

SIGGRAPH Spotlight
ACM SIGGRAPH
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.
This show was founded as an extension of ACM SIGGRAPH's annual conference.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 22, 2023 • 26min
74 – Rewind: Women in the Story of Immersive Technology
Rebecca Allen, a trailblazer in computer graphics and immersive technology, joins a panel to discuss the pivotal role of women in this evolving field. They share personal stories that highlight the challenges women face in technology and academia, stressing the importance of inclusivity and diversity in design. The conversation also tackles gender wage disparities and the need for mentorship in overcoming obstacles. With insights on wearable tech and enhancing female participation in automotive engineering, it's a call to action for a more equitable future.

Dec 15, 2023 • 17min
73 – Rewind: Using Pre-visualization to Bring HBO’s ‘The Last of Us’ to Life
ABOUT THE EPISODE
In this episode of SIGGRAPH Spotlight, we rewind to some of the incredible content presented at SIGGRAPH 2023. Listen in for a replay of the Talk “Using Pre-visualization to Bring HBO’s ‘The Last of Us’ to Life.” Learn about the collaboration behind the pre-visualization work featuring one of the show’s key sequences, and discover the endless possibilities ahead when video games and television come together. Want more? Check out the ACM Digital Library for additional SIGGRAPH 2023 content, and submit your own content to SIGGRAPH 2024, taking place 28 July–1 August in Denver.
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MUSIC
Podcast theme, "SIGGRAPH," composed by Julius Dobos.
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LINKS
*Episode*
https://dl.acm.org/doi/proceedings/10.1145/3587421 | https://s2023.siggraph.org/presentation/?id=gensub_330&sess=sess142
*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://s2024.siggraph.org/

Nov 10, 2023 • 37min
72 – Emerging Technologies Expand Beyond CG Boundaries
ABOUT THE EPISODE
In the latest episode of SIGGRAPH Spotlight, our host, Mashhuda Glencross, SIGGRAPH 2023 Emerging Technologies Chair, takes us on an exhilarating journey into the heart of emerging technologies. Joined by esteemed guests Dr. Jessica Korte, SIGGRAPH Asia Emerging Technologies Contributor; Dr. Mike Seymour, SIGGRAPH Asia Emerging Technologies Contributor and Featured Sessions Chair; and Dr. Paul Dietz, past SIGGRAPH Asia Emerging Technologies Chair, we explore how their projects influence not just computer graphics but touch nontechnological fields, how emerging technologies has evolved over the past few decades, and noticeable trends we predict will continue to grow in the computer graphics space.
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MUSIC
Podcast theme, "SIGGRAPH," composed by Julius Dobos.
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LINKS
*Transcript*
https://s2024.siggraph.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/SIGGRAPH-Spotlight_Ep-72_Emerging-Technologies_Transcript.pdf
*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*
s2024.siggraph.org/

Oct 30, 2023 • 38min
71 – Visions of the Future of Computer Graphics
ABOUT THE EPISODE
Tune into the latest episode of SIGGRAPH Spotlight, recorded live from SIGGRAPH 2023 in Los Angeles. SIGGRAPH 2024 Conference Chair Andrés Burbano gathers with four members of the SIGGRAPH 2024 Committee — Nicolas Henchoz (Global Diplomat), Emily Hsu (Real-Time Live! Chair), Şölen Kiratli (Art Gallery Co-Chair), and Mohumagadi Moruti (Art Gallery Co-Chair) — for a conversation about their visions for the desirable and ideal future of computer graphics and interactive techniques. Listen in for a discussion about how media arts, design, animation, and real-time technology can impact the next era of computer graphics and how SIGGRAPH plays a key role in this evolution.
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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://s2024.siggraph.org/

Sep 18, 2023 • 26min
70 – Fostering Global Connections
ABOUT THE EPISODE
Tune into the latest episode of SIGGRAPH Spotlight, recorded live from SIGGRAPH 2023 in Los Angeles. Listen in as SIGGRAPH 2024 Conference Chair Andrés Burbano sits down with SIGGRAPH 2024 Global Diplomat Nicolas Henchoz and leaders from the SIGGRAPH 2023 Exhibition’s French Pavilion. The panelists discuss the value of cross-country relationships within and on the periphery of computer graphics and interactive techniques and share how an integrated global community can positively impact the future of our fields.
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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/

Aug 4, 2023 • 49min
69 - Art and Artificial Intelligence
In this episode of SIGGRAPH Spotlight, we dive into the fascinating relationship between art and artificial intelligence (AI). Yoon Chung Han, the SIGGRAPH 2023 Art Gallery chair, moderates a stimulating discussion with guests Simon Hudson, Jiabao Li, and Weidi Zhang. They explore the world of AI-driven artistry and its impact on the creative landscape, sharing their personal journeys of merging art and AI. The guests recount awe-inspiring moments when AI models surpassed traditional art forms, resulting in their extraordinary creations. Emphasizing the significance of maintaining a balance between human input and AI automation, they advocate for AI as a collaborator, not a replacement for human creativity. The episode provides insights into the evolving relationship between art and AI, along with valuable advice from these renowned artists for aspiring innovators.
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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 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.