives animators an overview of where assets are and provides a way for artists and technicians to communicate with each other. His work even got him into the credits for The Adventures of Tintin. Richard's time at Weta convinced him of where he wanted to be and propelled him into Master's and then PhD study.

This year, Richard is working in Tokyo for 10 months as an intern for an animation studio famous for the Pokemon and Tamagotchi series. He is part of an international team that specialises in animation, modelling, computer graphics and special effects. He says living in Tokyo, a city of 13 million people, adds to the experience.