Week 5

February 03-08, 2026

Week 5 marked the beginning of a more focused push on FX refinement and particle behavior, with mentors providing targeted feedback to help clarify the relationship between particles, paint, and the printed result.

Mentors Feedback

Most of the feedback this week centered on particle readability, motion, and material behavior. Mentors pointed out that the particles currently feel too solid and defined, reading more like glitter than pigment. We were encouraged to push toward a more chalky, liquid-like paint behavior, using smaller particles, greater variation in scale, and increased density while avoiding clustering at the center.

Another recurring note was the lack of a clear visual connection between the particles and the printed surface, particularly in Shot 3. Suggestions included ensuring particles continue moving until they reach the painting, improving collider interactions so they feel intentional rather than accidental, and reinforcing the transition from particles to paint through motion blur, trails, layered simulations, and smoke or volume passes.

Lighting was also emphasized as a critical factor. Once again mentors suggested allowing the particles to act as a light source through emission, reducing specular highlights, and using lighting spill to better integrate the particles into the scene. Shot pacing and camera movement were addressed as well, with recommendations to tighten shot lengths while maintaining logical camera flow.

Shot 4 was identified as a strong layout reference, but after discussion, we decided to restructure the sequence and consolidate shots for clarity.

Week 5 Work Plan

Based on this feedback, we established the following plan:

• Combine Shot 3-5 - Itim/Riley

• Shot 2/3 get more lighting spill - Benji/Sofia

• Shot 5 get bumping map accordingly - Benji

• Shot 1 get lighting to be warm on the particles and cold behind - Benji

FX Testing

• Shot 2 Particle Simulation + emittion - Yiqi

• Add trail to particles or change shape - Itim/Riley

• Shot 4 particle to image Simulation / Check colider - Riley

• Add more volume and tin the particles - Yiqi

Compositing

• Get AOVs passes render for Shot 1-3 - Team

• LED light test - Sofia

Structural Update

As part of this iteration, we decided to remove Shot 4 from the sequence. Moving forward, Shots 1 and 3 will serve as our hero shots, allowing us to concentrate our efforts on fewer moments and strengthen their visual impact.

My Focus This Week

Since this week marked the start of a new FX direction, my focus has been on supporting lighting integration and compositing needs, particularly for Shots 2 and 3. This includes preparing for updated AOV passes, assisting with lighting spill tests, and continuing LED light testing to ensure consistency as the particle system evolves.