
SIGGRAPH Spotlight
SIGGRAPH Spotlight is a podcast that explores cutting-edge projects and topics in computer graphics and interactive techniques, one episode at a time. Episodes are hosted by ACM SIGGRAPH leaders and feature experts spanning everything from animation and visual effects to engineering and virtual reality.
This show was founded as an extension of ACM SIGGRAPH's annual conference.
Latest episodes

Jul 28, 2023 • 33min
68 - Electronic Theater Award Winner: 'Overwatch: Kiriko'
ABOUT THE EPISODE
In this episode of SIGGRAPH Spotlight, join SIGGRAPH 2024 Electronic Theater chair John Kalaigian as he sits down with the visionary director of the short film "Overwatch: Kiriko," Jeramiah Johnson. This awe-inspiring animated film has taken the industry by storm, winning a prestigious SIGGRAPH Electronic Theater Award and capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide. Discover the creative process, technological innovations, and artistic brilliance that brought this masterpiece to life, as Jeramiah Johnson shares his insights and experiences in crafting this groundbreaking work of art. Tune in to explore the secrets behind "Overwatch: Kiriko" and gain an exclusive glimpse into the future of animated storytelling.
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MUSIC
Podcast theme, "SIGGRAPH," composed by Julius Dobos.
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LINKS
*Episode*
graphics.stanford.edu/~levoy/ | www.dylansisson.com/ | youtu.be/suldiYQWSR0 | www.jimblinn.com/
*Social Media*
blog.siggraph.org/ | www.facebook.com/SIGGRAPHConferences | twitter.com/siggraph | www.youtube.com/user/ACMSIGGRAPH | www.instagram.com/acmsiggraph/ | www.linkedin.com/company/acm-siggraph/
*Conference Website*
s2023.siggraph.org/

Jul 10, 2023 • 41min
67 – Bunny, Teapot, and Legends Unveiled: A Journey Through Computer Graphics History
ABOUT THE EPISODE
Join us for a special SIGGRAPH Spotlight episode with industry leaders Marc Levoy and Dylan Sisson, hosted by SIGGRAPH 2023 History Chair Bonnie Mitchell. Uncover the fascinating tales behind computer graphics icons — the Stanford Bunny and Utah Teapot — and celebrate their enduring significance. Plus, don't miss a surprise appearance from CG legend Jim Blinn!
Special thank you to SIGGRAPH 2023 Media Partner befores & afters.
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MUSIC
Podcast theme, "SIGGRAPH," composed by Julius Dobos.
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LINKS
*Media Partner*
https://beforesandafters.com/
*Episode*
http://graphics.stanford.edu/~levoy/ | https://www.dylansisson.com/ | https://youtu.be/suldiYQWSR0 | https://www.jimblinn.com/
*Social Media*
http://blog.siggraph.org/ | https://www.facebook.com/SIGGRAPHConferences | https://twitter.com/siggraph | https://www.youtube.com/user/ACMSIGGRAPH | https://www.instagram.com/acmsiggraph/ | https://www.linkedin.com/company/acm-siggraph/
*Conference Website*
https://s2023.siggraph.org/

Jun 12, 2023 • 40min
66 – The Winning Formula: ACM SIGGRAPH Student Research Competition Winners Edition
ABOUT THE EPISODE
This SIGGRAPH Spotlight episode features past winners of the ACM Student Research Competition. Hosted by SIGGRAPH 2023 Posters Chair James Tompkin, this episode offers an exciting opportunity to delve into the exceptional research projects and experiences of Aaron Demolder, Jessica Baron, Dario Lanza, and Vincent Loi.
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MUSIC
Podcast theme, "SIGGRAPH," composed by Julius Dobos.
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LINKS
*Episode*
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3450618.3469161 | https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3450618.3469177 | https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3548814.3551462 | https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3450618.3469179 | https://youtu.be/xtJSBCzO4wA?t=194
*Social Media*
http://blog.siggraph.org/ | https://www.facebook.com/SIGGRAPHConferences | https://twitter.com/siggraph | https://www.youtube.com/user/ACMSIGGRAPH | https://www.instagram.com/acmsiggraph/ | https://www.linkedin.com/company/acm-siggraph/
*Conference Website*
https://s2023.siggraph.org/

May 5, 2023 • 44min
65 - Ray Tracing in Video Games
Cem Yuksel invites experts to discuss ray tracing in video games, covering advancements and challenges, lighting setup, dominance of artist tools, real-time ray tracing progress, and the possibility of replacing rasterization with ray tracing in 3D games.

Feb 24, 2023 • 40min
64 – What’s on the Horizon for Space Discovery and Exploration?
ABOUT THE EPISODE
In the spirit of SIGGRAPH 2023, this episode reflects on the past and how it’s led us to the bold and imaginative future ahead through the lens of NASA. SIGGRAPH 2023 Electronic Theater Director Kalina Borkiewicz catches up with Jim Blinn and Dan Goods, who share insights and stories from their experiences with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). They also discuss what pop culture gets right about space travel and exploration and what’s on the horizon for space discovery in the future.
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MUSIC
Podcast theme, "SIGGRAPH," composed by Julius Dobos.
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LINKS
*Episode*
https://www.jimblinn.com/magrathea | https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/thestudio
*Social Media*
http://blog.siggraph.org/ | https://www.facebook.com/SIGGRAPHConferences | https://twitter.com/siggraph | https://www.youtube.com/user/ACMSIGGRAPH | https://www.instagram.com/acmsiggraph/ | https://www.linkedin.com/company/acm-siggraph/
*Conference Website*
https://s2023.siggraph.org/

Jan 27, 2023 • 50min
63 – The Evolution of Art: From Human Perspective to Tech-driven Innovation
ABOUT THE EPISODE
This SIGGRAPH Spotlight episode features well-known and successful artists and curators in the industry. Join SIGGRAPH 2023 Art Papers Chair Nicolas Henchoz as he moderates a discussion between Paola Antonelli, curator for Design and Innovation at the MoMA in New York City, and Martin Honzik, chief curatorial officer of Ars Electronica Linz. Hear their thoughts on tech-driven innovation, the evolution of the metaverse, the relevance of design in today's society, and more.
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MUSIC
Podcast theme, "SIGGRAPH," composed by Julius Dobos.
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*Episode*
https://www.instagram.com/paolantonelli | http://neveralonegame.com/ | https://ars.electronica.art/festival/en/
*Social Media*
http://blog.siggraph.org/ | https://www.facebook.com/SIGGRAPHConferences | https://twitter.com/siggraph | https://www.youtube.com/user/ACMSIGGRAPH | https://www.instagram.com/acmsiggraph/ | https://www.linkedin.com/company/acm-siggraph/
*Conference Website*
https://s2023.siggraph.org/

Dec 8, 2022 • 45min
62 - Latinas in CG, Part 2
ABOUT THE EPISODE
SIGGRAPH 2022 Student Volunteer Program Chair Diana Arellano sits down with Technical Art Manager Mila Feijóo and Production Supervisor Dení C. Gloria to discuss leadership as Latina women in the computer graphics industry. Tune in to part two of this two-part SIGGRAPH Spotlight mini-series.
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MUSIC
Podcast theme, “SIGGRAPH,” composed by Julius Dobos
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LINKS
*Episode*
https://www.linkedin.com/in/milafeijoo/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/denigloria/
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7517107/
*Social Media*
http://blog.siggraph.org/ | https://www.facebook.com/SIGGRAPHConferences | https://twitter.com/siggraph | https://www.youtube.com/user/ACMSIGGRAPH | https://www.instagram.com/acmsiggraph/ | https://www.linkedin.com/company/acm-siggraph/
*Conference Website*
https://s2023.siggraph.org/

Dec 2, 2022 • 28min
61 – Roving Reporter Rewind: A Conversation With Aaron Hertzmann and Rebecca Strzelec
ABOUT THE EPISODE
Whether you caught it on the livestream or hearing it for the first time, revisit this special re-airing of a SIGGRAPH 2022 Roving Reporter interview featuring Aaron Hertzmann and Rebecca Strzelec. Listen in to an insightful discussion about creating and appreciating art, as well as favorite SIGGRAPH moments and memories.
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MUSIC
Podcast theme, "SIGGRAPH," composed by Julius Dobos.
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LINKS
*Social Media*
http://blog.siggraph.org/ | https://www.facebook.com/SIGGRAPHConferences | https://twitter.com/siggraph | https://www.youtube.com/user/ACMSIGGRAPH | https://www.instagram.com/acmsiggraph/ | https://www.linkedin.com/company/acm-siggraph/
*Conference Website*
https://s2023.siggraph.org/

Nov 18, 2022 • 42min
60 – Latinas in CG, Part 1
ABOUT THE EPISODE
This special two-part SIGGRAPH Spotlight mini-series features incredibly gifted Latinas in the computer graphics field. In part one, join Diana Arellano, SIGGRAPH 2022 Student Volunteer Chair, as she sits down with Laura Morales Laines and Ana Cecilia Balliache Liendo to learn more about their careers, heritage, experiences working abroad, and upcoming projects.
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MUSIC
Podcast theme, "SIGGRAPH," composed by Julius Dobos.
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LINKS
*Episode*
https://www.instagram.com/corazonjaguar | https://skydance.com/news/skydance-new-media-joins-forces-with-marvel-entertainment-to-create-an-all-new-interactive-title/ | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2f5JMCX1-7I&ab_channel=Skydance
*Social Media*
http://blog.siggraph.org/ | https://www.facebook.com/SIGGRAPHConferences | https://twitter.com/siggraph | https://www.youtube.com/user/ACMSIGGRAPH | https://www.instagram.com/acmsiggraph/ | https://www.linkedin.com/company/acm-siggraph/
*Conference Website*
https://s2023.siggraph.org/

Oct 20, 2022 • 24min
59 – Art Behind the Eyes: ‘Imagraph’
ABOUT THE EPISODE
Whether you waited in line to experience “Imagraph” in Vancouver or not, you don’t want to miss this deep dive behind the scenes of this popular SIGGRAPH 2022 Art Gallery project. Listen in as SIGGRAPH 2022 Art Gallery Chair Daria Tsoupikova speaks with “Imagraph” creator Goki Muramoto. Hear about the inspiration behind the project and why Muramoto chose to focus on sight and the eyes, and enjoy a lively conversation between these two artists.
A special thank you to Miho Aoki, who served as a translator for this episode.
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MUSIC
Podcast theme, "SIGGRAPH," composed by Julius Dobos.
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LINKS
*Episode*
https://www.goki-muramoto.com/ | https://dl.acm.org/doi/proceedings/10.1145/3532837
*Media Partner*
https://www.artstation.com/
*Social Media*
http://blog.siggraph.org/ | https://www.facebook.com/SIGGRAPHConferences | https://twitter.com/siggraph | https://www.youtube.com/user/ACMSIGGRAPH | https://www.instagram.com/acmsiggraph/ | https://www.linkedin.com/company/acm-siggraph/
*Conference Website*
https://s2022.siggraph.org/
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