Bohong Deng founded Shenzhen Dans Digital Technology Co., Ltd in 2003, and is primarily engaged in producing 3D architectural animations for advertising. During this time, he has directed and produced nearly 70 pieces of work and has incorporated many innovative approaches using 3D animation techniques. These include animating growth in architectural visualization and applying 3D techniques to the meticulous traditional 2D Chinese painting. He is the recipient of numerous industry awards including “Best Film – 3D Simulation, IMAGINA 2009”.
Prior to founding Dans, he worked for five years at the Haina Wood Industry Co., Ltd. as a designer. With the help of Autodesk® 3ds Max® software, he finished the calculations on a series of performance simulations and received two patents. As an experienced 3D engineer, Mr. Deng is also an expert in post-production editing, VFX, hydrodynamics applications, particle flow and other 3D techniques. He has written courses on 3D CG techniques involving post-production editing, VFX, scripts, etc. In 2006, he was voted as chairman of “the TV/Film Animation Specialist Committee of China International Real Estate Research Institute”.
Mr. Deng also lectures on 3D animation production techniques at the Animation Department of Art College of Shenzhen University and the Shenzhen Polytechnic.
How did you get involved with 3D computer graphics?
Bohong: In 2003, I founded Shenzhen Dans Digital Technology Co., Ltd (DANS). Before DANS, I worked for five years as an industrial designer in a wood factory operated by the family. During that five-year period, I started to learn 3D software for work needs. What is worth pointing out is that with the help of professional 3D software, my workmates and I operated a series of physical performance simulation such as wood’s air pressure and liquid pressure and succeeded in developing a nature-changing invention patent of natural wood and compound high polymer (the application number is: 032805179), and utility model technology of nature-changing equipment of natural wood and compound high polymer (the application number is: 2003101140966).
In 2003, I had a chance to change my job. I wanted to find work that was interesting and challenging. Entering the 3D industry was not a hard choice. I made my decision based on my experience with 3D and my interest in it, especially since I saw that the 3D animation industry was just beginning in China around that time. I think my choice was right.
What are some of the projects have you worked on?
Bohong: During the seven years since the foundation of DANS, I have done over 70 pieces of work including:
Nobel Centre which, for the first time, animates the development of architectural projects in 3D;
Lotus Countuard, which expresses traditional, meticulous Chinese two-dimensional painting;
Hong Long Century Plaza, and
IBC of Eastern Hangzhou, both filled with huge amounts of special effects and created in 2009.
As an Autodesk master, for what do you use the 3D software?
Bohong: Actually, AutoCAD is the earliest 3D software I used. I learned to use it when I worked in the wood factory. After founding DANS I started to learn 3D software related to architecture and media and entertainment. Autodesk 3ds Max naturally became the one I used most often. I often use 3D software related to fluid dynamics simulation, which is often found in my work. Creation must be supported by the technology, so I keep learning and exploring and discovering the advantages and disadvantages for various applications. As an animation director, it all helps me to find wonderful ideas for projects.
What makes this industry so exciting to you?
Bohong: It is an industry that allows you to fully realize your imagination. Many movies with special effects released in 2009 prove the point. After movies such as Avatar and 2012 came out, they are nothing but visual effects for most audiences to enjoy. However, for a person engaged in this industry, what I see is a kind of professional power and charm. Perhaps my body will be limited by my work and my life, but my mind is free. I can use 3D technology to express my imagination. Even if I can’t make money from it, I can still get joy during the process of expressing it through my 3D tools.
Where do you see the industry going in the next five years?
Bohong: It will be developed toward a great future. Currently, the industry still serves a smaller field and scope. With global development, more and more is demanded from the 3D industry by a variety of sectors. Therefore, the development of this industry will diversify. Meanwhile, the 3D industry makes great contributions to environmental protection and the saving of resources.
What words of wisdom do you have for anyone interested in entering the professional world of 3D computer graphics?
Bohong: I think it is vital to take the career as your life’s profession. Only in this way can you fully enjoy the fun and meaning from this work.
