Kim Libreri
Summary
Kim Libreri is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Epic Games, a renowned video game development company. As CTO, he is responsible for incorporating cutting-edge technology and visual artistry into Epic's projects and defining Unreal Engine as a versatile platform for various interactive experiences, including games, movies, visualization, augmented reality, and virtual reality.
Before joining Epic Games, Kim held the position of Chief Strategy Officer at Lucasfilm, where he played a key role in shaping the company's technology strategy and spearheading innovations in interactive storytelling. One notable project he worked on during his time at Lucasfilm was the highly-awarded 1313 prototype.
With over 20 years of experience in digital technology and visual effects, Kim has an extensive list of credits in the film industry. He has worked on more than 25 films, including notable titles like 'Super 8,' 'Speed Racer,' 'Poseidon,' and 'The Matrix Trilogy.' Kim played a leading role in the development of groundbreaking technologies, such as the Bullet Time effect used in the original 'Matrix' film and the visual effects for 'What Dreams May Come.'
Biography
Kim Libreri is a renowned figure in the visual effects industry and currently serves as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Epic Games. With a career spanning over two decades, Libreri has made significant contributions to the field of digital technology, visual effects, and interactive storytelling. He is known for his pioneering work on groundbreaking projects and technologies that have reshaped the way we create and experience entertainment.
Before joining Epic Games, Libreri held the position of Chief Strategy Officer at Lucasfilm, where he played a crucial role in shaping the company's technology strategy and spearheaded innovations in interactive storytelling. One of his notable achievements at Lucasfilm was his involvement in the development of the Star Wars technology strategy, including the highly acclaimed 1313 prototype.
Libreri's career is marked by his extensive involvement in the film industry, having worked on more than 25 films. Some of his notable film credits include "The Matrix" trilogy, where he contributed to the development of the iconic Bullet Time technology, as well as "Super 8," "Speed Racer," and "Poseidon." He also led the development team for the award-winning film "What Dreams May Come," showcasing his expertise in visual effects.
Throughout his career, Libreri has received numerous accolades and recognition for his contributions to motion picture technology. He has been honoured with two Academy Awards in 2000 and 2015 and received an Oscar nomination in 2006. His expertise and achievements have earned him respect and admiration within the visual effects community, and he is a respected member of various visual effects bodies, including the visual effects branch of the Academy.
As the CTO of Epic Games, Libreri is responsible for continuing the studio's tradition of combining state-of-the-art technology with exceptional visual artistry. He has played a pivotal role in defining Unreal Engine, the studio's flagship platform, as the go-to choice for a wide range of interactive experiences, including games, movies, visualization, augmented reality, and virtual reality.
Under Libreri's leadership, Epic Games has pushed the boundaries of real-time technology, driving advancements in virtual production techniques and the development of realistic digital humans. His team's work on projects such as "A Boy and His Kite," "Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice," and "Meet Mike" has showcased the power and potential of Unreal Engine and its impact on the industry.
Looking forward, Libreri envisions a future where real-time rendering matches the quality of movies. He aims to further extend the capabilities of Unreal Engine, making it more accessible for game developers and film companies. With his visionary mindset and passion for innovation, Libreri continues to shape the future of interactive experiences and redefine the boundaries of what is possible in the world of entertainment.
Vision
Kim Libreri has a visionary mindset that has propelled him to the forefront of technological innovation in the entertainment industry. With a career spanning over two decades, Libreri has consistently demonstrated his ability to push boundaries and redefine what is possible in the world of digital technology, visual effects, and interactive storytelling.
Libreri's vision revolves around harnessing the power of real-time technology to revolutionize the way we create and experience entertainment. He firmly believes that real-time rendering will eventually match the quality of movies, opening up new possibilities for immersive storytelling and interactive experiences. Libreri sees a future where the line between traditional filmmaking and gaming blurs, enabling a seamless fusion of the two mediums.
One of the key aspects of Libreri's vision is the concept of virtual production, which combines the interactivity of game engines with the artistry of filmmaking. By leveraging the capabilities of platforms like Unreal Engine, he envisions a production process that is more collaborative, efficient, and flexible. Virtual production techniques allow filmmakers to have real-time access to characters, props, and environments, empowering them to make creative decisions on the spot and iterate rapidly. This approach brings back spontaneity and experimentation, creating a more immersive and engaging experience for both creators and audiences.
Libreri's vision also encompasses the development of realistic digital humans. He recognizes the potential of advanced technologies like facial animation and motion capture to create lifelike and emotionally compelling virtual characters. By pushing the boundaries of digital human technology, Libreri aims to make these tools more accessible to game developers and film companies, enabling them to create compelling and believable characters that resonate with audiences on a deeper level.
Recognition and Awards
References
- Kim Libreri - CTO - Epic Games I LinkedIn
- Kim Libreri I Cesium
- Kim Libreri, Epic Games Inc: Profile and Biography I Bloomberg
- Kim Libreri — CTO at Epic Games I Comparably
- Episode 379 - CTO Epic Games - Kim Libreri I Allan Mckay
- Kim Libreri I SIGGRAPH
- Kim Libreri talks virtual production, digital humans, I Unreal Engine
- Kim Libreri I IMDB
- Epic Games' Kim Libreri on how real the metaverse can look I Venture Beat
- Kim Libreri / Epic Games I British Cinematographer
- Kim Libreri - Epic Games - Cto I Easy Leads
- Epic Games I Pagan Research
- Kim Libreri - Person Profile I Crunchbase
- CLO Virtual Fashion and Epic Games Invest Together I TechVang Art
- Kim Libreri – SVP at Lucasfilm and Oscar Winner I Balshaws CE Highschool
- CLO Virtual Fashion and Epic Games snap up shares I Fashion United
- Lights, camera, graphics: How Epic helps Hollywood I Polygon
- CTO Epic Games Kim Libreri speaks during the CES 2023 I Alamy
- GDC 2023 and the State of Unreal I Virtual Producer
- The Present and Future of Real-Time Graphics in Film I Association of Computer Machinery