Week 1: Introduction to the Module, Assignments, Careers Briefing 1 from Margaret Danquah
Module schedule
My career path ideas
Animation compositor
(Compositing artist, Finishing artist)
Compositor creates final image of a frame, shot or sequence. The main job of a compositor is to create a seamless shot from various assets by adjusting the colour grades, lighting, shadows, adding motion blur. They are responsible for continuity, making sure art from different artists appear the same as well as spotting mistakes and making sure the scenes are as in director’s vision.
I would like to be a Junior compositor since I enjoy digital matte painting the most as well as setting up the scenes for render in Maya, adjusting the lights, camera and other settings. This role requires keen eye for detail for continuity and spotting mistakes and I always spend a little too much time for tiny details.
VFX Runner
(Production assistant, Visual effects (VFX) assistant, VFX production assistant, VFX assistant coordinator)
Runners are all-purpose helpers in a VFX studio. Their tasks are to help anyone in the studio, maintaining tidy environment, making teas and coffees as well as other admin tasks such as organising meets and schedules.
Working as a runner is an entry-level role with many possibilities in becoming a VFX artist. Runners might be seen as entry point into production management. It is common for a runner to have a mentor. I would like to become a runner and seek further opportunities. From my point of view, a VFX runner is a great opportunity to see what the industry like and see what further role would suit me best.
Visual Effects Professionals
Joel Savage
A 3D generalist working at Framestore since 2018.
His work latest work includes films such as Ghost in The Shell (2017), The Witcher (2019), I Am Mother (2019).
Cenk Köksal
Animation Director at Onion Skin Studio
Award-winning character animator and filmmaker who has more than 15 years of experience in a broad range ofanimation styles and techniques.
Branko Basarovski
Senior 3d Generalist / Environment TD at Framestore
Lighting and look development, grooming, textures, assets building, storyboarding, concept art and all other Generalist duties.
Private showreel
Latest work:
2020 Tom And Jerry - Lighting / Modeling / Texturing / Lookdev /
2019 A Boy Called Christmas – Lighting / Layout / Modeling / Texturing / Lookdev /
2019 Dolittle – Lighting / Layout / Modeling /
2019 His Dark Materials - Lighting / Modeling /
2019 Avengers: Endgame – Lighting / Layout / Modeling /
2018 Avengers: Infinity War – Lighting / Layout / Modeling / Texturing / Lookdev /
2018 Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald – Lighting / LookDev /
2017 Thor Ranarok – Lighting / Development
2016 Guardians Of Galaxy 2 – Concept / Layout / Texturing / Modeling /
Nicolas Hernandez
Milk Visual Effects Co-owner
Visual Effects Supervisor at Jellyfish Productions
Experienced facility VFX Supervisor, with a deep understanding of the entire VFX workflow, in the Film andTelevision industry. Strong CG knowledge, VFX pipeline and 2D principles.
Preparation for the mock job interview
Job-description of the investigated role
Industry professional interviews
Nicolas gave the longest answers out of all and even apologised if it looked ‘rushed’. However, I think his answers might have been the most helpful for me regarding his career. Very big thank you for Nicolas.
Max was very responsive and friendly, he was the first one to get back to me and his job role is closest to my desired job.
Joel was also very quick to respond and gave short but great answers to my questions.
Insights from the investigation
All interviewed professionals had a different route to VFX industry and came from non-VFX backgrounds such as:
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Joel was modelling 3D models for manufacture for films
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Nicolas graduated in computer science and worked as a programmer
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Max graduated from Communications and Media and ended up as a Digital Content Intern.
All interviews professionals had their difficulties and had to make sacrifices to get into VFX:
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Joel’s first job in VFX is at Framestore, however, he used to work in New Zealand.
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Nicolas moved to UK to work for Framestore and did not speak any English at the time
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Max is currently is a VFX Coordinator for a Netflix project and is staying in Berlin, Germany.
