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.

To see in the New Year in style, we have a number of events planned for January 2013, the jewel in this stone clad crown of a month though, is a live interview with escapee and head of 3D at Framestore Commercials, Diarmid Harrison Murray.

Next Monday, November 19^th, we welcome Victor Perez back to our studio for a demonstration on his top tips and tricks when working with Python in NUKE.

This Wednesday, October 24^th, we’re hosting a webinar with compositing tutor and Head of 2D at Escape Studios, Davi Stein. During her presentation, Davi will guide us through the core processes behind compositing, highlighting exactly what a compositor does, the range of roles available in the industry, and how Compositors are largely responsible for creating the CG magic we see on screen. As well as this, Davi will comment on the effects of some of the most recent changes in the industry to date.

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.

We've invited Victor Perez to share some of his top tips and tricks when working with Python in NUKE. Having studied our Compositing for Production course back in 2009, Victor has gone on to master NUKE to a highly professional level. Voted this year’s second most valuable nukepedia.com contributor, and one of the first official Nuke certified trainers, Victor has prepared a webinar to show you what’s possible when you apply Python scripting to a project.

For all budding Compositors out there, Alexander Swann is joining us for an exciting webinar exclusive next Wednesday. Roto Artist and escapee, Alex has spent the last couple of years mastering the art of 3D painting and rotoscoping at Framestore. Showing some examples from the very recent, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, we recommend that you check this one out.

Mark Spevick, Visual Effects extraordinaire and current Head of 3D at Escape Studios will be hosting a webinar on 25^th July from 5.30pm to 6.30pm online.

We now teach SideFX Houdini software on our Professional VFX Course, not just because it’s an integral part of the pipeline but also for its ability to create very cool animations that will enhance anyone's showreel.

Have you ever thought about taking your artistic talent and transferring those skills to VFX? Then the webinar that we’re running on November 10^th could be the start of you doing that. For the industry to remain fresh and buoyant, it’s important that there are constant waves of creative and original talent. We always say that creativity is key – if you have that, learning the technical skills is the easy bit. The current growth of the VFX industry in the UK means there is a growing demand for fresh talent. In this webinar I'll look at the potential routes a Fine Art graduate may take into the industry and the transferable, creative skills that will allow them to stand out from the crowd when making the move into this demanding and competitive industry.