The /*jupiter jazz*/ group

the /*jupiter jazz*/ group is a collective of visual developers providing consulting services in the broad field of imagery, broad because we are involved in all aspects of visuals: from software R&D for VFX, animation and games → to visualization and analysis for design → to systems for visual arts.

The group, founded in January 2007 by Paolo Berto, is backed up by a privately-funded and fully independent company: Jupiter Jazz Limited, based in Hong Kong to serve the emerging Asian markets, and of course all other clients worldwide.

Traditionally our name is more known in the world of rendering, technical direction, software R&D and in general for the whole CG animation pipeline, but our research is focused on all aspects of design: from software design, to graphic design, to industrial design. We see ourselves as designers and artisans operating in the broad field of visuals, with ideas, techniques and workflows that root in the VFX world, hence the self-assigned neologism of “Visual Developers”.

Evolution into the /*jupiter jazz*/ group

Originally /*jupiter jazz*/ was the nickname for the activities of Paolo in the world of visual research. Because of the globetrotting nature of his work, he had the chance to meet great  people in several production studios and software companies. Together, after a decade of abstractions in VFX and R&D, we shared the same thoughts and realized some of the nonsense in our modus-operandi as singular entities. As a logical consequence it was necessary to evolve into a more decentralized and flexible world-wide collective. Essentially, by grouping together we cover more areas of knowledge and we avoid reinventing the wheel. We work faster, better and – less! -, with a lifestyle more compatible with our freeriders’ souls.

Origins of the /*jupiter jazz*/ name

Since many have asked, the origins of the /*jupiter jazz*/ name are to be found in episodes 12 & 13 entitled “Jupiter Jazz” (parts 1 & 2) of the superlative japanese anime series “Cowboy Bebop” by Shinichiro Watanabe. The logo is wrapped as C-style multiline comments. There have been several graphic designs based on this name and refer to them as “campaigns”. Usually, but not currently, the main page of this site randomly displays one.