SCAD Visual Effects Program?
I have currently been accepted to SCAD, and want to pursue my major in Visual Effects. I've won art awards, and have a nice portfolio to display my creativity. Visual Effects is something I know I can thrive in. The only problem is that I havent messed with any programs dealing with visual effects. Im a senior and am about to go in the fall 2012 quarter, I only have experience on photoshop and illustrator. Should I be fine not knowing very much of the programs? Will they teach me everything I need to know? If your a SCAD graduate, please help me!
Can you pursue a career in the Visual Effects field (movie industry) with a degree in Mechanical Engineering?
Sure Im sure though that youll need solid skills in the following:OpenGLGLSL (graphics library shader language)linear algebra, graphics programming is math intensivevector mechanicsOpenGL API, (window resize functions, state machines, collision engines, views/frustrums, OpenGL data, buffer objects, attrtibute objects, bringing data into scope, binding data and making data active in buffer and attribute objects)I find tricky still is the concept of “the pointer” the link between client side OpenGL and server side OpenGL (GLSL) this part does require time to know very well.OpenGL is very mechanical but you can also take a look at the Vulkan API. The problem graphics APIs have steep learning curves and at work youll have to work very very long hours with pay not as high as other engineering options.Building a game engine is a complex task that requires a component/entity design architecture with the engine consisting of several sub modules. It has to be done in C++.Since you specifically want to go into graphics then you ought to build your own mini games and make a portfolio. Do not use an engine like Unreal or Unity since you are not aiming at gameplay engineering. Youll have to make games from scratch using an API like OpenGL or DirectX.You can start just by using vertex and fragment shaders to begin with moving to the other shaders in the graphics pipeline. Constructing just a single module of a small game engine could take months, completing the engine could take a year or two of consisten work.Youll quit several times in the process, Google will not help you with what you get stuck on. Youll have to spend hours reading API documentation to solve a problem and there are many days where you just wont know how to proceed next. Its a monumental task but it is doable.Make basic 2d games first like Pong and get good at that. and then proceed, build a portfolio and good luck, I have a partially complete engine which I work on when I find time (I havent touched in a while though). Online competitions and a few project crunch times have prevented it. Its a marathon not a sprint but a doable one if you are prepared to pay the price.
What do you call the people that make the special effects of movies? What's the name of that career?
Their called special effects technicians or visual effects technicians.
Does computer animation fall under computer science or visual arts?
It depends on what you mean by "computer animation." Some people refer to "computer animation" as the entire industry involved with creating an animation. If that's the case, than if you are going to be a programmer, technical director, involved in pipelines, and even work with shaders (i.e. the way things are rendered), then you'd go with computer science. If you are literally just planning on animating itself, concept design, modelling, then you would go with visual arts. This is spoken in general. It depends on how your university is organized.
Will I get a job after pursuing a VFX course based on it?
Unfortunately noSorry to disappoint you but reality hits hard and it need to be.There is a lots and lots of VFX artists out there who are most probably much much better than you. I can take my VFX studio’s team. I’ve got world’s best VFX artists in my company.VFX is very difficult and even more difficult to be skilled in it. You have to be very skilled and good than every other artist out there. Because chances are you won’t.In this industry, newcomers often gets discouraged after some failures and because of that they couldn’t able to pick themselves from there on.But there are plenty of jobs out there. What you have to do is to just be passionate for what you love to do and be so good at it.P.S. VFX artists out there if you are looking for opportunities, we’ve got some openings in my company. Inbox me and let me know what have you done in VFx industry till now. Would love to have you guys onboard.
How can I pursue my career in animation and VFX?
Learn some vfx and animation course in centres like maac,AD3DEDGE- Advanced Program in 3D AnimationCovers the whole process of animation, from pre-production to production to post-productionYou can specialize in:Modeling & TexturingLighting & ShadingAnimationGet ready to work in animation studios, TV production houses & film units.Perfect course for someone who wants to make a high-flying career in AnimationD3D- Professional Program in 3D AnimationCovers creative aspects of 3D Animation like – Pre-production, Storyboarding, Film-making & Character Animation.After this course, you could work as Modelling, Texturing, Rendering or Rigging Artist, or a Character Animator.If you think you are creative & want to enter the industry fast, this is the right course for you!ADVFX- Advanced Program in VFXDid you imagine being in space while watching Gravity or on the battlefield in 300? Such awesome scenes were the result of visual effects (VFX) technology created by VFX artists.ADVFX is a career course designed to teach you all the fundamentals & advanced skills required to be a successful VFX artist.S3D- Job-Ready Program in Stereoscopic 3DQuick course to help you become an expert in 3D Stereoscopic film-making.A course that trains you to work on latest, industry-preferred software like Adobe Photoshop, Nuke, mocha & Adobe After Effects.Perfect for those who wish to focus on one area & gear up for a career, quickly.VFX Plus- Professional Program in VFXHow does Rajinikanth make the gundas fly? It is the magic of VFX!Do this course along with your college studies & get ready to create such special effects for films and ads.VFX Plus is a fun course that also focuses on interesting case studies from many movies.DAFM- Program in Animation FilmmakingInvest just one year of your time to become a guru in making films, digitally. This skill is in high demand around the world.The course is perfect for you if you want to be a Design Visualization Artist or a Digital Designer, among many other career options!
What does a Production Designer specifically do for a movie?
I would just like to know what the Production Designer does specifically when it comes to film production. Any information on the position would be helpful, even their average salary for a movie. Any info you can offer! Thanks!