WE'RE DONE!
IT'S IN!
IT'S OVER!
We officially handed everything in just after 1, and since then we've been just adding a few pieces to our blogs and helping out other students with getting their projects finished.
It's been a huge relief to finally get everything handed in and done. It hasn't quite dawned on me just yet that we've finished with uni. No more summer projects, no more homework, no more essays... It's a very strange experience.
Right now I'm looking forward to taking a few days off and relaxing, without the feeling I should probably be doing some homework. I'm sure it'll get old after a little while... But right now, having nothing to do sounds perfect.
I have the usual worry after a hand-in that I've forgotten something, Rob has the same feeling. But we checked with each other, made a check list last night, and double checked with Mario that we had everything, so I'm pretty sure we got it.
Right, it's been a long, strange, stressful, and fun trip.
Thanks to our lecturers for helping out, congratulations to the rest of our graduating classmates, and thank you to Rob for being a great work partner... We've been at each other throats for the last week, but we got a kick ass film out of it, and it's all been worth it!
Right, now I'm off to do absolutely nothing! Peace out =]
Friday 25 May 2012
Action Plan Research: Matinai
Matinai are another small animation company based in Bristol. They work in both 2D and CG in equal measure. The 3D work that they do has a very simple and stylized visual that I really like. It gives the films a really quirky look.
Again being based in bristol makes it an acceptable commuting distance away from Bath, and with the work they do in 2D I don't feel totally unqualified for a position there. I would like to try to create a 3D portfolio in order to help with applying for jobs at studios who do work in CG.
I think that a 3D portfolio would increase my chances of getting a position at any animation studio, including 2D studios, just to add some variety to my skill set. It's possible that a 2D studio might require a 3D animator or modeller to increase their range of work, and allow them to accept a greater range of commissions.
I'll apply for a position here with just my 2D showreel and portfolio if I don't get chance to make a 3D collection of work, but ideally, I'll have enough time over the summer.
Action Plan Research: Wonkyfilms
Wonky films are an animation studio based in Bristol. They work primarily in 2D Flash animation but do also complete projects in CG. As well as animation projects they also provide graphic design services for commercials.
Bristol is only a 10-20 minute journey away from Bath so it's a very easy commute to make, I'd like to apply at Wonky studios because I really enjoy working in Flash, and the projects that they work on seem like good fun.
My previous experience in graphic design, and the the corporate image work I'll be adding to my graphics portfolio over the summer will help me greatly with animation companies like this, that do much graphics work for commercials.
Thursday 24 May 2012
Production Diary - 25.05.12
It's officially deadline day and I've just put the finishing touches to my action plan and CV ready for handing in!
I'm overcome with a huge feeling of relaxation, hopefully it will remain tomorrow morning. All that is left to do is to get our action plan and CV printed and bound, and hand in everything first thing tomorrow morning.
Checklist:
3 Minute Film + Showreel - DVD
Action Plan - Bound
CV
Production Diary - Blog
Research - Blog
Poster + DVD Cover
Essay was handed in weeks ago...
That's everything to my knowledge... I really hope I'm not forgetting something!
Anyway, it's time for bed for me, we're getting another early start on our last day!
I'm overcome with a huge feeling of relaxation, hopefully it will remain tomorrow morning. All that is left to do is to get our action plan and CV printed and bound, and hand in everything first thing tomorrow morning.
Checklist:
3 Minute Film + Showreel - DVD
Action Plan - Bound
CV
Production Diary - Blog
Research - Blog
Poster + DVD Cover
Essay was handed in weeks ago...
That's everything to my knowledge... I really hope I'm not forgetting something!
Anyway, it's time for bed for me, we're getting another early start on our last day!
Action Plan Research: The Holy Trinity - Dreamworks
Dreamworks... Aaah Dreamworks, how I do love your films!
I've been a huge Dreamworks fan for as long as I can remember, if there was one place I truly dreamed I could work it would be here. The films that they produce are fantastic, and because they aren't exclusively targeted at extremely young audiences, the films are really watchable for adults too.
One of the main things I've grown to love about Dreamworks is the amazing attention to detail that they pay to their films. You can watch a Dreamworks film over and over, and notice something new that will make you laugh everytime (at least for a very long time)! I must have watched Megamind a hundred times, and I'm still noticing new things everytime I watch it again... In fact I think I'll watch it again while I cozy up in bed after my hand in.
Dreamworks are based in California, USA. So commuting there could be an issue, I think for a job at Dreamworks I'd definitely be willing to relocate, it's not an opportunity you can pass up as an animator, if you're lucky enough to get one that is... Not just for the glamour of working for such an illustrious company, but for the perks...
You see, Dreamworks really look after their employees, the grounds look like a 5 star luxury resort, with gyms, pools, basketball courts and all! I don't think I'd ever leave if I did work there, it's freaking beautiful!
... I KNOW RIGHT?!
That's actually an animation house, and yes... That's a staff room! Complete with warm decor, a pool table, leather armchairs, and 2 widescreen gaming setups in the background, just to blow off some steam on your lunch break... Seriously... This company KNOWS how to keep their people happy!
I wish I could be one of them...
Dreamworks are one of the industry leaders in taking on interns, and have a comprehensive range of positions for students from various backgrounds. The intern positions are advertised just like jobs, and you apply for them in the exact same way. It's exciting, as they accept people straight out of university, the positions are highly sought after, so you have to be either incredible or incredibly lucky...
I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for a suitable position on the website:
http://careers.dreamworksanimation.com/internships.php
I've been a huge Dreamworks fan for as long as I can remember, if there was one place I truly dreamed I could work it would be here. The films that they produce are fantastic, and because they aren't exclusively targeted at extremely young audiences, the films are really watchable for adults too.
One of the main things I've grown to love about Dreamworks is the amazing attention to detail that they pay to their films. You can watch a Dreamworks film over and over, and notice something new that will make you laugh everytime (at least for a very long time)! I must have watched Megamind a hundred times, and I'm still noticing new things everytime I watch it again... In fact I think I'll watch it again while I cozy up in bed after my hand in.
Dreamworks are based in California, USA. So commuting there could be an issue, I think for a job at Dreamworks I'd definitely be willing to relocate, it's not an opportunity you can pass up as an animator, if you're lucky enough to get one that is... Not just for the glamour of working for such an illustrious company, but for the perks...
You see, Dreamworks really look after their employees, the grounds look like a 5 star luxury resort, with gyms, pools, basketball courts and all! I don't think I'd ever leave if I did work there, it's freaking beautiful!
That's actually an animation house, and yes... That's a staff room! Complete with warm decor, a pool table, leather armchairs, and 2 widescreen gaming setups in the background, just to blow off some steam on your lunch break... Seriously... This company KNOWS how to keep their people happy!
I wish I could be one of them...
Dreamworks are one of the industry leaders in taking on interns, and have a comprehensive range of positions for students from various backgrounds. The intern positions are advertised just like jobs, and you apply for them in the exact same way. It's exciting, as they accept people straight out of university, the positions are highly sought after, so you have to be either incredible or incredibly lucky...
I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for a suitable position on the website:
http://careers.dreamworksanimation.com/internships.php
Action Plan Research: The Holy Trinity - Disney
I just realised I haven't blogged about the animators Holy Trinity, also known as Disney, Dreamworks, and Aardman (alright... I've blogged about Aardman). No I didn't forget Pixar, but "Holy Quad" or "Square" didn't sound as good, and Disney owns Pixar now anyway.
They are of course not the only large animation companies, but they are certainly the most dominant. They also each fill their own segment of the animation industry, rather than competing directly, Disney focus on traditional hand-drawn animation, and Aardman on Stop-Motion. Dreamworks and Pixar both do CG films, but with very distinctive styles that set each other apart; Pixar have a younger, cuter look to most of their films and are aimed at a very young audience, and Dreamworks create their films with the goal of entertaining all ages.
Though while saying that I realise Pixar are about to break that trend with their new film 'Brave', which could easily be mistaken for a Dreamworks film. It's not out yet though, so my point is still valid at the time of writing =P.
With the trip to the Annecy film festival looming, and with many large animation companies on the prowl for new talent there I thought I'd better give a mention.
At the annual Annecy Animation Festival, representatives from Disney are there and ready to look at portfolios, and hold quick on-the-spot interviews. It's an exciting prospect, but reports from previous visitors to Annecy say that they're very strict about what they're looking for. Previous 3rd years went to them, expecting them to look through their showreels, when they were actually just wanting to see portfolios and drawings, I suppose it's much quicker.
Maybe if you have a good enough one, they give you a stamp and shove you into the next tent or something... The sheer volume of applicants at an animation festival teeming with students dreaming about working at Disney must be staggering, so I can see why they only need quick impressions.
With this in mind, I hope to collect together some of my sketches, and also to create more, of animals, characters, speed drawings, anatomy, and dynamic poses, all the things I expect they're looking for in a portfolio. It's a lot to do in a pretty short time, but if I sit in bed with my sketchbook a few nights in a row like I used to... I'll probably get a pretty decent collection together, certainly enough to look through in a 2 or 3 minute time slot... All this is assuming there actually are Disney representatives there this year... We will see!
They are of course not the only large animation companies, but they are certainly the most dominant. They also each fill their own segment of the animation industry, rather than competing directly, Disney focus on traditional hand-drawn animation, and Aardman on Stop-Motion. Dreamworks and Pixar both do CG films, but with very distinctive styles that set each other apart; Pixar have a younger, cuter look to most of their films and are aimed at a very young audience, and Dreamworks create their films with the goal of entertaining all ages.
Though while saying that I realise Pixar are about to break that trend with their new film 'Brave', which could easily be mistaken for a Dreamworks film. It's not out yet though, so my point is still valid at the time of writing =P.
With the trip to the Annecy film festival looming, and with many large animation companies on the prowl for new talent there I thought I'd better give a mention.
At the annual Annecy Animation Festival, representatives from Disney are there and ready to look at portfolios, and hold quick on-the-spot interviews. It's an exciting prospect, but reports from previous visitors to Annecy say that they're very strict about what they're looking for. Previous 3rd years went to them, expecting them to look through their showreels, when they were actually just wanting to see portfolios and drawings, I suppose it's much quicker.
Maybe if you have a good enough one, they give you a stamp and shove you into the next tent or something... The sheer volume of applicants at an animation festival teeming with students dreaming about working at Disney must be staggering, so I can see why they only need quick impressions.
With this in mind, I hope to collect together some of my sketches, and also to create more, of animals, characters, speed drawings, anatomy, and dynamic poses, all the things I expect they're looking for in a portfolio. It's a lot to do in a pretty short time, but if I sit in bed with my sketchbook a few nights in a row like I used to... I'll probably get a pretty decent collection together, certainly enough to look through in a 2 or 3 minute time slot... All this is assuming there actually are Disney representatives there this year... We will see!
Disney are one of the few animation companies still focusing on hand drawn animation. It set's them apart from many competitors, and it's good to see that there is still an audience for it. Obviously, to get a job at Disney, you need to be able to draw!
Despite the cartoony and stylized appearance of Disney films, they like to see that a person is capable of drawing realistically as well as cartoon, and having a knowledge of anatomy and perspective is imperative. I think I have a pretty decent grasp on those things, hopefully I'll be able to show that in my drawings...
Action Plan Research: Aardman
Well honestly Aardman require little introduction, unless you've been hiding under a rock you probably know who Aardman are. Just incase you have been hiding under a rock; Aardman are a Bristol based animation house, a very popular one, responsible for many feature length films including 'Wallace & Gromit', 'Chicken Run', the world-wide phenomenon 'Shaun the Sheep', and more recently 'Pirates: An Adventure with Scientists'.
Unlike many other smaller animation houses Aardman specialise in creating feature films, and are one of the main names competing with other feature film creators like Pixar, Disney, and Dreamworks. On a commercial, main stream film level it's virtually impossible to compete with these companies because of the sheer size of the teams and budgets.
Any aspiring animator who wishes to work on films, and pretty much all animators when they start out, want to work at a place like Aardman, and I'm no different! I'd absolutely love to get the opportunity to work at a place like Aardman.
I recently attended a lecture of Miles Bullough, director of broadcast at Aardman and he says that the company employ 200+ people, large for an animation company. He also said that they are always looking for new promising people to add to their staff in all departments, personally, as I've said before I'd love to work in pre production. Thinking up new ideas, writing stories, scripts, characters, building sets, characters, anything... And the pre production team at Aardman is pretty large.
At his lecture Miles mentioned that they also offer lots of internships and allow many volunteers to work there on a free-trial basis to get a feel for what working at such a company would be like, and that ofte they hire from that pool of people (it's like a voluntary, drawn out interview).
I'm considering contacting Miles to see if it'd be possible to arrange a work experience week when I move in September. Aardman is only a 30 minute drive from where I'll be living in Bath, which for a week or 2 I'd be more than willing to do for that kind of experience, if I can afford to work for free for 2 weeks that is... I'll certainly be keeping my eyes on this page: http://www.aardman.com/about-us/jobs/ where they advertise any vacancies. I imagine they're snatched up quite quickly!
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