I am a passionate artist with 15 years experience in 3D graphics, and over 10 years experience creating cutting-edge visual effects for games. I am interested in using the latest tools and software to create new methods for creating better VFX.• Deep knowledge of Houdini for creating vector fields, flipbooks, vertex animated textures and HDA's.• Extensive experience using Unreal. Cascade, Niagara, shaders and blueprints.• Worked on the design and implementation of most run-time and tool systems for creating game VFX as well as coming up with new ideas for better particle effects.• Comprehensive knowledge of creating optimised effects for all sorts of game titles, to meet hardware limitations, whilst producing the highest quality results.• Solid understanding of the animation of particle motion and the creation of animated textures and meshes for many different types of effects.• Coded tools to simplify complex problems, eliminate repetitive tasks and help artists work efficiently.• Good project planning and team-working skills, co-ordinating small teams to tight deadlines.• Excellent problem solving skills through troubleshooting workflows and debugging effects tools.• Self-taught all software, art skills and programming languages currently used.Specialties: Houdini, Unreal, designing propritetary tool systems, 3ds max, Maxscript, Photoshop, Softimage, Zbrush, Maya, Premier
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Lead Vfx ArtistAct Iii LtdHove, Gb -
Lead Vfx ArtistAct Iii Ltd Sep 2024 - PresentBrighton, England, United Kingdom -
Lead Vfx ArtistStudio Gobo Sep 2023 - Sep 2024Brighton, England, United Kingdom -
Principal Vfx ArtistStudio Gobo Nov 2022 - Sep 2023 -
Senior Vfx ArtistStudio Gobo Aug 2018 - Nov 2022Brighton, United Kingdom2018-2022 Hogwarts Legacy -
Senior Vfx ArtistCreative Assembly Mar 2016 - Aug 2018Horsham -
Senior Vfx ArtistThe Chinese Room Sep 2013 - Mar 2016Brighton, United KingdomSole VFX artist with responsibilities for all particle effects work, rigid body simulations the creation of most cutscenes and animation in Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture.• Designed and created all ambient effects, abstract light effects and character effects• Animated all characters in the projects 80 scenes and setup most of the animation in the title• Contributed conceptual game ideas and involved with the development of game mechanics• All rigid body setups with ropes, cloth, constraints and physics objects• Developed look and movement of AI entities in the game• Setup all water volumes and created flow maps for water flow direction throughout project• Learned most areas of Cryengine but focused on particle effects, in-engine animation systems (trackview) and node-based design system (flowgraph)• Strong understanding of Modo, used to create and pose characters for scenes and create geometry for project
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Vfx ArtistRebellion Nov 2012 - Sep 2013Oxford, United Kingdom• Outlining new features for the VFX system to create better effects and to add key features for slow-motion effects• Creating new texture maps using Maya, Max, Softimage, fumefx and photoshop• Creating new vfx across the game and creating slow-motion effects for key moments• Developing Javascript plug-ins for Photoshop to simplify the creation of animating textures -
Experienced Vfx Artist - Acting Group Lead Vfx ArtistCodemasters Sep 2007 - Oct 2011Guildford, United KingdomActing lead VFX artist for the final months of Bodycount.Offered 'Group Lead VFX Artist' position at end of project.Experienced visual effects artist for the games GRID, OFP2 and Dirt2.• Completed the final pass on all effects, and managed the completion of all vfx work for Bodycount.• On Bodycount, created all muzzle flashes, impact effects, atmospheric and environment effects.• Created all decals and lens flares and helped develop grading and volume light system on Bodycount.• Worked with main VFX programmer in the design and implementation of all VFX run-time systems, pipeline and tools for Bodycount and designed new techniques for producing better effects.• Coordinated and managed a small team in an external office to complete work to a tight schedule.• Setup main design and project planning documents for future vfx run-time systems in Codemasters.• Created many effects for GRID, OFP2 and Dirt2 including fireworks, crashes, impact effects, atmospherics, environment effects, kickup effects as well as particle lighting. • Created tools for batch editing, analysis and optimisation of particle systems. -
3D DeveloperUrban Circus Nov 2006 - May 2007Brisbane, AustraliaCreated 3D scenes of massive urban planning areas for a real-time interactive engine.• Developed artist tools to make it easier to populate large scenes with 3D content.• Coded tools which analysed massive CAD data-sets, then automated population of 3D environments.• Built many 3D environments and assets in 3dsmax and Softimage for interactive 3D applications. -
3D GeneralistAtlas Interactive Ltd Jun 2001 - Mar 2006Aberdeen, United KingdomCreated both complex rendered projects for DVD as well as interactive, low-poly environments for real-time, web-deployed applications.• Controlled most 3D projects in Atlas Interactive through entire production. From initial client meeting, design, source-material collection, creation of all 2D and 3D assets, to final signoff.• Travelled to various countries to collect source material, photos & relevant CAD files for projects.• Excellent communication skills, through meeting clients and identifying their project needs.• Gained a deep working knowledge of creating graphics, working on a wide range of real-time and rendered projects. (eg. 3D models of oilrigs, boats, underwater machinery, mechanical equipment)• Designed, built and coded both 2D and 3D interactive web-based content in Flash and Director.• Interpreted CAD drawings of machinery and facilities to create accurate 3D models.
James Watt Education Details
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Electronic And Communications Engineering -
Mintlaw Academy
Frequently Asked Questions about James Watt
What company does James Watt work for?
James Watt works for Act Iii Ltd
What is James Watt's role at the current company?
James Watt's current role is Lead VFX Artist.
What schools did James Watt attend?
James Watt attended The Robert Gordon University, Mintlaw Academy.
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James Watt
Redhill -
James Watt
London
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