Transformers - Rise of the Beasts

Optimus Primal Character Modelling

In 2022 I had the opportunity to work on a number characters for Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. As well as working on a few other characters I primarily worked on Optimus Primal and Battletrap.

When I first joined the show I picked up Battletrap during it’s early building stages and saw the character through till final approval of the character.
My responsibilities included interpreting 2D and 3D concept material to realise the character in 3D space, hard surface modelling, hardsurface retopology, asset optimisation, management of complex asset hierarchy and large numbers of UDIMS. I was also responsible for tackling any technical issues that involved liaising with other departments such as Rigging, Texturing and Lookdev.
With such complex mechanical characters it was important to have a strong relationship with the Rigging department to ensure we could figure out complex joint insertions and movement issues.

For Optimus Primal, I was trusted with more responsibility on the built as I took on the responsibilities of Lead modeller. As well as the above tasks, I had the chance to contribute some additional concept sculpting to fill in the gaps missing from the 2D concept art and led a small team of junior artists who helped with retopology and some other modelling tasks.

The Optimus Primal Character Model was then 3D printed into giant life size sculptures for the promotion of the film. I was put in charge of prepping the model for printing which in it self as a difficult challenge to overcome. Overall it was a mammoth task to get Primal finished but the team did an amazing job and the big fella will always hold a special place in my heart.