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Post by Vince De Quattro on Sept 17, 2004 8:53:42 GMT -8
MODULE 1: Visual Effects: The Big Picture
Week One Lecture Goals: • a broad view of the visual effects industry • understanding industry roles • the relevance of a Master’s Degree • the introduction of your instructor • approaches to your resume and reel
Assignments: • Assignment 1.1: Post your resume, and, if you have one, a Quicktime movie of your current reel. Have a web site? Provide a link.
• Assignment 1.2: Select one of the films from the Instructor's Vita, and write a short essay about the impact of its visual effects.
You may optionally submit your essay electronically to my email address:
vdequattro@academyart.edu Reading Assignments: • Filmmaker's Handbook, Chapter 6, The Video Camcorder.
Discussion: • Discussion 1.1: Why have you chosen the Academy of Art University? Do you feel that the school has the necessary resources you need to complete your program?
• Discussion 1.2: What makes you want to participate in the computer graphics industry? Do you watch a lot of VFX films?
• Discussion 1.3: What is it about your background that makes you a unique candidate for a position in the computer graphics industry? Would you classify yourself as an artist, a technician, or a little of both?
During class today, we'll take care of some basic administrative tasks:
Introduce Computer Lab Manager, Galina Rozina, (office: 3rd Floor Computer Area)
Check student computer account access.
Distribute Video Lab Resource handout and introduce the Video Production Manager, Ralph Dickinson.
Harald Boyesen, Video Prod. Manager 3rd Floor, rm 313. (415) 618-3754
NOTE
Please try to make all video lab resource requests at least one week in advance of your individual (or group) production needs.
Course Introduction (see Course Description Forum)
Pre-requisites: 3D: MAYA I/ 3D StudioMAX (or equivalent) 3D: RealVIZ MMPro or Boujou (or equivalent) 2D: After Effects/ Shake
Courses which rely on ANM 699/ANM 253 VFX content: Preproduction (ANM 670)
This course is a production-oriented course and will mimic a professional VFX studio environment. You will conduct dailies, receive shot feedback, and will be responsible for keeping a shot progress notebook that tracks each of your assigned shots. These notebooks will be turned in prior to mid-term and final grading for evaluation. You will be responsible for the creation of shot turnover sheets which will detail proposed shot budgeting and assist in establishing a shot progress timeline.
This is a thesis pre-production course, designed to assist you in preparing for your thesis project. The class will provide you with the professional skills necessary to plan and execute a successful thesis, as well as provide you with several projects that will contribute to your submission portfolio.
Grading policies (see Course Description Forum, and Office Bulletin Board)
Late/Absences
When you are working for a visual effects company, you must let your production unit know if you'll be absent or late. I would appreciate the same respect from you regarding attendance in this class. Please let me know ahead of time if you will be late or will miss the lecture entirely, for any reason. My phone number is (415) 618-3778 and my email address is vdequattro@academyart.edu.
Resume guidelines
When you create your resume, keep work references specific to the job position you seek. Include only those jobs and education references that will help you convince the recruiter that you are the right artist for the task.
Vita guidelines
Your vita is your body of work, including all projects pertinent to the particular job position you seek.
Reel
Keep your reel updated and short (DVD preferred). Best work first. Not to exceed four minutes, unless you have a specific piece (short subject film, etc.) that will prove important in your interview.
Reel Index
An important inclusion with your reel that explains in detail your contributions to each shot provided
Watch the instructor's reel
With regard for the way in which some houses view reels, discuss the importance of a short, effective reel with proper credits
Next week, please bring small notebooks that you will use for shot notes.
Introduce the turnover sheet and discuss the creation of turnover sheets for each of our projects.
Introduce our textbook -- "The Filmmaker's Handbook" (revised edition) available through amazon.com for under $10.00 w/shipping
Industry Introduction Roles - Hierarchy
Post Production VFX team on principal photography set Match-moving Scanning Tape I/O Dirt and Paint Removal Digital Matte Painting Modeling Viewpainting Animation Technical Animator (Chaining/Enveloping/Corrective Shapes) Character Development (Cloth/Fur) Rigid Body Animator Rotoscope Assistant Technical Director Technical Director Compositor (Flame/Batch)
Collaboration Time Budgeting (blocking) Attitude Academy Art Training
Discussion questions for week one:
Why have you chosen the Academy of Art University?
What makes you want to participate in the Industry (VFX)?
What is it about your background that makes you a unique candidate for a position in the post-production vfx industry?
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pixade
New Member
yaya Canada!
Posts: 34
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Post by pixade on Oct 8, 2004 11:22:11 GMT -8
Why have you chosen the Academy of Art University? b/c i wanted an MFA in an interesting field, canada only had new media and that's not really what i'm into anymore. Australia was the same. So my only choices for an MFA in 3D animation was here or U of Miami and California seems to have more companies in the field.
What makes you want to participate in the Industry (VFX)? I think it's more complex (of the arts) and has a stronger impact on people than any other medium.
What is it about your background that makes you a unique candidate for a position in the post-production vfx industry? I have a fine arts background and i believe it's important b/c essentially, we're artists. Maybe not like in the High Renaissance when artists were creating huge frescos but in a different way. We painting digital images on huge screens.
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johnb4467
Junior Member
"That which does not kill us, makes us stronger." -Nietzsche
Posts: 54
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Post by johnb4467 on Oct 8, 2004 11:22:43 GMT -8
Why have you chosen the Academy of Art University? It seemed to be a well-regarded school...it was in California...I got in...and I felt like being poor from paying the ridiculous amounts of money to attend. What makes you want to participate in the Industry (VFX)? While extremely stressful, it seems like it will be very rewarding at the same time. It will also be fun in that you're working on films that people go to the theater to see, and it is directly & non-directly the direction I've been working toward for a while not. What is it about your background that makes you a unique candidate for a position in the post-production vfx industry? I grew up on computers. My first computer had DUAL 360k 5.25" drives & the horrid CGA, 3 color monitor. In imaging I worked up from windows paint to aldus photostyler, to the abodbe photodeluxe, to photoshop...got into video...and now this is just a continuation of the evolution. It's just what I do.
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Post by Garrett on Oct 8, 2004 11:33:19 GMT -8
Why have you chosen the Academy of Art University?
I always wanted to live in San Francisco. I did some research about schools and narrowed it down to Parsons, AAU and Ohio State, my alma mater. I chose AAU because of it's location and industry connections. I felt it would be the best place to go to catapult my job opportunities and extend my network of industry contacts!
What makes you want to participate in the Industry (VFX)?
It's sweet! I just like to learn new things everyday and have a challenging task ahead of me. Plus you get to work on movies, maybe some cartoons and the occassional video game. What more can you ask for? Besides a small island in the Mediterranean.
What is it about your background that makes you a unique candidate for a position in the post-production vfx industry?
I worked for a small company in Columbus, Ohio and worked in all aspects of production there. I also learned from a modeler who wrote a book on modeling for visual effects and animation. So I learned a great deal from him. I have a background in drawing and painting. So visually I have an artistic background and now I am aiming for a technical postion, with the need for an artistic eye. I will be an Effects Animator/Technical Director some day, then a CG Effects Supervisor. Hopefully, my experiences and contacts at AAU will make this bream a reality.
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jarmo
New Member
Posts: 15
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Post by jarmo on Oct 8, 2004 11:35:01 GMT -8
Why have you chosen the Academy of Art University?
I heard the film department at the AAU is very production based and practical - and students dedicated to making films. My undergrad school was mostly theory based, and I wanted to start shooting stuff.
What makes you want to participate in the Industry (VFX)?
Have always enjoyed making films, and being a part of a film crew. I have become curious about visual effects and how they help to tell a story better.
What is it about your background that makes you a unique candidate for a position in the post-production vfx industry?
Hmmmm...maybe an experience in film production...
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Post by derkash on Oct 8, 2004 12:39:53 GMT -8
I chose the Academy of Art because I knew that I wanted to do something in the visual effects industry but I didn't know where to begin. I think that I have learned a lot from this school. People say that you can learn this stuff on your own but I know that I have learned way more in the last eight months at this school than I ever would have learned just by doing tutorials on my own. Plus here we can network and meet other people with the same interests and learn from each other.
Everytime I watch a movie with visual effects I get inspired. I love the film industry and I am constantly impressed with what they can do as far as effects go.
I come from a fine art background and I think that this is very helpful. I think that this helps with color theory and composition of shots etc. I am an artist that is being taught technology.
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stina
New Member
Posts: 4
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Post by stina on Feb 5, 2005 6:56:54 GMT -8
I've been impressed with AAU since high school. It had one of the best computer graphic programs of all the art schools in Ca, and about $5000 cheaper.
In all honesty, when I first applied to AAU I had no idea what I wanted to do. My advisor recommended VFX. I tried a few classes and it just clicked with me. My inspiration is all the crappy VFX I've seen over the years. I say to myself, how can I make that better?
My background is in digital photography and Photoshop and I have a sharp perception for subtle details which is something essential in compositing.
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Post by jgbidwell on Feb 5, 2005 13:21:42 GMT -8
Why have you chosen the Academy of Art University?
The AAU is one of the few places that offer a MFA for VFX, plus I wouldn't mind teching on the side. It also seems that a Master's degree is what a Bachelar's used to be. I want to be competetive...
I also heard good things about the MPT/ VFX department from students who recently graduated from AAU.
What makes you want to participate in the Industry (VFX)?
I have always wanted to do special effects for movies. (even before everytyhing went digital) I used to build models and burn them to look like they had laser damage etc...
I really enjoy creating computer graphics. Now that I have started to learn motion graphics and compositing, I am blown away with the possibilities.
What is it about your background that makes you a unique candidate for a position in the post-production VFX industry?
I come from an architectural background. I know what it's like to have an impossible deadline and to put the hours in to make it happen. I have developed an eye for finding mistakes noticing the details. I had "secretly" studied the industry, took it apon myself to learn as much software as possible and kept my artistic skills sharp.
This class looks like so much fun...I can't wait to get started. ;D
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Post by Joerund F Pedersen (Jay) on Feb 5, 2005 18:14:53 GMT -8
Why have you chosen the Academy of Art University? Coming from Norway and having done my Bachelor in Multimedia at Griffith University in Australia (and one year exchange at SF State) I really got to like SF and the Bay Area. I knew a couple of people who attended AAU and liked it, and as I wanted to work with film/video doing preferably simulations and dynamics I figured it to be a good place to go. What makes you want to participate in the Industry (VFX)? It seems like a way for me to combine my technical skillset together with my artistic side. My fascination with visual effects (whatever that implies) goes back to my Commodore64 around 1987 working on demonstrations and simple programming. Being heavily involved in the Amiga scene during the early nineties made me want to create effects and interesting visuals. I guess the drive to create something that can not be (or at least not as easily or perfectly) made in the real world is intruiging. My dream job would be to work at a place that had a certain value outside of the pure entertainment aspect, creating informative but at the same time interesting visuals. Doing documentaries would be preferable, as I would loathe creating commercials to try to sell chewingum to insecure 13 year olds. What is it about your background that makes you a unique candidate for a position in the post-production VFX industry? I have more of a technical and diverse background, doing programming (mainly Java) as well as music production and various types of scripting and UI design, and I would like to incoroporate these skills into my work if possible. I feel that dealing with dynamics is a good way to use my technical skill and interest as well as my artistic. I have a strong interest in physics and in particular theoretical physics, having read almost anything I can come by by writers and scientists such as Stephen Hawking, Feynman and others and would love to visualize some of the topics covered by them. Tusen takk for oppmerksomheten! Joerund F. Pedersen (jay)
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Post by supasinee on Feb 6, 2005 0:52:33 GMT -8
Why have you chosen the Academy of Art University?
- Let me go back to the past when i was a kid . i really love star war and i watched toy story that inspired me to come to US and find school about 3d and visual effect stuff and AAU is about right and i hope this school is going to make my dream come true !
What makes you want to participate in the Industry (VFX)? - I really love sci-fi movies i thinks they are all look so cool i always have so many questions with my dad that how can they made it? but my dad never answer me about that stuff and i love to see the special effect more than look at the actor and the actress finally i really want to do that by myself
What is it about your background that makes you a unique candidate for a position in the post-production VFX industry?
- i got my 1st bachelor in film and 2nd in 3d animation i think i can adapt it to the VFX field at least in my opinion VFX stuff should always think like an animator for rotoscoping or composite ;D ;D ;D
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MATT
New Member
Posts: 6
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Post by MATT on Feb 6, 2005 21:56:40 GMT -8
Why have i chosen the Academy of Art? I chose this school because of its connections into the industry and the quality of its equipment. Where I went to my undergrad we had pretty poor equipment and the school really didnt have any connections into the industry. I decided that moving across the country was worth it if it would help me reach my goals so here I am. What makes you want to participate in the industry? To keep it simple, Jurassic Park. I saw that movie 13 times while it was in the theater. The effects absolutely blew my mind and I knew that thats what i wanted to do when I got out of school.
What is it about your background that makes you a unique candidate for a position in the post-production vfx industry? I've worked with computers my whole life ever since my first apple II. Along with a great computer background Ive studied photography, design, and fine arts which gives me a perfectly rounded background and a great eye. [glow=yellow,2,300]I cant wait for this class!![/glow]
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Post by granttag on Feb 7, 2005 10:37:07 GMT -8
Good day everyone, I am Tiffany. Sorry, I don't have a picture of myself. However, I am the girl who usually wears the blue fire throw-over and doesn't seem to stop laughing/smiling majority of the time. Ok, here goes... Why have you chosen the Academy of Art University? While finishing my B.F.A in 3d Animation at James Madison University in Virginia, I realized that I may have to go to graduate school to really get into my area of interest, which is 3d lighting. I know alittle about modeling, animating, texturing, lighting, making vfx elements in 3d programs. My education was too broad. I spent a year of searching for an internship &/or job and falling short. Companies were saying that my demo reel was too broad and I needed to focus on one area of interest and learn it to the best of my ability. After researching many graduate programs, I chose AAU because: 1: It is in a great area for the industry, as we all know. 2: I would be learning from various people currently in the industry. 3: I honestly felt I would be able to gain a lot from the program. 4: AAU actually had classes that focused in lighting. Also, I could take photography and film/camera as electives to get more experience in lighting than just within the 3d world. What makes you want to participate in the Industry (VFX)? This industry is what I have always been interested in since the summer of 1991. I saw Terminator 2: Judgement day and years later here I am. For people who know me know I am very particular about what I like and what I do. And it says something to me if I am still very interested in this industry and I have been through countless ups and downs within my undergradate career when it came to 3d. All I can say is I am still here and wanting to learn more. I am not be a "lighting TD", but I will be involved with the industry in one way or another. ;D What is it about your background that makes you a unique candidate for a position in the post-production vfx industry? I have completed several 3d classes, and drawing classes. I had painting, photography, screenprint, sculpture, and art history classes. I am not sure what would make me "unique". But I can say that I have had some experience in many areas of 3d and what it boils down to is I know what I want to spend hours upon hours on... get frustrated... get up... come back a few minutes later...sit down... and work on it until I get the wanted result. (Hey, I am just being honest) Ok, that is it. See you all in class. Later. Tiffany
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Post by malene on Feb 7, 2005 12:11:28 GMT -8
Why have you chosen the Academy of Art University?
I have choosen the Academy of Art University because it is located near many of the top companies of the industry and also because I've heard tht the Academy has a variety of courses that are very challenging, plus you actually learn more about the career that you are pursuing.
What makes you want to participate in the industry(VFX) ?
I want to participate in the industry of VFX to do digital texturing because I love to paint digitally and traditionally. I believe that I am good at it, but there is always room for improvement. I also think that it would be fun to work with and learn from many people in the industry on various projects.
What is it about your back ground that makes your a unique candidate for a position in the post produstion VFX industry?
What makes me a unique candidate for a position in post production VFX industry is my knowlege and expirence of working and learning from many different proffesional artists on different types of art in the Caribbean and Miami, Florida. I have my BFA in Computer Animation from the AI Miami International University of Art and Design. I also have an open mind, a creative imagination, and a different cultural perspective on life that can help form new artistic ideas for the VFX industry.
Can't wait to work with all of yall in class !!!
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Post by dreamer3dchic on Feb 7, 2005 20:31:34 GMT -8
Hi all, Heather here.
Why have you chosen the Academy of Art University?
After weighing my options and the different schools across the country, the Academy came highly recommended by a collegue who worked with Academy alumni. This school was closer to the industry, more affordable, and was willing to customize an education to focus on what I wanted to learn.
What makes you want to participate in the Industry (VFX)?
I used to stay up late to watch Cinema Secrets. I thought that visual effects was a small club primarily of older men. I wanted to learn how to be a part of it. Then Jurassic Park came out. It is the only movie that my entire family went to see together in the theater. After that I searched for a way to learn visual effects... to make the fictional... real.
What is it about your background that makes you a unique candidate for a position in the post-production vfx industry?
With a very general education in animation, illustration and multimedia, I am now prepared to hone my skills to become matte painter and compositor. Working in print for the last 2 years I have gotten used to pressure filled deadlines and paying attention to the details. In addition, the friends I've made on my quest provide inspiration and encourage me to up my game, and I look forward to an industry filled with equally talented and driven people.
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LANA
New Member
Posts: 8
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Post by LANA on Feb 7, 2005 21:08:39 GMT -8
Why have you chosen the Academy of Art University?I knew I had to go back to school after my BA, I wasn’t ready for the real world. The Academy is one of the few schools that had a VFX program and was recommend by Pixar, how can that not be a great school then? The location of AAU is excellent; besides its awesome weather and the movie/film industry’s companies big and little are my neighbors. If I want a job with them I needed to the area to start making those connections. What makes you want to participate in the Industry (VFX)?Ever since seeing Independence Day I knew I wanted virtually destroy buildings and create crazy explosions! To make an awesome effect of something flying and creating realistic situations in space sounds too cool and something I had to be a part of! I have always been involved in art in some form and had a niche for computers. Bringing these two interests together seemed natural and exciting. What is it about your background that makes you a unique candidate for a position in the post-production vfx industry?While I haven’t had the industry experience or the background in 3D, like many I do bring other strong characteristics. I have always known that this is what I wanted and will stop at nothing to get it. My background does contain a wide range of art experience. From a little girl to now I have always created art from pastels to pottery to glass blowing. Having this hand on artistic background will hopefully give me an edge in this competitive world. what up peeps! hope to have fun and learn with ya! -lana
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