Breaking boundaries in the realm of animated horror, Miguel Ortega has emerged as a trailblazer, creating unsettling films that not only captivate but also evoke visceral reactions. Combining high-performing technology with gritty storytelling, Ortega’s artistic vision pushes the limits of conventional animation, drawing inspiration from classics such as Texas Chainsaw Massacre. With his bold style and focus on authentic horror elements, Ortega’s work has begun to draw the attention of major studios eager to collaborate.
Innovative Approaches in Animation
Central to Ortega’s creative process is the utilization of high-performance hardware, specifically through the Dell Pro Max PC and NVIDIA RTX 6000 Ada GPUs. These powerful machines significantly enhance his production pipeline, allowing for faster rendering and more complex visual storytelling. Working alongside his creative partner Tran Ma, they have forged a style that is as striking as it is original. Studios including Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions and Luma Pictures have begun to recognize the potential of Ortega’s innovative narrative techniques.
Transitioning from Visual Effects to Animation
After dedicating two decades to visual effects, Ortega’s shift to animation marks a pivotal change in his storytelling approach. He believes this medium offers a unique canvas for creativity. “Being able to make our own worlds is much more interesting than building a single model for a project,” Ortega states, emphasizing the limitless possibilities that animation provides.
The COVID-19 pandemic prompted Ortega and Ma to pivot their vision. They utilized the Dell Pro Max and NVIDIA RTX professional GPUs to complete their project for the Unreal Engine Fellowship. Their film Voice in the Hollow not only won SIGGRAPH’s 2023 Jury Award, but also graced the cover of 3D World magazine, solidifying their place in the industry.
Groundbreaking Projects: The Threadlings
Ortega’s latest project, Threadlings, stems from an intriguing question: “Do Muppets know they’re made of fabric?” This idea emerged after moths ruined a vintage Persian rug during the production hiatus of his Victorian-era film. The horror story evolves as fabric creatures face a terrifying threat from colossal moths, weaving a narrative that blends personal experience with macabre fantasy.
In a dramatic twist, two outcasts in the story witness their foretold savior being slain by a monstrous moth. Drawing on vampire lore, Ortega frames the moth-like beings as malevolent entities that can only be repelled by flame or lavender water. “These things are like demons; they come at night,” he notes. “Instead of a stake through the heart, you have to kill them with cedar wood.”
The film also innovates in its casting, featuring an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old child alongside a 90-year-old actor, a unique blend that captures genuine childhood innocence—a stark contrast to the typical practice of using adult actors for children’s roles.
The Technical Foundation: Powering Innovations
The technical backbone of Ortega’s pipeline consists of industry-standard software such as Maya for modeling, Substance 3D for texturing, and Unreal Engine for real-time rendering. Each software package requires robust hardware to run efficiently. With the combination of NVIDIA accelerated computing, Ortega now utilizes real-time lighting and ray tracing to elevate production quality.
“We could not open any of our Unreal projects on our old computers,” Ortega recalls. Thanks to Dell’s workstations equipped with dual 48GB NVIDIA RTX 6000 Ada GPUs, he can now work without technical hindrance, allowing him to pursue even more complex ideas.
Educating the Future
In addition to his creative endeavors, Ortega imparts his knowledge at the Gnomon School of Visual Effects in Los Angeles, where he has served as an instructor for a decade. The school is outfitted with Dell Pro Max desktops powered by NVIDIA RTX A6000 GPUs, which provide students with access to professional-grade technology essential for demanding animation and VFX projects.
In his Demo Reel class, Ortega fosters a simulated professional environment where students interact in a mentor-mentee dynamic, submitting work for feedback to prepare them for the collaborative industry landscape.
Limitless Creativity, Fueled by Cutting-Edge Technology
As Ortega continues to explore and innovate in the realm of animation, he leverages the power of Dell Pro Max workstations and NVIDIA RTX A6000 GPUs to bring his unconventional storytelling to life. The combination of performance and reliability allows him to focus on what truly matters: crafting mesmerizing animated narratives that challenge the boundaries of the medium.
For more information on how Dell Pro Max PCs can support animation and visual storytelling, click here.
*Dell Pro Max was previously referred to as Dell Precision workstations.