Great storytelling. Interesting Sketchup use-cases for film production with great crossover value to architecture.
— Attendee - 3DBC 2024
Your approach to designing and building physical sets was truly fascinating, and as a bit of a computer geek myself, I really appreciated your retrospective angle on technology development.
— Attendee - 3DBC 2024
John’s lo-fi solution for photo-matching on Sketchup is way cool.
— Attendee - 3DBC 2024
Featured Lectures
The Art Dept. Diagram
AKA, “What would Feynman do?”
45-minute program that diagrams the functions of the Art Department. This study is inspired by Nobel-prized physicist, Richard Feynman, who handedly diagrammed many of the weird physical aspects of our universe.
Each feature of John's diagram is embellished with practical solutions and anecdotes that he has learned over his 40-year career. This analysis also relates to the many “strange theories” of Film & TV production as a whole, and perhaps our own human predicament?
B-101, english, multimedia, 45 minutes plus Q&A
What Is Your Best Idea ?! . . . . . . And When Can I get It ?!
John Kretschmer presents four decades of motion picture and TV design using 3D Walkthrough.
Beginning in 1984 with the pioneering of 3D computational sciences at UNC-CH, to the advent of Virtus Walkthrough Pro in 1994 - and beyond - John presents “innovation-in-action” from all three sides of the coin – the software, the hardware, and the artist.
We “learn as we go” where new techniques are developed in real-time as new sets are conceived, drawn, and rendered in a matter of hours. Kretschmer presents this work in the same manner that he pitches new concepts to producers and directors.
B-102, english, multimedia, 120 minutes including intermission and Q&A
Work Timer
Within a few months of moving into his 1972 Airstream, John endured a brutal snow and ice storm. He was ready.
In 2021, he wintered in his new 2010 Airstream just outside of Chicago, with 30 straight days of zero-digit temperatures. He thrived . . . mostly.
With many miles, and all sorts of weather and water - high and low - John explores his one-on-one relationship with this home/office on wheels.
In doing so, he reflects upon the brilliant, enduring design, and functionality of the Airstream Trailer.
This program is best when paired with a screening of “Alumination” (2021, 69 minutes).
B-103, multimedia, english, 45 minutes plus Q&A, or 130 minutes w/ "Alumination,” including intermission.
Screen Time
Explore the final outcomes of John and his teams’ work. Screen a television episode or feature film that John designed, and/or screen John’s early show reels and portfolio, with Q & A.
B-104, multimedia, english, television & show reels = 60 minutes, feature = 120 minutes.
(What Is Your Best idea ?! . . . ) was my favorite session!
— Attendee - 3DBC 2024
You are an engaging storyteller, John!
— Attendee - 3DBC 2024
I don't know that I saw any other (survey responses) with all "Excellent" and would "Definitely" attend another session . . . the crowd loved it!
— T. Joyce, Sketchup/Trimble - 3DBC 2024
