Front of house was entertained today, as a group of Visual Effects TD students transformed the break out space into a film location for the afternoon. The ‘TD’ stands for Technical Direction and these guys are currently working on a scene which they have created using our state of the art 3D design technology. They are learning about camera tracking and match moving, (among other things) and today they were filming footage which they will have to place into the scene they have already designed.
The First Ascent of Everest, In 3D!
Wheels are in motion for the first known ascent of Mt. Everest is to be made into a 3D feature, by award-winning N.Z. documentary maker Leanne Pooley.
Escape Academy Tours, an Open Day for Open Minds…
So it’s that time again… time to tempt, entice and hopefully ensnare a fresh batch of enthusiasts to come tame the beast that is VFX, here at Escape Studios. Hosted by recruitment and training team Flora and Nick, today is all about giving our potential Escapees a feel for what life at Escape has to offer, from our accelerated Classroom courses to the oh-so important free tea/coffee and, of course, the after hours bar downstairs!
Lee's App Of The Week: Plants Vs Zombies
Y'all know I've got a zombie "issue". I've actually developed a theory regarding the outcome of a potential zombie invasion since I unfortunately live quite close to a hospital (a well-known breeding ground for the suburban undead, see episode 1, season 1 of The Walking Dead) which means my fortress would be hit by the first intense wave of walkers to roll out across the nation. I've obviously begun acquiring the usual zombie defence equipment; cross bow, machete and so forth, but it turns out the only thing I really need is...PLANTS.
On the edge of what’s possible
Being a huge fan of Audrey Hepburn, chocolate and picturesque Italian landscapes, the new campaign for Galaxy chocolate naturally caught my eye. Oh, and the fact that every shot of Hepburn entails full CG face replacement might also have fuelled my curiosity!
"Man it's cool, it's the best thing I've written"
Harry Potter fans (there are a few of them out there) will have to readjust their vision come 2014/15, as it has been announced that Daniel Radcliffe is in final negotiations with 20th Century Fox over playing the lead role of Igor, in an adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. It is said that production will begin later this year.
A School in the Cloud
Those who watch TED talks, will know that the theme of education has been making regular appearances of late. An emerging theory is that the nurturing of children’s natural curiosity is a way to educate.
Oz the Great and Powerful.
After its Superbowl spot, the world premiere of ‘Oz’ became an event that many cinema lovers kept a keen eye on, and by the sounds of things, the film did not disappoint.
Marvel Crossover on the cards?
In a press release this week, Marvel teased fans with hopes of a super hero get together of epic proportions.
Guess Who?
Although we can’t unveil the name of the top secret industry speaker at our next Academy Tour (on the 6th of March) I insisted that we dispatch a couple of ‘Guess Who?’ Q&A’s to get your minds racing, exciting!
From the hand of Walt Disney himself
Check out these never before seen sketches from the hand of Walt Disney himself. Classic Mickey Mouse animation is simply one of my favourite things to watch, conveying a story, emotion or an idea in such simple drawings, for me really highlights to skill of this art, and art I have the utmost respect for.
Industrial Light and Magic - Path to the Death Star
As readers of our blog will know, we grab any Star Wars news by the horns, grind it into a couple hundred words, and blog the Sith out of it.
This occasion is no different, and while just last month, Star Wars fans everywhere were petitioning to get a death star built and launched into space, Industrial Light and Magic (VFX Brainchild of Star Wars creator George Lucas) were busy putting together a timeline of their journey, creating the Death Star for it’s first appearance in ‘Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope’.
It shows the milestones of an iconic studio as well as the creation of one of the most iconic images in cinematic history.
Lee's App Of The Week: Jurassic Park Builder
Normally I come bearing apps of technical brilliance, photographic immensity and all-round-smarty-pants-show-off material. This week however, I bring you JURASSIC PARK BUILDER. That's right people, you heard me right the first time, JURASSIC PARK BUILDER. Where all of your T-Rex and Jeff Goldblum dreams can come true.
Science fiction concept soon to become reality!
Ever wanted to control things with your mind? Get a secret message over to your pals in a public place? If so, then the future is going to be very exciting for you.
The power of 3D in your pocket!
Lovers of 3D will be over the moon to discover that they can now have the power of 3D in their pocket at all times, as the 3Doodler allows the owner to take their artistic imagination off of the page!
HaZ Dulull presents: Project Kronos
We were rather happy this week to hear from an old friend of Escape HaZ Dulull, a) because he has just been appointed as director for ‘IAM entertainment’ Hollywood, which is awesome! and b) because he is promoting his second VFX heavy short, Project Kronos.
Irish Producer nominated for 'Best Animated Short' Academy award.
You may remember our very own Paul Harrison recently wrote a blog post about the increasing success of Ireland’s animation industry.