The role of VFX in modern blockbusters has for a long time gone unnoticed, but since the recent furore at the Oscars it seems more and more people are speaking out about the importance of VFX and henceforth, the artists that create the magic.
VFX that pass the test of time?
Doctor Who is a real household name for many people who grew up wanting to understand what VFX were all about, nowadays we consider the 70’s and 80’s visuals rather novelty, but it’s worth considering that a lot of these opinions are derived from unfair context of hindsight.
Escape Tutor Paul Harrison on the Wacom Cintiq13HD
Our Escape Tutors are always on the ball when it comes to the latest tech, and a couple of weeks back my eye was caught by one of our online mentors Paul Harrison, who was sketching on his new piece of Wacom kit, the latest addition to his arsenal of tools.
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!
Escape's Industry Relationship Manger visits UWE
A few weeks back, Escape’s Relationship Manager, Anita Gribble, was invited to speak with students at the University of Western England in Bristol, and on Friday 12th April she made the trip westbound. Undergrads, MA. and graphic design students were invited to come and meet with her to learn more about Escape Studios and the VFX industry in the UK, via a presentation followed by some Q & A.
Escapee work on IKEA 'Ad of the day'
In this new Ad from IKEA, we see a gang of garden gnomes waging war against an influx of new modern furniture, appearing on their turf. Watch as the battle ensues and mass gnomes are killed in action, and after you’ve seen it, take a second to ponder how it was created!
Who Framed Roger Rabbit? Paul Chung that’s who!
Escape Studios had a special treat today as animator Paul Chung kindly agreed to come along and give a talk to our Academy Tour attendees, oh and half the current student population too…
The creation of the iconic Jurassic Park T-Rex explained!
With Jurassic Park 4 in the foreseeable distance, it’s often worth taking a moment to remember how epic Jurassic Park was, upon its release in 1993.
Escape HQ - April 17th - '2D to 3D' - VFX Legend, Paul Chung.
We’re very happy to announce that in just over a week’s time, (Wednesday April the 17th – pencil it in!) we will have none other than VFX legend Paul Chung here at Escape HQ, presenting at our Open day to a room of eager VFX loving attendees.
The Uncanny Valley is close!
Readers of our blog out there will remember a piece we posted a few weeks back about the concept of ‘the uncanny valley’, and I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s pretty darn weird in action!
When the pencil is mightier than the pixel - Quietly questioning 'the Croods' production choices...
I haven't yet seen the Croods, but my four year old's pester power means a trip to the cinema is inevitable this Easter. When I saw the first trailer a number of months ago, however I was left a little cold and felt little compulsion to make the effort to see it. It seemed rather predictable, not particularly lovable characters and no real 'hooks' to grab me. I did change my mind completely a few weeks later when Chris Sanders started releasing his story boards for the Croods. They are nothing short of stunning.
'The Croods' clubs the weekend box office!
After last week’s mention of 'Despicable Me 2' arriving soon to hit cinema screens, it’s fair to say that animation is very much in the public eye at the moment, and the trend continued this weekend as animated movie ‘the Croods’ has dominated the box office.
Check out this Stash!
A great mash up of some amazing VFX, motion and animation work collated by the guys at Stash. Titled ‘Stash 98: Another 100 minutes of motion brilliance’ this one and a half minutes of footage is a showcase collaboration of clips that are tantalising for the eyes.
Lovable Film, Despicable Me 2.
I loved the first slice of 'Despicable Me'. And it’d be an understatement to say I am excited about this new trailer and release of ‘Despicable Me 2’ this summer! On the site, you can see some of their 3D turntables of the CG car they designed that is amphibious, there’s also some concept art on there too.
The Visual Effects Academy
So, the time is nearly upon us to open our doors to all you budding VFX artist wannabes to show you what we’re made of!