The VFX Artists Podcast

The Art of Observation in Animation & VFX, with Jahirul Amin, founder of CAVE Academy | TVAP EP63

Summary

In this conversation, Jahirul Amin emphasizes the significance of real-world observation in the field of animation. He advocates for practical experiences, such as watching people walk or observing natural light and shadows, to enhance understanding and skills in animation. This approach encourages animators to engage with their environment to inform their work, rather than relying solely on theoretical resources.

Takeaways

The simplest way to learn animation is through physical observation.
Real-life examples, like bouncing balls, enhance understanding.
Observing people walking provides better insights than books.
Going outside helps in understanding light and shadows.
Asking questions about observations deepens learning.
Practical experiences are crucial for animators.
Engaging with the environment informs animation work.
Understanding color in light is essential for rendering.
Observation leads to better animation techniques.
Real-world experiences can inspire creativity in animation.

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In this episode of the VFX Artists Podcast, Kofi interviews Freefolk VFX supervisor Rob Sheridan, about his journey in the visual effects industry, the importance of internships, and the evolving landscape of VFX jobs.

Rob shares insights on how he progressed from a runner to a supervisor, the significance of the Futurefolk internship program, and advice for aspiring VFX artists. 

The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by the industry and the importance of communication and collaboration in career advancement.
Takeaways

- Rob Sheridan has been with Free Folk for 11 years.
- Starting as a runner can provide valuable insights into the industry.
- Internships like Futurefolk are crucial for gaining experience.
- Strong communication skills are essential for career progression.
- Applicants should focus on showcasing their best work in reels.
- The VFX industry is changing, with fewer runner positions available.
- Commercial work can provide quick opportunities for building a portfolio.
- Networking and reaching out on LinkedIn can open doors.
- It's important to be proactive and aware of industry changes.
- Positivity and attitude play a significant role in career success.

📌Chapters

00:00 Coming up
03:13 Rob Sheridan's Journey in VFX
06:18 The Role of a Runner in VFX
09:12 Transitioning from Runner to Supervisor
12:13 Future Folk Internship Program Overview
15:09 What Makes a Strong Internship Candidate?
18:15 Advice for Unsuccessful Applicants
21:13 Industry Challenges and Opportunities
23:57 Career Progression and Communication in VFX
27:07 Highlights of Working in VFX
29:31 The Value of Commercial Work in VFX
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B-corp and sustainability in VFX, with Robin Chowdhury, COO of Dupe VFX | TVAP EP61

Join us for an insightful discussion on what it means to be sustainable in post production. B Corp Certification is a designation that a business is meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials.

It was great speaking with Robin, COO of Dupe VFX about how he worked towards making their studio the first B Corp certified VFX company, the considerations for any studio wanting to pursue this and the ongoing commitment.

📌Takeaways

Sustainability in VFX is often overlooked but essential.
Becoming a B-Corp involves a rigorous assessment process.
New companies may find it easier to implement sustainable practices from the start.
Established companies face challenges in changing existing processes.
Data tracking is crucial for measuring sustainability efforts.
Community engagement can enhance a company's sustainability profile.
B-Corp certification is a benchmark, not a guarantee of perfection.
Internal communication is key to understanding sustainability goals.
Volunteering initiatives can foster community ties.
The industry is gradually moving towards more sustainable practices.

You can get in touch with Robin via LinkedIn or via [email protected]

📌Below are some useful links to find out more. 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22155.Let_My_People_Go_Surfing
https://www.bemorepirate.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BY_AEvvFQ9U (What is a B Corp)
https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/programs-and-tools/b-impact-assessment/https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/
https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/certification/

📌Chapters

00:00 Introduction to VFX and Sustainability
01:40 Journey to B-Corp Certification
04:21 Challenges for Established Studios
07:19 Sustainability in Practice
10:28 Balancing Business and Sustainability
12:10 Embedding Sustainability in Operations
14:46 Encouraging Industry-Wide Change
16:03 Understanding B-Corp Challenges
18:41 Community Engagement and Volunteering
23:18 Recommendations for VFX Artists
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In this conversation, Kofi interviews Richard Clark, the head of visualisation and VFX supervisor at Cinesite, to discuss the role of visualisation in the industry. We explore the origins and evolution of visualisation, the use of real-time tools like Unreal Engine, and the impact of virtual production.

Richard emphasizes the importance of quick workflows and the ability to think visually in the visualisation process. He also highlights the trend of studios taking back pre-production work and the potential for students to enter the industry through visualisation.

Richard suggests exploring other areas of VFX, such as medical visualisation and motion graphics, to start earning and learning. He advises patience and mentions that the industry is slowly recovering from the effects of the strike.

Richard shares his journey into the VFX industry, starting with his early interest in computer art and his experience working on various films. He discusses the potential impact of AI on the industry, noting that while AI has the potential to automate certain tasks, it may not replace the creativity and expertise of artists.

Takeaways

- Visualisation is a quick way of seeing and planning what a sequence or shot will look like before it is filmed or created.

- Real-time tools like Unreal Engine have revolutionized visualisation by allowing for faster and more efficient workflows.

- Visualisation departments in studios offer an end-to-end solution and allow for more flexibility and collaboration in the production process.

- Students interested in entering the industry can explore visualisation in areas like architectural visualisation or working with companies that contract with the Ministry of Defense.

- The industry is currently experiencing a slowdown, but there is potential for a surge in demand once production ramps up again. Explore other areas of VFX, such as medical visualisation and motion graphics, to start earning and learning.

- Be patient as the industry recovers from the effects of the strike.
Motion graphics is still in demand and can be a good career path for 2D artists.

- Richard shares his journey into the VFX industry, starting with his early interest in computer art and his experience working on various films.

- While AI has the potential to automate certain tasks, it may not replace the creativity and expertise of artists.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
01:49 The Use Cases and Need for Visualisation
07:07 The Evolution of Visualisation Tools
10:58 Post-Vis and Tech-Vis
28:30 The Future of Visualisation and the Role of Generalists
34:22 Challenges in the VFX Industry
38:56 Richard's Journey into the VFX Industry
46:18 Exploring Opportunities in Other Areas
51:50 The Potential Impact of AI in VFX

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In this episode, I chat to VFX Comp Supervisor Ruth Meridjen about the state of the VFX industry in 2024 and the impact of the pandemic on production.

The slow ramp-up of production and the greenlighting of projects are discussed. The future of the industry and the role of AI in filmmaking are examined, with a focus on the limitations and regulations surrounding AI. The importance of storytelling and the need for more unique and diverse stories are emphasized, as well as the need for VFX to support the story rather than overshadow it. The conversation covers topics such as representation in movies and TV shows, attitudes towards AI in the VFX industry, the impact of AI on job security, adapting to changes in Nuke, balancing work and learning, Ruth's journey in the VFX industry, and addressing burnout in the VFX industry.

Takeaways

The VFX industry has faced challenges due to the pandemic, with a slow ramp-up of production and the greenlighting of projects that may not have been approved in normal circumstances.
AI has the potential to impact the industry, but regulations and laws are still being developed, and the role of AI in reproducing human artistry is limited.
The industry should prioritize storytelling and the creation of unique and diverse stories to engage audiences and avoid repetitive content.
VFX should be a supporting cast member to the story, enhancing it without overshadowing it. There is a need for more diverse and inclusive representation in movies and TV shows.
Attitudes towards AI in the VFX industry range from excitement to fear of job loss.
While AI may pose risks to certain jobs in the industry, it is unlikely to completely replace artists.
Staying updated with software upgrades and new workflows is important in the VFX industry.
Finding a work-life balance and setting boundaries is crucial to avoid burnout in the industry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage
01:18 The State of the Industry in 2024
04:44 Slow Ramp-up of Production
05:29 The Future of the Industry and AI
07:29 The Role of AI in Filmmaking
09:32 Regulations and Laws around AI
11:15 The Limitations of AI in Reproducing Human Artistry
13:09 The Future of AI and the Flattening Curve of Progress
14:08 The Impact of AI on VFX Processes
15:11 The Quantity vs Quality Dilemma
18:30 Audience Fatigue with Repetitive Content
19:25 VFX as a Supporting Cast Member
20:24 Playing It Safe and Lack of Unique Stories
21:29 The Need for More Diverse Stories
21:33 Representation in Movies and TV Shows
23:08 Attitudes Towards AI in the VFX Industry
25:18 The Impact of AI on Job Security
26:23 Adapting to Changes in Nuke
29:32 Balancing Work and Learning
32:39 Ruth's Journey in the VFX Industry
37:21 Addressing Burnout in the VFX Industry

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