SIGGRAPH Spotlight

Hosted by ACM SIGGRAPH

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103

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May 2026

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About the show

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.

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60 recent

May 28, 202640 min

102 – Spatial Storytelling: New Narrative Forms

ABOUT THE EPISODE In this episode of SIGGRAPH Spotlight, SIGGRAPH 2026 Spatial Storytelling Chair Esen K. Tütüncü is joined by Scarlett Kim, Omid Zarei, and Marco Cermusoni to explore the role of emergent technologies in narratives. Drawing from their diverse creative and technical practices, the conversation examines how storytelling is evolving across mediums — from immersive and interactive formats to spatial and experiential narratives — and how new technological waves are reshaping authorship, audience engagement, and the relationship between story and experience. MUSIC Podcast theme, "SIGGRAPH," composed by Julius Dobos. || LINKS *Episode[MM1.1]* https://s2026.siggraph.org/register/ | https://s2026.siggraph.org/program/spatial-storytelling/ | https://s2026.conference-schedule.org/ *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://s2026.siggraph.org/

May 14, 202629 min

101 - Where Education Meets Innovation

SIGGRAPH Spotlight Show Notes: Episode 101 Title: 101 – Where Education Meets Innovation ABOUT THE EPISODE In this episode of SIGGRAPH Spotlight, SIGGRAPH 2026 Education Chair Nick Jushchyshyn and SIGGRAPH 2027 Education Chair Dr. Nandhini Giri explore how SIGGRAPH connects educators, students, and institutions with industry through hands-on learning, technical sessions, and meaningful networking. They share practical ways to engage, participate, and bring valuable insights back to the classroom. MUSIC Podcast theme, "SIGGRAPH," composed by Julius Dobos. || LINKS *Episode[MM1.1]* https://s2026.siggraph.org/register/ | https://s2026.siggraph.org/program/educators-forum/ *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://s2026.siggraph.org/

February 27, 202649 min

100 – The Making of ‘Zootopia 2’

ABOUT THE EPISODE In this episode of SIGGRAPH Spotlight, host Valerie Bernard is joined by Byron Howard, Marlon West, and Kira Lehtomaki to explore the creative and technical journey behind “Zootopia 2”. Together, the creators share how story, animation craft, and visual effects came together at Walt Disney Animation Studios to expand a beloved world while pushing performance, pipeline, and collaboration to new heights. MUSIC Podcast theme, "SIGGRAPH," composed by Julius Dobos. || LINKS *Episode* https://s2026.siggraph.org/submit-to-siggraph/ | https://s2026.siggraph.org/register/ | disneyanimation.com/process *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://s2026.siggraph.org/

January 16, 202644 min

99 - Debugging Your SIGGRAPH Talk

SIGGRAPH Spotlight Show Notes: Episode 99 Title: 99 – Debugging Your SIGGRAPH Talk ABOUT THE EPISODE In this episode of SIGGRAPH Spotlight, host Nora Wixom is joined by Carrie Paff and Charles Poynton to unpack why presentation anxiety is so common and how to communicate your work with clarity and confidence across stages, screens, and high-stakes moments. MUSIC Podcast theme, "SIGGRAPH," composed by Julius Dobos. || LINKS *Episode* https://s2026.siggraph.org/submit-to-siggraph/ | https://standdeliver.com/team/#carrie-paff *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://s2026.siggraph.org/

January 13, 202650 min

98 – Break In With Your Demo Reel

ABOUT THE EPISODE In this episode of SIGGRAPH Spotlight, SIGGRAPH 2026 Education Chair Nick Jushchyshyn sits down with Craig Slagel and Michael Collins from the ACM SIGGRAPH Early Career Development Committee to explore the world of early career demo reels. They discuss the key elements that make a reel stand out, common pitfalls to avoid, and strategies for telling a unique creative story. Listeners will gain practical advice on structuring their reels, showcasing their skills, and capturing the attention of studios, recruiters, and educators — all essential for launching a successful career in visual arts and computer graphics. Tune in for expert insights and tips to make your demo reel unforgettable. Ready to get involved? Learn more about the SIGGRAPH Online Resume and Reel Review Program and important deadlines by checking out the link in our show notes. MUSIC Podcast theme, "SIGGRAPH," composed by Julius Dobos. || LINKS *Episode * https://s2026.siggraph.org/submit-to-siggraph/ | https://ecdc.siggraph.org/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/njushchyshyn/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-collins-573a775/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigslagel/ *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://s2026.siggraph.org/

December 12, 202541 min

97 – Cracking the Code: How SIGGRAPH Evaluates Submissions

ABOUT THE EPISODE In this episode of SIGGRAPH Spotlight, SIGGRAPH 2026 Production Sessions Chair Valérie Bernard sits down with General Submissions Chair Veronica Orvalho and Courses Co-Chair Nora Wixom to explore the submission process from every angle. They discuss common pitfalls that can lead to rejection, share practical tips for crafting stronger proposals, and give listeners a behind-the-scenes look at how SIGGRAPH reviews and selects submissions. Tune in for expert advice on turning feedback into success and insights on getting involved in programs like Courses, Birds of a Feather, and Student Volunteers. MUSIC Podcast theme, "SIGGRAPH," composed by Julius Dobos. || LINKS *Episode * https://s2026.siggraph.org/submit-to-siggraph/ | https://dl.acm.org/profile/99660533348 | https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie3d/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-costa-orvalho-b6a8812/ | https://history.siggraph.org/person/nora-wixom/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/norawixom/ *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://s2026.siggraph.org/

October 29, 202541 min

96 – Live From SIGGRAPH 2025: Impact of SIGGRAPH at All Career Stages

SIGGRAPH Spotlight Show Notes: Episode 96 Title: 96 – Live From SIGGRAPH 2025: Impact of SIGGRAPH at All Career Stages ABOUT THE EPISODE In this episode of SIGGRAPH Spotlight, recorded live from Vancouver at SIGGRAPH 2025, Steve Granados Lopez (production assistant, Voyage Productions) sits down with Kevin McNulty, professor of animation at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), and Kat Shattuck, an MTSU animation student and SIGGRAPH 2025 Student Volunteer Team Leader. Together, they reflect on how SIGGRAPH has shaped their creative journeys, the impact of building a campus chapter, and the friendships and mentorships that keep the community thriving all year long. MUSIC Podcast theme, "SIGGRAPH," composed by Julius Dobos. || LINKS *Episode* https://www.siggraph.org/ | https://www.siggraph.org/join-a-chapter/ | https://www.siggraph.org/inside-siggraph/find-a-chapter/ | https://www.siggraph.org/committees/education-committee/ | https://mtsu.siggraph.org/ *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://s2025.siggraph.org/ | https://s2026.siggraph.org/

October 17, 202520 min

95 – Technical Deep Dive: Papers, Workshops, and Impact

ABOUT THE EPISODE In this episode of SIGGRAPH Spotlight, we pass the microphone to SIGGRAPH 2026 program chairs Mirela Ben-Chen (Technical Papers) and Adam Bargteil (Technical Workshops) to discuss all-things technical. Mirela and Adam explore emerging technical topics in computer graphics and interactive techniques and how work showcased at SIGGRAPH can have a large-scale impact in industry, academia, society, and beyond. Plus, they share some insight into the SIGGRAPH 2026 submissions process, which opens soon. MUSIC Podcast theme, "SIGGRAPH," composed by Julius Dobos. || LINKS *Episode* https://research.siggraph.org/blog/guides/writing-your-first-acm-siggraph-tog-paper/ | https://s2026.siggraph.org/program/technical-papers/ | https://s2026.siggraph.org/program/technical-workshops/ | https://s2026.siggraph.org/submit-to-siggraph/ *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://s2026.siggraph.org/

October 9, 202530 min

94 – Live From SIGGRAPH 2025: Inside the Student Volunteer Experience

ABOUT THE EPISODE In this episode of SIGGRAPH Spotlight, recorded live at SIGGRAPH 2025 in Vancouver, we explore the Student Volunteer program and its impact on the conference experience. Steve Granados Lopez, host and production assistant at Voyage Productions, sits down with Antonio (Tony) Bonet, Student Volunteer Communications Lead, to share stories, tips, and reflections about how volunteering shapes careers, builds connections, and makes SIGGRAPH unforgettable. MUSIC Podcast theme, "SIGGRAPH," composed by Julius Dobos. || LINKS *Episode * https://s2025.siggraph.org/conference-volunteers/ | https://s2026.siggraph.org/conference-volunteers/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-granados-lopez-ab3360192/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/abonetp/?locale=es_ES *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://s2025.siggraph.org/ | https://s2026.siggraph.org/

October 7, 202538 min

93 – Live From SIGGRAPH 2025: A Career of Outstanding Service From Mk Haley

SIGGRAPH Spotlight Show Notes: Episode 94 Title: 94 – Live From SIGGRAPH 2025: A Career of Outstanding Service From Mk Haley ABOUT THE EPISODE In this episode of SIGGRAPH Spotlight, recorded live in Vancouver, ACM SIGGRAPH Membership and Communications Chair Barb Helfer sits down with Mk Haley, recipient of the 2025 ACM SIGGRAPH Outstanding Service Award. From her beginnings as a Student Volunteer to leadership roles as program chair, conference chair, and now incoming chair of Real-Time Live! at SIGGRAPH 2026, Mk reflects on a career dedicated to innovation, education, and community. Hear her story, her passion for service, and her vision for the future of SIGGRAPH. MUSIC Podcast theme, "SIGGRAPH," composed by Julius Dobos. || LINKS *Episode* *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://s2025.siggraph.org/ | https://s2026.siggraph.org/