News & Events
July 2010 Vancouver Studio Tour
July 27th, 2010
Another successful Vancouver studio tour is complete! Many thanks to Vancouver facilities Miniature Effects, Lux VFX, Image Engine and Atmosphere VFX for opening their doors to our students and sharing valuable information about how their companies operate (and of course recruiting tips!)
The current senior class were accompanied by owner Gillian Benard and Teaching Assistant Kaustubh Kaloti, catching the early morning ferry from Nanaimo to Vancouver and returning again later in the evening. It was a gorgeous day to sail across the Georgia Strait, and a warm, sunny day in Vancouver.
First stop was miniature and model shop, Miniature Effects, with recent work on V, Smallville and Cats & Dogs 2. Owner/Creator Dave Asling showed us around the shop – there were hardly any computers in sight – but lots of practical gear and models, including a dinosaur from an Orbit gum commercial, a submarine, topographical models, masks and props. Dave showed us breakdowns and talked about the integration of practical VFX with digital VFX, the importance of lighting, scale and physics in the overall look and realism of a shot.
Next stop was Lux VFX, a newer boutique shop working on the TV series Eureka and the feature Behemoth. Producer Bill Higgins showed us around, discussing the artist’s pipeline and the multi-tasking nature of their 3D artists. LBL grad Justin Wiles was there, working on BG Prep, building meta-geometry and creating new, longer shadows for a time-of-day change in the shots.
After a relaxed lunch at nearby Terra Breads on West 5th, we went to Image Engine. Recruiter Jimmy Ockey and Facilities Manager Mike Tate led us through the studio and discussed upcoming hiring needs and their newly designed feature film pipeline. Exciting things in the works, including a prequel to John Carpenter’s 1982 classic The Thing and a facility expansion. We said hello to LBL grad Alex Lama, who recently wrapped Twilight: Eclipse. Congratulations to IE on their recent Emmy nomination for Stargate Universe!
Last but not least was a visit with VFX Producer Pauline Burns at Atmosphere VFX, over near the Kitsilano Beach area of the city. Work in progress included feature Resistance and Stargate Universe. LBL grad Perry Sohn was matchmoving and working on the “kawoosh” shots for the Stargate “gate”. It was great to see Atmosphere’s Emmy awards proudly displayed in the new display case in reception.
We are so fortunate that the Vancouver industry is dynamic and welcoming. The studio tours give our students a great sneak peek into the reality of “life after school” – and if I may say, a little thrill at seeing Peter Jackson‘s congratulations message and signature on a District 9 poster at Image Engine!
New Green Screen & Gear
July 13th, 2010
So far this year we have purchased a few new toys for the studio, including new gear for the green screen stage – the “garage” area of the studio that houses our costumes and gear. The new 10×20′ green screen is sturdy foam-backed chroma-key fabric. It hangs on a portable, adjustable rack that can be transported or set-up and lit in our studio.
Our lighting kit includes three softbox lights with diffuser panels, all tripod mounted with one boom stand as well. The key & fill lights provide a flattering diffused light, while the boom light acts as a hair light separating the subject from the background. We also have a selection of worklights, fans and task lights to fully light the screen and provide effect lighting and movement for the actors.
We also built a custom mini-dolly track, using Glidetrack and other parts, perfect for digital SLR cameras and easily portable to remote locations.
We have two new costume racks that hold our ever-growing assortment of costumes, uniforms, hats and props.
Guest Speaker John Gajdecki, VFX Supervisor
June 14th, 2010
On Tuesday, June 15, we are pleased to welcome award-winning VFX Supervisor, Producer and Director of Photography John Gajdecki.
With over 20 years of international experience as a VFX Supervisor & Producer, John has worked on features, television shows and commercials for clients in Canada, US, Europe and New Zealand. Clients include Disney, Touchstone, Fox, MGM, Paramount and Universal Studios. Selected credits include: Slither, Dungeon Siege, Stargate Atlantis, I, Robot, A Wrinkle in Time, Down to Earth, The Other Side of Heaven, Stargate SGI, The Outer Limits, Johnny Mnenomic and Friday the 13th. John has three Gemini awards and three Emmy nominations.
He has great understanding of all film and digital production formats, film IO methodologies, and an excellent grasp of 3D, 2D, and miniatures production pipelines. He designed & built a VFX Database and web interface to bid and manage large VFX projects using worldwide artists. Both on individual projects and as owner of VFX studio GVFX, he negotiated multi-million dollar deals and produced countless hours of visual effects. He is an accomplished second unit and VFX unit Director/Cinematographer.
Based in Vancouver, John divides his time between VFX Supervision, speaking at schools and spending time with his family.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0301474/
http://www.johngajdecki.com
June 2010 Activities – Paintball and more
June 2nd, 2010
There are lots of great things happening this month, both in the studio and outside in the community.
PCTIA visit on Thursday, June 10 at 1:00 pm.
Paintball on Friday, June 11 at 1:00 pm.
Potluck BBQ on Saturday, June 12 at 4:30 pm.
Introduction to Ghost Project on Monday, June 14 at 10:00 am.
Guest Speaker James Carver on Monday, June 14 at 2:00 pm.
Guest Speaker John Gajdecki on Tuesday, June 15 at 10:00 am.
Tin Town Solstice Party on Saturday, June 26 at 7:00 pm.
