Birmingham University STEM/Film VFX careers talk 1 October 2014

Careers in Visual Effects (VFX) – where art and technology collide

Yen YauTalent Development ManagerInto Film

1 October 2014STEM Birmingham and Solihull

Birmingham University

Into Film is an education charity that seeks to put film at the heart of children and young people’s learning and cultural experience.

www.infofilm.org

Film Full Value Chain

• Research and Development, including Writing, Pitching, Finding Finance

• Pre-Production: Production is definitely on and preparations are made

• Production or Shoot: Filming• Post-Production or Post: Editing of sound,

vision and visual effects

• Distribution and Exhibition, which may be the crucial part of the process -marketing the film; getting it shown and watched.

VFX and SFX

Getting on – the VFX skills spectrum

.

Where is the science?

Developing a Portfolio

2D Compositing

• NUKE – The award-winning tool for visual effects and

the industry’s standard software

• Adobe Photoshop – For matte painting and

compositing for accurate image editing.

• Adobe After Effects – A digital motion graphics,

visual effects and compositing tool, used in post-

production for film and television production.

3D VFX • Autodesk Maya – 3D computer animation, modeling, visual effects and rendering software tool.

• Autodesk Mudbox – Computer-based 3D sculpting and digital painting tool.

• ZBrush – 3D/2.5D modeling, texturing and digital painting tool.

Other resources

•The Core Skills of VFX http://www.skillset.org/animation/qualifications/article_8377_1.asp

•Breakdown showreelshttp://www.artofvfx.com/?p=6591

http://www.moving-picture.com/showreels/vfx-breakdowns/

http://vimeo.com/milkvfx

•Individual Career Profiles and Case studies•http://www.dneg.com/career_profiles/

The VFX Core Skills Primer

1. Where are you on the VFX SPECTRUM?2. VFX is a TEAM SPORT3. VFX: Where efficiency and creativity meet4. It’s not about you, it’s about the PIPELINE5. Deadlines really are DEADLINES6. Somewhere, there is a CLIENT7. Criticism is a request for CHANGE8. Explain YOURSELF9. VFX and the PHOTOREAL10.That doesn’t look RIGHT!11.Plan and DECONSTRUCT12.The best VFX tool is PAPER

The VFX Core Skills Primer – cont’d

13. Don’t wait to be TAUGHT14. 13. Don’t wait to be TAUGHT14. You’re surrounded by EXPERTISE15. The VFX LEXICON16. VFX is cinematography and MATHS17. Yikes, what kind of MATHS?18. Know your tool: THE COMPUTER19. Film THEORY20. VFX is not NEW21. The art of the EDIT22. Style and VISION23. OPTICS24. SURPRISE us

Creative Skillset http://creativeskillset.org/

• Job Profiles• National Occupational Standards

• Getting Personal Careers Advice • Career Resources (templates, videos, case-studies,

etc.

What are your options when you leave school and university?

Degree courses

Next Gen Skills Academy

Trainee Finder

Runners

Producer

Useful Websites

• BAFTA Guru• Double Negative• Escape Studios• Televisual• Screen International• Broadcast• Art of VFX• The CG Society• FX Guide

Getting in Touch

hannah.mconville@intofilm.orgyen.yau@intofilm.org

Second Light LabsSkills Fusion

@yenyau@getintofilm