In this day and age of huge Sci-fi VFX productions that really don't go anywhere (cough!.. Prometheus...cough! cough!) emotionally we find ourselves longing for some real substance with our entertainment.  Enter Grounded , a film short by Kevin Margo, a VFX vet from Blur Studio, about an Astronauts journey through space and life.  The short was a top award winner at multiple festivals around the planet and in true VFX fashion Kevin and his team created a process short along with the film to show all of those VFX hopefuls out there just how it was done.  Top notch work from a top notch creative, I do hope we see some more from Mr. Margo's mind!

With all of the buzz surrounding Escape Studio's launch of the UK's first VFX Festival, it's an opportune moment to reflect on the evolvement of the VFX industry over the past decade.

Anyone who knows Escape Studios will know how valued our Studio Assistants are. Representing the heart of Escape, they keep this VFX academy a well-oiled machine. From supporting current students with their projects, making sure deliveries go out on time, to editing showreel videos, no job is too big or too small. And in return they are in the best place to ready their showreels for that next step in to the CG industry.

Described as ‘this decades The Matrix’, the phrase alone has already set very high standards for it’s audience.  Possibly a bold statement to make, The Matrix was pretty groundbreaking for it’s time. At first glance, the statement seems a cheap marketing gimmick, and one with little to support it. But if ever a marketing gimmick was doing it’s job right, it is now… because it definitely grabbed my attention and intrigued me enough to find out more about the film.

Boy has it been a busy few weeks over at  The Foundry recently! With The Foundry and Luxology merge announced this week it was also announced that HIERO V1.5 has been released in beta and is available to download.

Back in July this year Prime Focus Commercials were looking to upgrade their storage system to tackle the diverse demands of their business. 

Tickets for the VFX festival may be sold out, but word to the wise, five tickets were kept aside for 3D Artist readers. To be in with a chance to win one of five free tickets get your hands on the most recent issue of 3D Artist.

Compositing in regards to VFX can be a difficult process to explain unless seen in action. Although the term may seem quite self-explanatory to those working in the industry, that’s not generally the case for those starting out, looking to break into the industry. And as we speak with budding CG artists every day, we feel it’s important to understand what sets compositing apart from the 3d modelling elements of VFX. As it’s only when you truly understand the range of departments that exist in the visual effects industry, can you make the right career decision.

As you can tell from the numerous blog posts, we here at Escape are pretty big fans of HBO’s Game Of Thrones and I can honestly say that if there were a parade I would be leading it.

Last month, the lovely Alexander Swann graced us with a simply brilliant webinar about his time working on Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows. As a 3D Paint and Roto Artist, Alex gave an incredible insight into what this role involves, while also revealing the very fun side of working in the film industry.