Animals and Creatures Reel from Animation Apprentice

Here at Bucks we are committed to training animators not just in character animation but also in creature work, doing the kind of animation that is in high demand at Soho visual effects houses like Framestore, MPC, Double Negative and Cinesite. Our second year animators will devote at least a quarter of their time just to the business of animating animals and creatures, preparing them for a successful career in visual effects.

I teach animation not just at Bucks but also at my online school at www.animationapprentice.org, founded in September 2012. Animation Apprentice is still a very young animation school, but we have just put together the first compilation of animal and creature work, showcasing some of the best work done by the students.

Starting in September, our second year animators will start to tackle similar exercises, making animation that feels realistic and believable, but also has character and personality. Bringing creatures to life in a photorealistic environment is a hard trick to pull off, but with the right training and the right amount of practice, we should soon be seeing work at Bucks of the same - or even higher - standard.

Last year when we put the creature animation module together we had input from Kevin Spruce, head of animation at Framestore, and one of the best creature animators in the world.  He kindly agreed to be our external validator, casting an experienced eye over the course content, and helping to make sure that the work being done is of the right standard.

---Alex 

(Editor's note: for more on the experience of studying at Bucks New University, come and visit us at one of our Open Days,  take a virtual tour of one of our animation studios, check out what our students think of our course, and see why we're ranked in the top 12 creative universities in the UK.)
  

Summer internships at Framestore - time to polish your demo reel....

Framestore is looking for talented and creative undergraduate students to join their 2014 summer intern scheme. According to Framestore, "the Internship will give the successful applicants a unique opportunity to become important members of the creative team and gain valuable experience working for one of the largest and most respected special effects and computer animation studios in Europe".

Framestore say that they are looking for "individuals who share their passion for high-end visual effects and can demonstrate a genuine commitment to their chosen career path".


Summer internships are being offered in the following areas of visual effects work:

- 3D – Animation, Modelling, Technical Direction, Rigging, Texture/Digital Matte Painting, Art Department, Tracking

- 2D – Roto-scoping, Compositing

- Production

Who can apply?
If you are entering the final year of your degree then you will have the opportunity to join the internship scheme.

What kind of work will interns do?
Interns "will be exposed to a wide range of work and will be given a real-life view of what a career with Framestore would be like. Your learning will be through a combination of hands-on experience, scheduled presentations and informal get-togethers. You will have the opportunity to learn first-hand what a career in post-production would be like."

What kind of work did interns do last year?
In 2013, Framestore interns had the opportunity to work on many projects, including Jupiter Ascending, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Robocop as well as many other shows.

When does it start?
The 2014 intern scheme will run from 7th July 2014 till 29th August 2014

Is it a paid position?
Yes

When should you apply?
Now. You must apply online by Sunday 4th May.
https://ch.tbe.taleo.net/CH10/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=FRAMESTORE&cws=39&rid=418

----Alex

(Editor's Note: For our guide to finding your first job in the animation industry, click on this link. For our guide to finding internships, read this post. For more on what studios look for in a great demo reel, try this link, hear what London's Blue Zoo has to say about finding work, and take a look at this video by Sony Pictures Animation. You can also watch Alex's ten minute video on creating a great reel, and read this post on the perfect demo reel. Also, check out our guide to animation careers here, and also take a look at this map of digital studios - a great place to start your search for work in the business. Learn the nuts and bolts of freelance life by reading our guide to invoicing clients, and our guide to putting together a great CV.)

Oscar Winning Modeler Adam Dewhirst is giving a free webinar tonight at 6pm

Escape Studios are hosting a free webinar with Oscar winning modeler Adam Dewhirst tonight at 6pm. Sign up now and hear Adam reveal the secrets of 3D Modeling, and what it takes to find work at a top London visual effects house like Escape Studios.

To find out more, follow this link: http://www.escapestudios.com/live-webinar-the-art-of-oscar-winning-3d-modeling/

I have worked with Adam myself and can personally vouch for his credentials. He is an excellent digital artist, a serious pro. Anyone interested in making a living as a CG modeler should sign up for this webinar. And it's free!

---Alex

Who is hiring in Soho?

One of the key aspects of finding a job is knowing who is hiring. If the jobs aren't there, or your skills don't match the vacancy, then it doesn't matter how talented you are - you won't be likely to find work. So, a big part of finding a job is knowing what is out there, who is hiring, and when.

Here are some jobs boards which show what sorts of skills the big Soho VFX companies are looking for. Add these to your bookmarks - and check them often.

• Moving Picture Company (MPC) jobs board 
• Double Negative (DNeg) jobs board
• Frame Store jobs board
• Cinesite jobs board
• The Mill jobs board

Of course, these are just the big companies. There are literally hundreds of medium and small-sized digital FX companies in London that are in constant need of fresh talent.

There is no substitute to keeping your ear to the ground and finding out what is available. It might take weeks, or months, or even (hopefully not) years,  but sooner or later someone will be looking for a graduate with your skills. So don't lose heart - perseverance and persistence pay off.

---Alex

Dave Berry models and rigs his own quadruped

Paddy rig v1.0 overview from Dave Berry on Vimeo.

Dave Berry is one of our talented animation students at Bucks who has taken a highly pro-active approach to learning 3D animation, doing tutorials on his own time and pushing the boundaries of his knowledge.


In this video he shows how to use the bear rig "Paddy" that he has created, adapting an existing rig purchased at www.turbosquid.com and making it far more flexible and user-friendly.

Dave's new rig is now classroom-ready for this term's class on animal and quadruped locomotion. One of the big growth areas in animation in recent years has been animal and creature animation, led by Soho VFX houses like Frame Store CFC, MPC and Double Negative. Here at Bucks we aim to give students the skills they need to survive and thrive in this rapidly expanding industry.

----Alex