Very sad to hear that VFX legend Ray Harryhausen passed away yesterday, at the grand age of 92. Harryhausen created such films as Jason and the Argonauts (1963) and The Clash of the Titans (1981).
A Deadly Combination!
In this modern age, the desk of the busy designer is likely to be filled with graphics tablets, laptops and PC’s, and let’s be honest, there is such a thing as too much clutter. But hopefully when this invention hits the design world, things will change!
VFX vs Motion Graphics
In my early career exploring VFX Vs Motion Graphics; I was very tempted to try my hand at film title sequences. I loved the design aspect, the story telling requirement and strong visuals used to captivate the audience right from the start.
McLaren P1 Light Painting Video - Check it out!
Feast your eyes on the behind the scenes footage of the McLaren P1 Light Painting video.
Monsters & Legends - Nothing like a bit of cryptozoology!
As every grown up kid knows, good children's books are a pleasure, and appeal as much to the adults reading it as they do to the kids.
Step-By-Step
Each time I watch a student show reel I am always blown away by how professional they look and this one (above) by Escapee Alastair Cross has impressed me in particular. Being a novice to the world of visual effects I’m always interested in getting to know how it all comes together and the ‘step-by-step’ breakdown he includes is extremely insightful.
The Da Vinci of Dust: Works of Art on a Dirty Car Window
I grew up with parents who couldn’t bear driving around in a dirty car. It just wasn’t socially acceptable in Ireland amongst that generation. And so, many a weekend during my childhood was spent polishing car windows. However, little did my parents know, we were washing away free art materials. Yep, that seems unlikely right? I thought the same, until I read about Scott Wade, the Da Vinci of dust!
Summer’s here?
With temperatures managing to, ahem, ‘soar’ into the low 20s this week I’ve become accustomed to spending my lunch break basking in the sun on Shepherd’s Bush Green and even dared to dig out the sun cream at one point!
My Dream Home?
I’ve always said that when I grow up I want to live in a tree house. I’m really drawn to the idea of being raised high up off the ground in a home built among the trees, preferably with a natural spring or waterfall running nearby. Well, the Sky Tower in Tom Cruise’s latest movie, Oblivion has certainly given that idea a run for its money.
Another outstanding exhibition from Ron Mueck
If there’s one thing VFX artists appreciate, it’s the time and effort that goes into making a piece look unquestionably and perfectly lifelike.
Nolan selects DoP for next project!
One of my favourite film directors, Christopher Nolan, has chosen his new Director of Photography for his next film 'Interstellar' and the name to look out for is Hoyte Van Hoytema, the film is due for release November 2014.
That’s not in the script!
We all have a movie that contains a memorable line which we can quote verbatim. Famous ones that spring to mind are Arnie’s “I’ll be back” in ‘The Terminator’; Terry Jones “He’s not the Messiah” in Monty Python’s ‘The Life of Brian’ and one of my favourites, “I’m going to make him an offer he can’t refuse” as quoted by Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) in The Godfather.
Tuesday Tips & Tricks!
What’s up guys, Ash here, welcome to the first episode of Escape Studios Tips' and Tricks video series!
A positive move for a not-so-negative company.
With a plethora of articles lamenting the VFX industry in the western world right now, it’s always a refreshing change to read a story with a more promising outcome.
Lee vs. Hiddleston - The Crow to fly again?
One of the movies which I really connected with during my ‘teenage angst’ years was the 1994 adaptation of James O’Barr’s comic book, The Crow. It had everything a troubled 14 year old girl could wish for in a film; fantasy, romance and tragedy, oh and not forgetting a dark, brooding, handsome hero in the shape of Brandon Lee.
Check out this selection of Innovative digital art from 'Polynoid'
I met these guys a few years ago when they were all students at FilmAkademie in Germany, and check them out now! Their company ‘Polynoid’ indulge in a great mix of 3D, art and a commercial application, check them out here.
Escapee Ayesha Garrett has work exhibited on NASA site!
I studied at Escape Studios (Maya Core and Visual Effects) in 2008, rather than a career change, my partner and I were escaping a massive house renovation, so we decided to take a fun break and study VFX as we've always wanted to!
