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.
Ready, Set, Design.
Set design is a real passion of mine, and I recently found this great video on the film club website, even though I’m a 3D artist I thoroughly enjoy seeing real models
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.
3D Print your way to your very own Golden Ticket!
There’s been a lot of controversy recently over the seemingly limitless possibilities to 3D printing, but for every gun that’s created, it looks like there will be hundreds of these bad boys made to level out the playing field of naughty vs nice.
Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore…
Escape whips up a whirlwind of activity this week.
How's your trivia?
Everyone loves a bit of trivia, and for fans of US TV series, here’s a fun trivia site if you want to go above and beyond when it comes to televised entertainment, and learn more about the creators of your favourite shows.
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.
MPC comes to Escape
Okay folks, our Academy Tour is almost upon us; on Wednesday 15th May Escape Studios will once again open its doors to all you VFX lovers out there wishing to get ahead of the game in the industry.
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).
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.
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.
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.