Ambrose McDuffy
Oakland,CA
Summary
Experienced in visual effects and animation, with notable contributions to acclaimed films such as 'Black Panther', 'Doctor Strange', and 'Jojo Rabbit'. Demonstrates expertise in matchmoving, 3D tracking, and character animation, blending artistic skills with technical knowledge. Proficient in Autodesk Maya, MotionBuilder, and Python, skilled in developing tools that enhance production workflows and creative processes. Committed to advancing visual storytelling by integrating innovative technology with creative artistry."
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Technical Director-Render/R&D
Pixar Animation Studios
09.2022 - Current
- Conducted a comprehensive study on integrating Large Language Models (LLMs) into documentation workflows, potentially leading to a 33% reduction in time spent finding relevant information
- Enhanced rendering processes for improved speed and quality.
- Revamped the Dailies application, resulting in better render scheduling and resource allocation.
- Collaborated with the R&D team in applying Generative Models for pre-production concept art, anticipated to significantly reduce conceptualization time — potentially from hours to mere minutes — thereby greatly enhancing creative innovation and efficiency.
- Participated in an R&D project exploring Neural Radiance Fields (NeRFs) for character relighting, potentially enhancing visual realism and streamlining production lighting setup
Technical Artist
RockStar Games
06.2021 - 08.2022
- Created a Timeline Note-Taking application in MotionBuilder, significantly improving project tracking and collaborative efficiency for animation teams.
- Developed an Automated Dailies Publishing Tool for rendering shots, streamlining the review process and reducing turnaround time by 50%.
- Collaboratively brainstormed with the Camera Team, leading to the ideation and conceptualization of innovative tool solutions, enhancing future project workflows.
- Successfully refactored existing software tools, boosting overall operational efficiency and performance by 10%, facilitating smoother project execution.
Tracking/Matchmove Artist/Animation
Luma Pictures
02.2016 - 06.2021
- Developed a Python-based 3D-Point Tracker Converter to bridge different 3D tracking platforms (PFTrack, 3DEqualizer, Syntheyes), addressing compatibility issues at Luma Pictures. This tool efficiently facilitated in-house revisions of outsourced tracking scenes, avoiding delays and saving up to two days per project by enabling seamless integration of diverse tracking data
- Invented a Python tool for Camera Focal and Sensor-Size conversion to correct filmback and focal length in tracked scenes, effectively eliminating the need to retrack shots. This tool enhanced accuracy and efficiency in post-production processes at Luma Pictures, preserving project timelines and resource allocation.
- Skillfully executed matchmoving for cloth, face, and body, playing a crucial role in achieving realistic digital replacements and dynamic shadow/interaction effects. This work significantly elevated the visual authenticity and interaction quality in complex VFX sequences.
3D Artist
The Mill
01.2015 - 11.2015
- Expertly hand-key animated production-ready rigs in Autodesk Maya for a Bayer commercial, contributing to high-quality visual storytelling.
- Executed precise 3D tracking and layout for a General Motors TV spot, ensuring accurate spatial representation and visual coherence.
- Delivered engaging character animation for a Dairy-Queen advertisement using After Effects, enhancing the ad's appeal and effectiveness.
Education
Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python
MITx
Data Structures & Algorithms
Udacity
Deep-Learning Specialization
Coursera
Deep-Learning Nanodegree
Udacity
Machine-Learning Engineer Nano-Degree
Udacity
Data Analyst Nanodegree
Udacity
Associate Degree in Animation and Design - Digital Media Design
Harold Washington College
Chicago, IL03.2010
Skills
- Python
- C
- HTML
- CSS
- Bootstrap
- Pytorch
- Keras
- Tensorflow
- AWS
- Heroku
- Flask
- BeautifulSoup
- Matplotlib
- Seaborn
Side Projects
- Facial Tracking with Machine Learning for VFX, Utilized PFTrack software to create a Novel Dataset. Created an Automated Facial Tracking system for VFX packages needed for facial replacement points. Utilized PyTorch and Conv-Nets to Transformed, Train, and Evaluate the Machine-Learning model.
- Star Trek Character App, Created an Application to predict which Star Trek Character someone resembles out of 15 classes of characters. Used Google image downloader to download the characters images from the web. Manually cleaned the data. Used VGG-16 pretrained Conv-Net to train the model.
Timeline
Technical Director-Render/R&D
Pixar Animation Studios
09.2022 - Current
Technical Artist
RockStar Games
06.2021 - 08.2022
Tracking/Matchmove Artist/Animation
Luma Pictures
02.2016 - 06.2021
3D Artist
The Mill
01.2015 - 11.2015
Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python
MITx
Data Structures & Algorithms
Udacity
Deep-Learning Specialization
Coursera
Deep-Learning Nanodegree
Udacity
Machine-Learning Engineer Nano-Degree
Udacity
Data Analyst Nanodegree
Udacity
Associate Degree in Animation and Design - Digital Media Design
Harold Washington College
Similar Profiles
Adrian MaruriAdrian Maruri
Recording Engineer, Dialogue Mixer at Pixar Animation StudiosRecording Engineer, Dialogue Mixer at Pixar Animation Studios
Caleb HsuCaleb Hsu
Music Production Specialist at Walt Disney & Pixar Animation StudiosMusic Production Specialist at Walt Disney & Pixar Animation Studios
Ryan RustRyan Rust
Cafe Host at Pixar Animation StudiosCafe Host at Pixar Animation Studios
Rosana VaughanRosana Vaughan
Accounts Payable Specialist at Pixar Animation StudiosAccounts Payable Specialist at Pixar Animation Studios
Bereket TekieBereket Tekie
B.S.N at SAWA HOSPITALB.S.N at SAWA HOSPITAL