Richard Southern – Foundry

Lead Research Engineer

Richard is a Lead Developer for Katana at Foundry, and previously head of the National Centre for Computer Animation at Bournemouth University. He has undertaken research in many areas of Computer Graphics, including dynamical modelling, fluid simulation, geometry processing, virtual reality and real-time rendering. In collaboration with partners in the Visual Effects industry he continues to develop high performance and practical solutions to many problems related to film production.

Foundry has a 25-year heritage developing creative software for the Media and Entertainment industry and a portfolio of award-winning products. It advances the art and technology of visual experience with creative leaders around the globe, including major feature film studios and post-production houses such as ILM, DNEG, Pitch Black, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Wētā FX, Pixar, Marvel, Netflix, Framestore and Technicolor Creative Studios.

In partnership with these companies, Foundry solves complex visualization challenges to turn incredible ideas into reality. Its products are used to create breathtaking visual effects and animation on a wide range of feature films, episodic content and commercials.

About Foundry

Foundry software was integral in the making of every VFX Academy Award-winning film for the past decade and has been recognized and honored at the highest level in the industry, including four Academy Sci-Tech awards for Mari, Katana, Nuke and Furnace, two HPA Engineering Excellence awards for Flix and Nuke respectively, and an Engineering Emmy for Nuke.

Founded in 1996, Foundry is headquartered in London, with over 300 people worldwide and a presence in the US, Canada, China, Japan, Australia and Ireland.