I have been behind the hair and makeup chair at Microsoft Production Studios these past few weeks. Memories of my first connection with Microsoft over thirteen years ago flooded back to me. At that time, I was appointed as the Key Wardrobe Stylist, responsible for hair, makeup, and wardrobe for the experimental volumetric capture sessions.
At Microsoft Mixed Reality Capture Studio, we were a small group of futurists recording holographic videos. In this capture type, a given audience can interact with your hologram in augmented reality, virtual reality, and 2D screens. Geek-chic, right? Shhhh, we are advancing capture technology over here!
I enjoyed working with a small but resourceful team who embarked on our journey in temporary office spaces at the Microsoft campus. Our primary focus was to test the processing of various elements such as colors, textures, tones, shapes, fabric types, hair, and skin tones. With each test, we were led in more exciting directions. I am grateful to have worked with the best team I can imagine, including Steve Sullivan, Dana Zimmerman, Jason Waskey, Spencer Reynolds, Kathy Saelee, Hannah Bianchini, Carrine Fisher, Heather Rae Brown, Tri Le, and Tiago Washburn.
We hit the jackpot when we captured Macklemore, Ryan Lewis, Owuor Arunga, and Ray Dalton, just before the release of The Heist in 2012. I remember thinking, how did I get so damn lucky? Over time, I worked with an incredible group of talented humans such as Sir David Attenborough, Billy Corgan, Peyton Manning, George Takei, and Ashley Graham.
In 2014, Studio C at Microsoft Production Studios in Redmond became the first official capture studio. Over the years, additional studios were opened in San Francisco, Los Angeles, London, Seoul, and Tokyo. Many wonderful memories were created, colleagues were found, and a chosen family was formed at Microsoft Production Studios. An amazing experience that I take great pride in being a part of!