Industrial Light & Magic takes viewers on a thrilling behind-the-scenes adventure with an exclusive VFX breakdown of Twisters. This highly-anticipated sequel to the classic storm-chasing thriller shows ILM at its best, making natures raw fury.With cutting-edge visual effects, ILM brings the destructive power of twisters to life with breathtaking realism. From towering storm clouds and swirling debris to the chaos of the elements, every frame is a testament to ILMs artistry and technical precision.This breakdown reveals how the talented team of ILM achieved the immersive and heart-stopping sequences, capturing in them the awe-inspiring yet terrifying beauty of extreme weather. Their work not only elevates the films intense action but deepens the emotional impact of its storytelling.With Twisters, ILM continues to set new benchmarks in visual effects, delivering a cinematic experience that would keep viewers on the edge of their seats.The post Behind the Magic: The Visual Effects of Twisters appeared first on Vfxexpress.

Japans Nippon Steel is committed to its $15 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel and is confident of completing it by year-end, a senior executive said, despite strong U.S. opposition including from President-elect Donald Trump.We will not give up on the deal There is no global strategy without the U.S., Nippon Steel Vice Chairman Takahiro Mori told Reuters this week, after returning from his eighth visit to the United States since the deal was announced a year ago.With U.S. Steel, Nippon Steel aims to raise its global steel production capacity to 85 million metric tons per year from 65 million tons now and the asset is core to its goal of lifting production capacity to more than 100 million tons in the long-term.The transaction has faced stiff resistance from politicians and the United Steelworkers (USW), a major labor group. Trump reiterated his opposition to the deal this week.Asked whether U.S. Steels CEO David Burritt would remain in place, Mori said Nippon Steel would select the right person as CEO from various candidates, including Burritt, but no decisions had been made.Mori, who has been leading the talks, held discussions with politicians and local stakeholders in Pittsburgh, where U.S. Steel has its headquarters, during his latest U.S. trip, but did not meet members of the incoming Trump administration.He declined to comment on whether he had met USW President David McCall during the visit.We sensed growing support from the local community, Mori said, noting that discussions had shifted to more substantive issues, such as the projects intrinsic value, since the conclusion of the U.S. presidential election.We are close to 100% confident of closing the deal by the end of the year, he said.Nippon Steel, the worlds number 4 steelmaker, has obtained all necessary regulatory approvals outside the U.S., and is awaiting reviews from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and clearance from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) under antitrust laws.The Japanese steelmaker has promised not to transfer any U.S. Steel production capacity or jobs outside the United States. It has also said it would not interfere in any of U.S. Steels decisions on trade matters, including decisions to pursue trade measures under U.S. law against unfair trade practices.Trump returns to the White House on January 20, though President Joe Biden has also said U.S. Steel should remain an American-owned company.Financing optionsThe CFIUS is due to deliver its decision this month. The committee could approve the deal potentially with provisions to address national security concerns or recommend that the president blocks it. It can also extend the review period.If approval from U.S. authorities is not granted, the Japanese company is open to pursuing all possible measures, including legal action, to secure the deal, Mori said.To finance the acquisition, Nippon Steel has already raised some funds via hybrid financing and sold some assets, part of an effort to strengthen its financial position.We have a number of options for permanent financing, including capital increase. We will select the most appropriate financial tools, Mori said.In case the company decides to pursue a secondary share issue, it will not make a significant dilution for the current shareholders, he added.The deal is being closely watched in Japan, a close U.S. ally and its biggest foreign investor. Last month, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba sent a letter to Biden, urging him to approve the acquisition.Mori said the company did not request the letter but acknowledged its significance.Its important to note that the Japanese government is strongly supporting this deal and closely monitoring the proper procedures. I am very grateful for that.Yuka Obayashi, Katya Golubkova and Ritsuko Shimizu, Reuters

If youve ever wondered what its like to be sucked into the plot of a Tom Clancy novel, millions of Americans are getting a taste of it this week. A large-scale cyberattack, focused on telecom companies and internet service providers including AT&T and Verizon, has Americans concerned that their messages and communications may have been exposed to Chinese spies.The hacking campaign has been called Salt Typhoon by Microsoft (there are other Typhoons), and is one of the largest cyberattacks in historyand its ongoing. As of Tuesday, U.S. officials said they were still trying to expel the hackers, who have been traced back to the Chinese government, from American systems. Issues related to the cyberattack go back months, too.Since then, the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have been working with telecom companies to help find the hackers and prevent them from digging further into their systems.As for where things currently stand, heres what you need to know, and how to protect yourself.What do we know about the telecom cyberattack so far?The cyberattack has been ongoing, as noted, and officials are still trying to shore things up. On Wednesday, Senators received a classified briefing about the situation, and according to reporting from the Washington Post, the broad and significant campaign has resulted in the exposure and theft of a large amount of sensitive and private data and information.So, private messages and phone calls may have been intercepted, and the hacking campaign even attempted to infiltrate both presidential campaigns earlier this year; one person from Donald Trumps campaign did have calls intercepted. However, the FBI and CISA say that the number of people affected in the U.S. is small.We have identified that PRC-affiliated actors have compromised networks at multiple telecommunications companies to enable the theft of customer call records data, the compromise of private communications of a limited number of individuals who are primarily involved in government or political activity, and the copying of certain information that was subject to U.S. law enforcement requests pursuant to court orders, reads a joint statement released last month.Should you be worried about the cyberattack?It depends. Unless youre a high-profile political operative, or something similar, its probably unlikely that youd be a target of the hackers. But the hackers have, obviously, been able to access call records and metadataso if you cant sleep at night knowing that you may be exposed, it may be worth taking precautions.The main issue is that many people use unencrypted communication devices, leaving them vulnerable to cyberattacks. Beyond that, as NBC News reports, telecom companies largely rely on systems that do not use end-to-end encryption, mostly so that law enforcement agencies and intelligence groups can track peoples communications.How can you protect yourself amid the cyberattack?CISA and other organizations did release guidelines for hardening defenses against cyberattacks on Wednesday, but they are mostly for large organizations, such as telecom companies and internet service providers.Perhaps the most impactful thing individuals can do to safeguard their communications is to use services incorporating end-to-end encryptionsuch as messaging services like Signal, rather than standard SMS text messaging. That should reduce the chance that your communications could be intercepted or exposed.Furthermore, you should use a device that regularly receives software and security updates, and utilize features such as multifactor authentication.

Design studio Crafting Plastics has created a kinetic, car-shaped structure from 3D-printed bioplastics for Lexus based on the brand's AI-driven software that integrates multi-sensory elements into the driving experience.Displayed at the ICA Miami as part of the city's art week, the Liminal Cycles installation features a skeletal representation of the all-electric Lexus LF-ZC model made of Crafting Plastics's Nuatan bioplastic, as well as three neighbouring sculptures that explore different senses and elements of a vehicle.Crafting Plastics has debuted an installation with Lexus as part of Miami's art weekIt interpreted SDVs (Software Defined Vehicles), an in-development software from Lexus that aims to enhance a driver's experience through the integration of multi-sensory design, such as personalising smell, haptics, and lighting for an individual.In the case of electric vehicles, this might mean using a surge of interior lighting and specific tones to demonstrate the sensations of a "performance" vehicle, similar to how the smell and sound of an engine revving are traditionally associated with high performance.The installations explored multi-sensory experiences"For example, when it comes to the five senses within the car especially with the electrified vehicle sometimes we have to consider what is the alternative stimuli replacing the engine sound and engine smells," Calty Design Research chief designer Sellene Lee told Dezeen."So in an electrified vehicle, we don't have those things, but [the user] still wants this kind of exciting vehicle, and we want to offer that kind of experience for our users."The central installation is made of a 3D-printed bioplasticCrafting Plastics explored this concept with its Liminal Cycles installation by integrating sound, lighting, material responsiveness and movement into its various sculptures.The central piece represents an LF-ZC is made of kinetic panels of the 3D-printed Nuatan bioplastic covered in a reactive coating that changes colour depending on its exposure to UV.Neighboring elements explore touch, smell, sound and movementThe panels are motion-activated and respond to passerby, expanding and contracting to create a "breathe-like" movement to reflectic the organic nature of their materiality, according to Crafting Plastics co-founder Vlasta Kubuov."Since all these materials are made from natural resources, we wanted to show their origin of nature and [that] they will become a part of nature when they are decomposed."Read: Marjan van Aubel unveils "even more reflective and immersive" solar-powered installationBuilding upon their work with bioplastics, Kubuov also noted the installation was the first time they used the Nuatan material with a large-scale 3D printer in the exploration of producing the material at a larger scale."It could be [used] for everything from big interior pieces to even facades," Kubuov told Dezeen. "I think 3D printing is definitely the technology of the future, because it can be customized, but you can also do mass-produced with this technology and it doesn't leave any waste."Each piece represents various aspects of a car or the five sensesThree other sculptures explore senses such as touch and smell, such as a "flower-like" sculpture representative of a steering wheel that when touched, generates fluctuations in the installation's sound composition and seating that emanate a "Lexus-inspired" scent.The installation also showcased objects from designers Suchi Reddy, Michael Bennett, Germane Barnes and Tara Sakhi, who were tasked with creating a vessel for an exclusive candle made in collaboration with Lexus and Philadelphia product brand Dilo.Previously designer Marjan van Aubel created an installation for the car brand from photovoltaic panels. This year Crafting Plastics showcased their UV reactive material at Milan design week.Liminal Cycles is on display at the ICA Miami for the Miami art week. See Dezeen Events Guidefor an up-to-date list of architecture and design events taking place around the world.The photography is by Steve BenistyThe post Crafting Plastics creates kinetic 3D-printed car from bioplastic for Miami art week appeared first on Dezeen.

Swiss designer Yves Bhar has collaborated with Italian shipyard Rossinavi to create Solsea, a concept for an electric hybrid catamaran superyacht, which is capable of an 80 per cent electric transatlantic crossing.Unveiled at this year's Design Miami, the Solsea concept features a combination of large solar panels and an onboard AI-monitored battery.Solsea is a concept for an electric hybrid catamaran superyachtAccording to Bhar, this solar system would reduce the yacht's fuel consumption and operating costs by 80 per cent when cruising. While shorter journeys could be powered entirely electrically, Solsea could make transatlantic trips using 80 per cent electric power.Solsea could be fully recharged on shore in only five hours.The design features multiple solar panels"The yacht's catamaran eco-displacement hull is designed for maximum hydrodynamic efficiency, enabling full-electric cruising," said Bhar."This would not only reduce emissions but also minimise noise, vibrations and odours, while enhancing onboard comfort and a connection to nature," he added.Bhar has designed sleek minimalist interiors for the interiorSolsea would also include a hibernation mode when the catamaran was moored, minimising energy consumption.The solar panels would have the capacity to distribute the energy collected over a day to sources at the marina when the vessel was moored, or power an entire villa, according to Bhar.The panels would clad a retractable cover for the swimming poolSubtly integrated into the design, the solar panels would clad the yacht's undulating roof including a retractable cover for the swimming pool on the upper deck.Bhar has chosen a sleek minimalist design for the interior, which would feature materials including cork flooring, wood panelling and ocean-sourced recycled plastic.Read: Ten yacht designs that aim to make waves in the luxury boat industryThe battery would be fitted with Rossinavi's custom AI technology to monitor its lifespan. The technology would ensure that the battery would remain within the "optimal range" of 20 to 80 per cent, explained Bhar."Additionally, it would assist and interact with the crew to maintain efficient operations," added the designer."This visionary vessel sets a new standard for sustainable, silent ocean exploration," he concluded.The vessel was designed in collaboration with shipyard RossinaviBhar is the founder of design studio Fuseproject. The studio previously collaborated with tech studio Kind Humanoid to create a body for a robotic system intended for various domestic and commercial environments.Dezeen's features editor Nat Barker recently explored how the superyacht industry is responding to the increasingly urgent issue of sustainability.Miami art week takes place across Miami, Florida from 2 to 8 December. See Dezeen Events Guidefor an up-to-date list of architecture and design events taking place around the world.The post Yves Bhar designs electric hybrid superyacht "for silent ocean exploration" appeared first on Dezeen.

This captivating, hobnail-textured bottle contains La Petite Victoire, a non-alcoholic sparkling beverage. It's by global package design firm Stranger & Stranger. I wasn't able to find any details about this specific project, though I did learn that Stranger & Stranger is a sort of hit-machine firm for the alcoholic beverages industry. In an interview with industry periodical SevenFiftyDaily, writer Alia Akkam reveals that the firm's packaging rebrands "have tripled sales for some wine and spirits labels."Stranger & Stranger founder Kevin Shaw reveals a little of the company's secret sauce, and notes a particularly effective package design turnaround:Each label Stranger & Stranger makes is a distillation of a brand's distinct narrative. "You dig," Shaw says. "You keep asking questions and probing until you find something ownable, hopefully unique, something enticing and interesting." He points to the reboot of Aberfeldy Scotch as an example. Originally, the label featured a squirrel, an image that confounded Shaw. On learning that the springwater Aberfeldy uses at the distillery contains gold dust, Shaw immediately knew this would become the focus for the new designa gilt-hued label. "A golden dram," he says. "That's something unusual, something that's rooted in truth, something you can build a brand on. Consumers love stories like that. A year's worth of stock sold out in 12 weeks."If you're interested in design business, the full interview is worth a read, and covers the unlikely way that Shaw started the firm in 1994. To date they've done over 5,000 projects.

This funky rotomolded Limbo Chair is by Icelandic industrial designer Hlynur Atlason. It's in production by furniture brand Heller, whose CEO, John Edelman, gave Atlason a simple brief: "Design us a comfortable modern lounge chair."The Icelandic designer responded with a statement-making chair that's not only supremely comfortable but also suitable for indoor-outdoor use, and sustainably made. With a swooping, sculptural form that holds the body in a comfortable position, Limbo is a playful chair, "but we were very serious about how it's made," says Hlynur. "It took a lot of thinking, research, and testing to make it look this effortless." To ensure a circular lifecycle, Limbo is fully recyclable and made with a high percentage of recycled post-consumer plastic (the exact percentage varies by color, with black having the highest percentage). Limbo is available in a choice of warm, muted colors that harmonize with the natural environment. These run $940 for a pair.

Saudi Arabia decided to upgrade and improve their transportation network. And theyve designed a massive new driverless metro system which will be the longest in the world. The Riyadh Metro will begin on December 1 and will include the opening of three lines. Another line will open in January, and two more after that. It will occupy a total length of 109 miles, and it will connect main districts, business centers, and cultural landmarks throughout the capital city.Designer: Zaha Hadid ArchitectsThe metro will be able to hold 3.6 million daily passengers once fully completed. It will reduce road traffic quite a bit throughout the city and also reduce CO2 emissions by 12.5 million tons annually. The network will include 85 metro systems, the most renowned one is Zaha Hadid Architects King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) Metro Station. The station is blessed with a thoughtfully designed and carefully calculated layout that will be easy for passengers to navigate. The exterior is equipped with an attractive latticed curving form that will take the brunt of the harsh summer heat.69 Alstom Metropolis trains and 47 Innovia Metro trains will be employed. All the trains are electric. They will be classified into three classes first class, family class, and singles class. They will also include ergonomic seating. The trains will also be equipped with LED lighting, air-conditioning, and a passenger information system. They are automated and have been used in Budapest, Sydney, and Taipei in the driverless transit systems.The trains are driverless, said Alstom. The train movements are protected by a state-of-the-art signaling system controlling the speed of the trains, ensuring smooth and safe operations including automatic opening of the train doors. The fully air-conditioned stations are equipped with platform screen doors also preventing people to access the track. The trains are also equipped with an advanced passenger information system delivering real-time information to the passengers through screens and loudspeakers on board the train and on the station platforms.The post Riyadh Welcomes The Worlds Longest Driverless Transit System first appeared on Yanko Design.

Not to be confused with the popular movie franchise involving different families clashing in a desert alien planet with sand-eating worms, the Dune Chess Set is more of a competitive board game crafted out of an unlikely material sand. Most chess sets are made from either wood, plastic, or rare materials like ivory, but the Dune Chess Set opts for another material thats unlikely as a choice, but lends a wonderful characteristic to the chess set. Crafted out of sand, the chess set leans heavily into its material for design inspiration. The sandcastle-esque form is very deliberate, as are the ridges along the side of one set of pieces, and the board itself, reminiscent of how sand erodes rocks in a desert. The result, something uniquely beautiful and engaging not just in a visual manner but a tactile one too.Designer:Rory Noble-TurnerChess is more than just a game; its a ritual that has connected people across centuries. With every move, players step into a shared history, one that transcends time and culture. Rory Noble-Turner, an architect captivated by the intricate and sculptural qualities of design, saw the chessboard as the perfect stage to explore these ideas.Sand, with its ever-shifting nature, became his muse. Its a material that resists definition, flowing, changing, and responding to its environment. Much like the evolving dynamics of a chess match, sand embodies unpredictability and transformation. Noble-Turners challenge was to capture the elusive beauty of sands movement and freeze it in time without losing its essence.In an age where luxury often means flawless finishes and untouchable beauty, the Dune Chess Set dares to do the opposite. Its appeal lies in its imperfection, the ripples and textures that invite fingers to explore. The contrast between smooth and rippled surfaces not only differentiates the opposing chess pieces and board spaces but also mirrors the duality of sand: calm and turbulent, solid and fluid.This tactile focus is a deliberate choice, challenging the notion that luxury objects are meant to be admired rather than experienced. Noble-Turners design isnt just meant to be seen; its meant to be felt, touched, and engaged with, awakening a sensory connection in a world increasingly disconnected from physical sensation.Creating this chess set was as much a technical feat as it was an artistic journey. Using 3D sculpting tools typically reserved for the visual effects industry, Noble-Turner painstakingly crafted the rippled textures that define the sets aesthetic.Months of trial and error were dedicated to perfecting the randomness, density, and depth of the ripples. Achieving a natural, windswept look wasnt straightforward, it required deep dives into scripting forums and countless refinements. This relentless pursuit of authenticity speaks to the designers commitment to blending the organic beauty of nature with the precision of modern technology.At its core, the Dune Chess Set is more than just a game; its a statement about our relationship with objects and the world around us. As technology pulls us further into virtual spaces, our connection to physical sensations wanes. Noble-Turners design serves as a gentle nudge, reminding us of the importance of touch in creating meaningful experiences.Each ripple, each smooth surface, is a call to reconnect, with the game, with the material, and with ourselves. The set doesnt just ask to be played; it asks to be felt.The Dune Chess Set isnt just a reimagining of an ancient game; its a bold intersection of tradition, materiality, and innovation. By transforming sand, a symbol of impermanence, into a timeless work of art, Rory Noble-Turner invites us to rethink what design can be.The post This 3D Printed Chess Set Transforms Sand into Timeless Art first appeared on Yanko Design.

After a rough open beta performance, the Monster Hunter Wilds devs say we should expect a more optimized game at launch."We feel you can really feel the difference in the improved framerate."