It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a career in Visual Effects is far from boring. As far as careers go, this is an industry that keeps us on our toes, offering us a never ending number of new creative project ideas to be realised, fun new problems to be solved and new technologies to be developed. This is an industry that constantly pushes us to learn and discover more.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy
So, many of you will be on wind down for the long weekend which is almost upon us, but for us here at Escape it’s business as usual, well, almost...
Creator of VFX Youtube channel 'deepfriedectoplasm' takes on Escape Taster Course!
Acquiring some VFX skills is a natural path for most people who are currently using all the great tools we have today for video/film production and editing. The technology has matured to the point where we (the average single graphics guy or gal) use it almost on a daily basis.
Make it Polycount
As a 3D lover I am also a regular frequenter of Polycount. Some of you out there will no doubt already be familiar with this site, but for those that aren’t – it’s a community of pros and hobbyists that specialise in creating 3D for videogames, and it is always brimming with infatuating content.
VFX on your tablet!
Cinefex, the long standing centre of behind the scenes VFX information is now finally available on the iPad and online, check out the free copy of issue 127.
Iron Man 3 - VFX Straight out of London
It’s a delight to say that a sizeable chunk of the VFX for Iron Man 3 were produced right here in London, and many of them by our friends at Framestore. Their contribution to the project undeniably creates the all-round key look for the movie.
Ray Harryhausen - A VFX Legend.
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).
McLaren P1 Light Painting Video - Check it out!
Feast your eyes on the behind the scenes footage of the McLaren P1 Light Painting video.
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.
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.
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 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!
Escapees add VFX magic to short film & premiere is around the corner!
In the first week of May, escapees and a handful of Escape Studios staff will be joining a number of other film professionals to witness the premiere of “Enchanting Rupert”, a film by Play on Films that has had some magical work done in post, by a selection of escapees.
