Introduction to Ziva VFX: Volume 1
Soft Tissue Simulation Using Ziva VFX, Maya & Wrap3D With Madhav Shyam
Description
Learn the basics of Ziva VFX with a focus on building deformation rigs and developing workflow practices to help you quickly create production-ready creatures and characters. Instructor Madhav Shyam, Creature Supervisor at Ghost VFX, covers all the essential aspects of modeling, rigging and animation that you need to know to create realistic results.
With the modeling basics covered, Madhav dives into building an arm simulation rig from scratch. For this exercise, he uses the Sorceress Supreme model from Marcus Whinney as the base. The focus then shifts briefly to utilizing Python scripting in Maya to assist with the builds, before jumping into the final segment of the workshop: wrapping the asset and simulating the tissue. Using Ziva’s anatomy transfer tool, Madhav teaches how you can quickly morph their free assets into your own custom characters.
This workshop aims to teach all the necessary skills you need to build a production-ready Ziva simulation rig. In addition to the Sorceress Supreme model by Marcus Whinney, Madhav also uses the free Mr. Ink asset available from the Ziva store to those with an active Ziva VFX license.
Continue watching Introduction to Ziva VFX: Volume 2 and dive deeper into soft-tissue simulation to complete the build of the Sorceress character.
Duration: 7h 55m
Format: HD 1920x1080
Madhav Shyam
Creature Supervisor at Ghost VFX
Madhav Shyam is a CFX Lead, TD, and 3D Generalist at Chemistry Films, specializing in creature development for production. His work focuses on building and simulating complex creature systems, combining technical precision with artistic detail to bring characters to life on screen.
Over the course of his career, Madhav has contributed to major feature films including The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Troll, Slumberland, and 65. He was also credited by The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for Emmy Award–winning projects, including Star Trek: Discovery (2021, Outstanding Visual Effects) and The Dragon Prince (2020, Outstanding Children's Animated Series).
Madhav began his journey in visual effects and animation in Bangalore, India, in 2012. Over the past decade, his career has taken him across three continents, shaping his global perspective and expertise in creature-focused visual effects.
