Member Profile: Shuyi Yang
1. What do you do, and how long have you been doing it?
I was a 3D artist specialized in lighting earlier in my career. Then, I transitioned into the role as a VFX Coordinator for about three years now. The most recent show I coordinated was Avatar: The Last Airbender.
2. What was your first job?
I was inspired from my participation at SIGGRAPH as SV to develop my career in the film industry. My first job after graduating from college was a Runner at Framestore. It offered me a rich experience of what it’s like to work in a VFX studio, and how different departments work together.
3. Where did you complete your formal education?
I went to Carleton University in Ottawa for Interactive Multimedia Design. I also took Industrial Design and Film Studies courses, in which I learned some fundamental knowledge of coding, various types of design and film history. I have also obtained a one year diploma in Computer Animation, Visual Effects and Game Design from Think Tank Training Centre, where I built my hands on experience of visual effects pipeline from modeling to compositing and specialized in lighting and compositing. I was a compositor for a short film called Nectar.
4. How did you first get involved with ACM SIGGRAPH?
In the winter term of 2016, I went to a presentation of the Student Volunteer Program conducted by two seniors from my university. I was inspired to participate in such a world class conference to learn about the possible career in the creative industry. Then I became an SV at SIGGRAPH 2016 in Anaheim, which motivated and encouraged me to explore potential careers in the VFX sector. I’m still in touch with some people who guided me through my career that I connected with that year.
5. What is your favorite memory of a SIGGRAPH conference?
I was part of SIGGRAPH Asia 2019 SV Production team as a video editor. It was my first time traveling to Brisbane, Australia. We made two short videos per day during the conference, one about the different programs, and one about the Student Volunteer Program. Together as a team, we went to pick up camera and lighting equipment from Griffith University, and drove to various locations in Brisbane to shoot B-roll footage. Working with Team Leaders and SVSC at University of Queensland to shoot video was a unique experience. It was a super fun and memorable week collaborating with cameramen, producers and editors. Being part of a team at SIGGRAPH feels like a second family that extends beyond the duration of the conference.
6. Describe a project that you would like to share with the ACM SIGGRAPH community.
The last Netflix show I was involved in is called Avatar: The Last Airbender. I was part of the visual effects team as a lighting coordinator during the last six months of the production. Everyone contributed tremendous effort in both technical and creative aspects. Coming to support the talented artists and supervisors each day felt fulfilling and rewarding. There were a lot of hustles and changes in team structure and delivery directions. I’m honored to be one of the connecting dots in the show to deliver this visual effects heavy show that roots back to my Asian culture and identity.
7. If you could have dinner with one living or non-living person, who would it be and why?
Living: I would like to have dinner with Domee Shi. She is a Chinese Canadian who directed the renowned short film Bao and feature film Turning Red. Her stories resonate with many other Chinese Canadians, and my own experience growing up. I am curious to know the behind the scene process of blending her own cultural background into her creative vision.
Non-living: I would really want to meet and have dinner with my mom side grandpa who passed away in 2016 when I was pursuing my undergraduate studies in Canada. He showed compassion and care for his family. He wrote a book about family history and recorded videos to collect memories of family events. When he was alive, would always invite me over to have dinner with him but I often found excuses. If I have another chance to have dinner with him, I would show him my love for him and converse about meaningful things in life.
8. What is something most people don’t know about you?
I’m a regular at open mic events in Vancouver, but I don’t really play or sing at open mic. I’m mainly there to support my friends who are passionate about music and enjoy the good vibe while connecting with the community I’m living in. I enjoy playing piano in my free time, so maybe I will play some classic songs at an open mic one day.
9. From which single individual have you learned the most in your life? What did they teach you?
I’m heavily influenced by my parents, especially my mom. She has taught me to always think ahead and be prepared for any change in life. She has been my role model growing up, that’s why I think it’s important as a woman to have career goals and be able to independently support myself financially.
10. Is there someone in particular who has influenced your decision to work with ACM SIGGRAPH?
Munkhtsetseg Nandigjav (Muunuu) has been a female leader within SIGGRAPH that I look up to. She was my Student Volunteer Chair in 2017, and her care for team leaders and student volunteers through her dedication and passion motivated and inspired me to come back in the following year as a team leader. Her involvement with SIGGRAPH at large and her down to earth and humble attitude showed me what a female leader should be. I hope I can continue to contribute to SIGGRAPH in any capacity as long as I can.
11. What can you point to in your career as your proudest moment?
My proudest moment was when I got relocated from China back to Montreal, Canada to work at MPC (Technicolor) as a VFX Coordinator. From that moment on, my career accelerated and I was able to continue developing my professional career in production management and be part of big budget movie projects.