We are coming up to that time of year, the time of year that fills single people with dread, fills kids with joy and will empty out most people's wallets. Yes we are in the run up to Christmas...in fact you only have 45 days to prepare yourself.
Robin Squires VFX Course Diary - WEEK 2
Having just started the VFX for Production course here at Escape Studios, I've been keeping a diary to share how the course is going for me so far. And here's an update on week two. The class is truly in full swing, and when it came to writing my diary, it seemed to be over before I knew it had started. Time flies when you're having fun!
Getting the pints in with The Pixel Farm
Just over a week ago we let you know that we are hosting “A Pint With The Pixel Farm” an exclusive event in Soho.
The evening of the 21st of November will be the first chance since IBC for the UK users to get up close and personal with The Pixel Farm's new 2d to 3d conversion and depth map creation software, PFDepth. The above video is a little sneak peek of what you can expect to see at The Sun & 13 Cantons, Great Pultney St.
Welcome to the family...Phoenix FD for Maya!
It has been well known that The Chaos Group would be releasing Phoenix FD, their grid based fluid dynamics simulation tool for 3ds Max, for Autodesk Maya.
Webinar Recording: Getting to the Heart of Compositing with Davi Stein
A big thank you to everyone who joined us on October 24th as Davi Stein set about getting to the heart of compositing. This webinar was hugely popular, proving that there are a lot of folks out there looking to discover what sets compositing apart from other 3d elements in VFX.
A career in VFX… What’s stopping you?
As Training Advisor here at Escape Studios, I speak with a lot of people looking to take the leap into VFX. Although everyone’s situation differs considerably, I do find that many have the same concerns. So after speaking with past student Ashley Miles about his experience on the VFX for Production course, I thought I should share some pearls of wisdom, to help clear up any concerns you have about embarking on this new career path.
FPV FTW!
Escape Tutor Dan Shutt shared one of his past times with us this week, in the form of FPV flight.
Second dose of Sin City on the way!
So aside from the other movie news that can, for the next couple of hours at least, remain in a galaxy far far away, there is an excellent cinematic prospect around the corner, as it surfaced online this week that the Sin City sequel has started shooting. It appears there is still some casting to be done though…
The Hobbit ‘lands’ in ‘Orcland’ - New Zealand!
We’ve all been on-board an aeroplane watching with little interest, the safety demonstration given by the air stewardesses. Or if you have a sense of humour like mine, you try and make them laugh during their demonstrations by any means necessary.
Over the Top Shots (revisited)
We all know the importance good VFX play in films. They can turn scenes of total disbelief into ones leaving you asking how on earth did they do that?
Escape on BBC Breakfast!
It’s been quite a busy morning here at Escape! Our CEO Dom Davenport was interviewed alongside Framestore’s Sir William Sargent at their motion capture studio by BBC Breakfast. The lovely Steph McGovern who presents the breakfast slot conducted the interviews dressed fully in motion-capture gear and Irish danced as the famous Harry Potter animated character Dobby!
Think outside the Box
Thinkbox, the makers of Deadline & Krakatoa, have developed a large number of application and plugins designed to extend existing pipelines and operate seamless with each other to create new workflows. Many of the software platforms that Thinkbox have created started in-house to refine dozens of VFX feature films over 15 years of production.
Robin Squires VFX Course Diary - WEEK 1
Having just started the VFX for Production course here at Escape Studios, I've been keeping a diary to share how the course is going for me so far. And here's the first week.
“City of Possibilities” A stunning commercial from The Mill
The Mill recently completed a commercial for US client Norfolk Southern, showcasing the transformative power of freight shipping. Being a rather stunning piece of work, you may be interested to know that this project was rendered primarily using Mental Ray, taking advantage of the newish unified sampling feature.
Prime Focus World launch new web series 'Close Up'
Here at Escape Studios, we know how you all enjoy getting to the heart of what makes up a stunning VFX shot. So imagine our delight when hearing that Prime Focus World have just released the first of a new behind-the-scenes web series, ‘Close Up’. And let me tell you, these nuggets of geekiness will not disappoint.
October’s FREE Tutorial: Bring a Photo to Life with Camera Mapping
This month’s free tutorial is a sneak peak of a workshop presented at the VIEW conference in Turin, Italy. Earlier this month one of our VFX tutors, Daniel Shutt, led a 6-hour workshop to demonstrate camera mapping, transforming a still photograph into a photo realistic animated shot. A technique used in film, commercials and broadcast television, it’s now time to apply this process to your own projects.
A Pint With The Pixel Farm
Want to get up close and personal with PFDepth? You are in luck!
We are pleased to announce that The Pixel Farm team, the creators of industry favourites PFMatchit and PFTrack, will be over in the UK for an exclusive evening with Escape Studios Technology at The Sun & 13 Cantons in Soho on the 21st of November 2012.
The Online Academy: Meet VFX online tutor Paul Harrison
Having the opportunity to learn over the web has been hugely beneficial for many aspiring CG artists. The perfect solution to fit around busy schedules, it has allowed students worldwide to take advantage of the comprehensive VFX and Compositing training we offer. But of course, the success of this tuition is very much down to our fantastic Escape tutors.
An even better glimpse of Iron Man 3!
Some of you may have been feeding off the trickle of teaser footage in circulation for the Iron Man triquel, coming to a cinema screen near us soon! And if you are one such person, you’ll be delighted to learn that a ‘full’ teaser trailer is now doing the rounds, showing off the abundance of action in store for us upon its release in April 2013.
The Pixel Farm Wins With PFDepth
We are pleased to announce that The Pixel Farm has been awarded a TVB “Best Of IBC” for their detailed depth map creation and stereoscopic conversion software product, PFDepth.
PFDepth has been recognised for the opportunities it presents to the industry and praised for its ability to greatly increase productivity.
PFDepth retails for £2000 and integrates seamlessly with the other PF family products especially PFTrack.