Reason why I chose these universities and the animation and VFX career:
The Universities that I am going to are; Chichester University for 3D animation and Visual Effects, University of Portsmouth for 3D animation and Visual Effects, Falmouth University for animation, Escape Studios for Animation, possibly VFX too and UCA Farnham for animation. My top three Universities would be Chichester University for my first choice, then University of Portsmouth and finally Escape Studios. The reason why I chose the animation and VFX career is because both of those industry is booming in the film and creative career industry. I thought it would suit for me since this could be a hobby and also a part time job for me as I did drawing and 3D modelling as a hobby. Since 2D and 3D films are becoming more in around the world I thought it would be an great idea to show of my talent to the media so therefore I would want to work for an animation company in Japan, USA and London. Anime is also popular in Japan and all around the globe is it is a nice trade of for me of what I like to watch and do. I just need to enter in a good animation studio that is popular such as "Dneg" or "Gkid films". Furthermore, I would like to create my own piece of work to make in the Oscar awards and hopefully one day become a celebrity as I show my talent to the whole world. The 3D modelling/ 2D animation can be also a side career for freelancing if I needed extra money to help other people on what they want for their project and hopefully pay up more for my bills or just any other bits that I need. The benefit of this is that I can work at home while I animate or make do 3D modelling if another lockdown happens. If animation was not a thing for me, then I could always go for an CG artist at racing games such as "Polyphony Studios" and "Code Masters". Game industry is also booming but the most popular titles would be for the racing games. Plus since I'm into cars and can 3D model them which is a win win.
These are the studios that I researched and picked for each of the Jobs:
Animation and VFX:
Gkids Films
Gkids Films is an Japanese anime animation studio mostly aimed towards to 2D and 3D where they welcome to hire 2D/ 3D and VFX artists, character designers and concept artists.
Gkids films also make anime from different studios such as Ghibli and famous titles like Neon Genesis Evangelion.
Dneg
Dneg is known to create for their VFX live action movies the most popular ones that are Marvel Series, James bond and Interstellar. They got studios based in London, Vancouver, Mumbai and Los Angeles.
Description
Position at DNEG
Previs at DNEG London is a vital department for the studio and is right at the start of production happening before the Techviz and Postviz processes. Working from storyboards, scripts or just a concept, the Previs Department helps the Director visualise and sketch out key sequences across a variety of styles and projects. Our Previs artists are visual storytellers, skilled at using Maya and editing tools to create and communicate creative ideas and put together sequences that clearly and effectively tell engaging stories.
DNEG Previs London is looking to add Previs Artists of all levels to our existing London team.
Must Have
Advanced experience in character/creature/vehicle animation in Maya and comfortable in using Mocap data
Ability to generate story telling ideas from scratch, pitch them verbally and execute these into a coherent sequence
Knowledge of Viewport 2.0 in Maya and using lights to simulate cinematic film techniques
Strong understanding of different styles of cinematography, knowledge of film terminology and a good eye for shot composition
Background in general 3D to be able to carry out simple modelling/texturing tasks if required.
Experience in creating and using 2D Cards to sell elaborate VFX quickly and easily
Familiarity with non linear editing software such as Premiere, and be able to edit their shots from Maya into a appropriately paced and coherent sequence
Knowledge of Unreal a plus
About You
Highly motivated and proactive
Good communicator and able to take feedback and direction and interpret them effectively
Well organised and a creative problem solver with a good attention to detail.
Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines, whilst maintaining high-quality results.
Ability to work both on shots/sequences in a team environment and alone
Previs Reel requirements
An ideal reel would demonstrate the candidate’s ability to create a dramatic or action based sequence that the candidate has animated and edited together themselves, into a coherent story.
About Us We are DNEG, one of the world’s leading VFX and animation studios for the creation of award-winning feature film, television and multiplatform content. We employ nearly 7,000 people with worldwide offices and studios across North America (Los Angeles, Montréal, Toronto, Vancouver), Europe (London) and Asia (Bangalore, Chandigarh, Chennai, Mumbai).
Asset Artist
Design (Art, and Previs) Los Angeles, United States
Description
Position at DNEG
DNEG Los Angeles is looking for an Asset Artist to assist with upcoming Previs and Postvis work. The Asset Artist's role is central for the success of the team. This artist will collaborate with the supervisor, client, and shot makers to ensure that the models in a sequence are of the highest quality.
In this position, you will be responsible for modeling and texturing assets, and using DNEG rigging tools to prep the assets for animation. You will be the primary resource for client requests and internal creative decisions for assets within a sequence.
Must-Have
At least 3 years experience in feature films
Ability to produce excellent low-res models from storyboards, concept art, and/or director notes and scripts.
Skilled in modeling environments, props, and characters.
Experience in character rigging.
Ability to work quickly and under tight deadlines.
Experience in Unreal Engine.
Nice to Have
Working knowledge of pre/postvis pipelines.
Experience in Substance Painter.
About You
Good communication and organizational skills.
Adaptable with a willingness to learn new skills and techniques – including proprietary software.
Creative problem solver and good attention to detail.
Calm under pressure and committed to meet deadlines.
Ability to work as part of a team.
Flexibility and adaptability.
About Us We are DNEG, one of the world’s leading visual effects and animation studios for the creation of feature film, television and multiplatform content. We employ nearly 7,000 people with worldwide offices and studios across North America (Los Angeles, Montréal, Toronto, Vancouver), Europe (London) and Asia (Bangalore, Chandigarh, Chennai, Mumbai). About Us We are DNEG, one of the world’s leading VFX and animation studios for the creation of award-winning feature film, television and multiplatform content. We employ nearly 7,000 people with worldwide offices and studios across North America (Los Angeles, Montréal, Toronto, Vancouver), Europe (London) and Asia (Bangalore, Chandigarh, Chennai, Mumbai).
Game:
Code Masters
Code Masters is a British game studio mainly known for their successful racing game for over 30 years. Wherever its from an F1 Sim racing to an Sim Cade Grid Series. Their office Studio in UK are based in Southam, Birmingham and Cheshire which is good for me if I don't want to travel abroad. The reason why I want to work for Code Masters is cause I am used to make cars and want to work for a good company that does make cars and also pays for a good salary.
Polyphony Digital
Polyphony Digital is a Japanese studio based in Tokyo [East 21 Business Centre 3F, 6=3=1 Toyo, Koto-ku] who mainly work for their games for Play station Studios. They were found on April 2nd 1998. The representative who runs the company is "Kazunori Yamauchi". They're mostly known for creating their successful game series such as the Gran Turismo Series. Their up coming game is going to be Gran Turismo 7 which is a successor of Gran Turismo Sport and the remaster of Gran Turismo volumes up from 1 to 4. Jobs: The list of the jobs following here are;
Programmer, CG Artist, Engineer, Sound designer Assistant, Writer/ Editor, Movie Designer, Spaces Designer and Game Development Assistant. I am aiming to become a CG artist or Technical Artist.
CG Artist:
01Work Details 3D data creation for the "Gran Turismo" series.
02Requirements/ Experience ・Full knowledge of 3D applications such as Maya ・Over 3 years experience in Game or Movie production (or equivalent ability) ・Basic skills such as drawing
03Desired Experience/Skills ・Deep knowledge in one or more of the following is preferred: Programming/Scripts such as MEL/English/Computers/Automobiles/Motorsports/Design/Architecture/Construction/Geography/Botany/Optics/Camera/Fluid Dynamics
04Terms and conditions
Important Notice These are terms for working in Japan. For job positions outside of Japan, terms will be separately arranged according to the location.
Employment Format PDS（Product Development Staff） Employee *The PDS（Product Development Staff） Employee is a standard employee format for game creators with super flex work hours, yearly salary contract, and special incentive bonus.
Salary Yearly salary, with reviews every year. For the year following employment, 1/12 of the yearly salary set at the time of employment is paid every month.
Other benefits Commute fee
Bonuses Incentive Bonus (royalty system according to sales of game title developed)
Working Hours Superflex （Need only to arrive at the place of work within standard work hours)
Days off/ vacation days 2 day Weekends, holidays, summer, year end/year start, paid holidays
Insurance Employment insurance, Work accident insurance, health insurance, employees pension insurance
Place of work East 21 Business Center 3F, 6-3-1 Toyo, Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan or TNC-TV Building 2F, 2-3-2, Momochihama, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka City, Japan
Benefit Package Partner housing loan, savings scheme, recreational facilities, partner recreational facilities/sports clubs, etc.
Application Requirements Experienced persons meeting the recruitment details
Deadline for application Until positions are filled (limited number)
New Graduates There is no position opening specifically for new graduates, but if you meet the application requirements for experienced employees or have the equivalent skills and qualifications, please apply even if you are currently enrolled in college/schools.
Technical Artist:
Important Notice These are terms for working in Japan. For job positions outside of Japan, terms will be separately arranged according to the location.
Employment Format PDS（Product Development Staff） Employee *The PDS（Product Development Staff） Employee is a standard employee format for game creators with superflex work hours, yearly salary contract, and special incentive bonus.
Salary Yearly salary, with reviews every year. For the year following employment, 1/12 of the yearly salary set at the time of employment is paid every month.
Other benefits Commute fee
Bonuses Incentive Bonus (royalty system according to sales of game title developed)
Working Hours Superflex （Need only to arrive at the place of work within standard work hours)
Days off/ vacation days 2 day Weekends, holidays, summer, year end/year start, paid holidays
Insurance Employment insurance, Work accident insurance, health insurance, employees pension insurance
Place of work East 21 Business Center 3F, 6-3-1 Toyo, Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan or TNC-TV Building 2F, 2-3-2, Momochihama, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka City, Japan
Benefit Package Partner housing loan, savings scheme, recreational facilities, partner recreational facilities/sports clubs, etc.
Application Requirements Experienced persons meeting the recruitment details
Deadline for application Until positions are filled (limited number)
New Graduates There is no position opening specifically for new graduates, but if you meet the application requirements for experienced employees or have the equivalent skills and qualifications, please apply even if you are currently enrolled in college/schools.
Their latest game Gran Turismo 7:
Universities:
Course 1 - 3D Animation and Visual Effects (University of Chichester)
Location - The South Coast of Chichester, Bognor Regis Campus
As University of Chichester is quite a new University, not so many people have heard of it. Although it does show that it has some promising outcomes as the professional teachers at the university showed the graduated student's show reals. They have state of the art equipment that everyone would need. Chichester is also a nice small town for those who like to live in a quiet city, unlike their next door southern city Brighton. The Uni of Chichester has also got small sets of students in the classroom so it is good for those who likes to be not overwhelmed filled with a lot of students. Plus it is a big benefit for them to engage with their tutors more. Mostly the classes that I am are filled up to 10-12 people which is a win win for me. I went to the opening day at Chichester, their media area was cosy and nice too not to mention that the campus area is quite medium sized. Its easier for me to locate which building to go to. They also got a decent sized LRC area with a café in it which is nice. For the first year you get to have everything at the Uni cafe for free. It is 1 hour away from where I live which is not that far away via train.
Here are some examples of Accommodation:
Overview
Work with artists and professionals across creative industries
This BA (Hons) 3D Animation and VFX degree explores topics across the creative industries. You will have opportunities to collaborate with artists and professionals as you study at the Tech Park and learn from staff with extensive industry experience. Your lecturers and guest speakers will include award winning directors, producers, actors, writers, editors and composers from the fields of animation, film, TV and games. You will use state-of-the-art spaces and equipment including Ideas Labs, Animation Labs with industry standard software such as Maya, Nuke and Unreal Engine, a 300sqm film studio, a dedicated green screen studio, and professional standard post production facilities and recording studios. You will have opportunities to tour studios, connect with established industry professionals and develop a strong awareness of the needs of the industry as you develop your creative and technical skills. This course prepares you for a successful and fulfilling career in animation and VFX. You will develop your portfolio to meet current industry requirements as you work closely with highly experienced staff and industry professionals. Working alongside aspiring filmmakers, actors, writers and fellow animators you will collaborate with students across the department to gain an exceptional understanding of production practices and technology application, enhancing your vital employability skills. The department regularly runs field trips to international film festivals, professional film shoots and industry conventions. By working with professional associates and on staff projects you can develop your early career profile on IMDB (Internet Movie Data Base) before you graduate.
On this course you will:
Use spaces and equipment including Ideas Labs, Animation Labs, a 300sqm film studio, a dedicated green screen studio
Access professional standard post-production facilities and recording studios.
Use industry software such as Maya, Nuke and Unreal Engine.
Focus your studies and develop skills in topics that interest you.
Learn in the state-of-the-art Tech Park.
Learn from lecturers and guest speakers with extensive industry experience, including award winners.
Develop your portfolio to meet current industry requirements.
Have opportunities to attend field trips to international film festivals, professional film shoots, studios and industry conventions.
Develop your early career profile on IMDB (Internet Movie Data Base).
Prepare for a successful and fulfilling career in animation and VFX with lecturers and tutors who have worked in industry and understand the skills and experience you need to succeed.
Chichester Opening Day research:
Example of their show reels: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nq2bMPdgBcg
Course 2 - Computer Animation and Visual Effects
Location: Portsmouth University
Website: https://www.port.ac.uk/study/courses/bsc-hons-computer-animation-and-visual-effects#overview
Portsmouth University on computer animation and VFX show reel looked incredible. Its in one of my top 3 because of the presentation of it. Plus the good side is the fact that I am able to work on 3D and VFX which is a win win for me and for that I don't need to change courses if I wanted to for it. Even most of the students works on the show-reel and looked outstanding. Such as the 3D model of an airport which could be a good use for a game and the explosion effect for the big ben tower. Unfortunately I didn't go the opening day for this course though one of my classmate did say to recommend if I like to have a medium-small classroom.
Overview
The UK's animation and visual effects (VFX) industry leads the world in producing blockbuster visuals for entertainment media, reinventing their technical and creative capabilities. With indie talent also thriving in the South Coast, there’s no better place to start your visual effects career than at Portsmouth. Our Computer Animation and Visual Effects degree course will help you build skills in key areas such as concept drawing, 3D animation, physics-based simulation, and compositing, with guidance from a team of industry experts from across the entertainment and advertising sectors. Using our spectacular facilities, software and equipment, you'll enhance your artistic and technical expertise and improve your research skills in the technology you'll work with, which is vital to your development as an all-round artist. You can also specialise and develop your professional portfolio through placement opportunities, client projects and the modules you’ll choose from second year. Transform yourself into an exceptional VFX artist, producer, animator, and stagecrafter at Portsmouth – ready to take the creative and communication industries by storm.
This is the course highlights:
Example of their show-reels: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrbUNihJsy0
Course 3 - Animation
Location: Pearson College London Escape Studios
Just like the 3D animation and VFX on Chichester University, I would like to open and broaden my horizons while not be stuck on one thing. Since that the 3D and VFX industry is booming and popular with career options like; architecture, engineering, film, games and animation you get lots of option to choose from other than sitting on the same page of 2D animation. I think It would be a great experience of what it would like to be on all of those field industries. The reason why I chose Escape Studios in one of my top 3 is because they said to be the most competitive and the best for animation. It looked very outstanding from the rest which is why I put it as a first option. Also Escape Studios did say that they make award winning films. I did attend their opening day on zoom and it was fantastic while attending there. The student show-reels really wowed me while I was looking at their show-reel. While attending at the opening day, one of the tutor has told about the presentation brief and it was very clear and understandable of what the glimpse of what it actually expect you to look like while being there at University. They also invited me to their creative workshop for their portfolio review assessment.
Here are some examples of their Accomodation:
Tufnell House is a expensive accommodation featuring with their own bbq area, Sky TV, pool table and table tennis. There is also a fully equipped gym where students can use to work out if they want. They also get free wifi, all inclusive bills and laundry facilities and so much more. Tons of people reviewed it and they all liked the residence while at they stay there.
The grand felda house is a cheaper option for those who can't pay at a high price. Its close to Pearson college plus it is a 5 minute walk away which is nice. No need to get a bus which is a win win. The down side is they don't have the luxury of a bbq stand like the other house has. Though the house do have a free swim and gym membership to go to which is also a win win.
Example of their show-reels: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2aOuX_k2Ss
Course 4 - Animation
Location: University of Creative Arts (Farnham)
Just like Chichester university, Portsmouth, Farnham has a nice and quiet place plus the course usually have small classrooms which I feel cosy in. Their accommodation surprised me but it didn't compare to the best on Portsmouth University. The good thing in this course is that Farnham wants you to experiment with different types of field of animation media such as 3D, 2D and stop motion. There is also an opportunity for those independent students that those who want to work on their own work for their final show reel unlike those other universities out their that collaborate with the team. In my opinion, I think that collaborating with a team is a good thing because it builds up more your confidence up more, then again this is an optional thing to do.
Example of their show reels: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXXKzR-Aghg
Course 5: Animation
Location: Falmouth University
On this University, I attended the opening day and also had the chance to look around their facility studios. It was really interesting and eye appealing to me as there lots of equipment and tools, and rooms in the studio. They all looked really professionally standard with some high tech stuff. While during their talks they said that on the course it isn't client based so students can freely express their creativity which is good. What also is good that Falmouth is on the south coast and I just love the south coast as there are some beaches for good shooting practice there while having a nice relaxing time on the beach with your mates. Anyways, the tutors showed us the previous student's work and it was brilliant. We didn't get the chance to look inside the accommodation rooms though we had a tour around the main campus. So I just researched my self on what the accommodation looked like. The great thing is that the Animation Studio is close to the accommodation apartments, so students don't have to make a long trip unlike those people who are doing Games Design courses that is. The good thing is that they also get you to teach all the fundamentals of animation, wherever it is 3D, 2D or even stop motion. We even get the chance to use the highly expensive Mocap room for where they experiment with the character movements.
Falmouth opening day pictures:
Example of their show reels: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iacQv3g6RgU
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