EXPERTS in visual special effects have met the next generation of tech enthusiasts to celebrate the start of a week-long digital innovation festival in Stirling.
California-based Ben Vonzastrow, technical lead of Tippett Studio – the special effects masterminds behind blockbusters like Jurassic Park and Star Wars – met with visiting pupils from Bridge of Allan Primary School to give them a taster of the experiences planned for DigiFest.
DigiFest aims to highlight Scotland as a global leader in digital innovation in the heritage sector. Designed for families, young people and tech enthusiasts, the range of free events and activities will allow visitors to explore new technologies in areas like 3D modelling and printing, augmented reality, virtual reality, gaming, animation, robotics and coding.
Vonzastrow, whose work includes credits on films such as Matrix Revolutions, Cloverfield and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, said: “Working in the entertainment field offers many rewards. But one of the greatest for me has always been the marriage of entertainment, art, and history in a way that not only opens up previously hidden or long-lost worlds to new audiences, but does so in a way that may take audiences by surprise – leaving them with a little knowledge when their only intent had been to be entertained.
“It was a delight meeting with the young people of Bridge of Allan Primary and it’s great to see DigiFest giving young people access to technology which can safeguard the built environment around them.”
One of the masterclasses on offer will see Tippett animator, David Lauer, showcase the creation of Star Wars’ ‘Holochess’ stop-motion monster puppets in the 1970s and then re-creating a digital version for this year’s Solo instalment of the franchise.
Other events on offer through the week include talks from video game Assassin’s Creed’s historical researcher and robot races with Sphero SPRK, a robot toy which teaches children how to code.
The public events, which are taking place at The Engine Shed, start today and will continue through to Saturday 20.
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