Six Great LGBTQ+ Films

Wondering what is the difference between 2D and 3D animation? We have the answers to all of your questions!

By: Sophia Lin

Animation sits at a unique position in the film industry. As one of the few fields to have astronomically advanced in the past few decades, it also holds the record as one of the fastest-growing disciplines. Valued to be a billion-dollar industry, animation’s storytelling can exceed the constraints of reality. Creating the fantastical, the magical, and the out-of-this-world is just another day at work in the world of animation.

 

It’s important to keep in mind, though, animation is just an umbrella term for the viewing of stills in sequence. For those looking to learn more or get into the industry, it’s crucial to get to know the two main disciplines: 2D and 3D animation. Respectively complex and in-demand in their own ways, there are a plethora of similarities and differences between the two. And there’s no doubt that differentiating between them might bring about some head-scratching questions. Which one should you choose? What is better? Is one easier or harder?

 

Well, we’re here to boil it down for you. We’ll dissect the ins and outs of both 2D and 3D animation, from the concepts behind the work to the day-to-day processes of animators. From there, we’ll discuss difficulty and suitability, and finish off with top-of-the-line softwares and platforms for animators of every level. 

What is Animation?

Despite all the technological advancements, the concepts at the heart of animation have never changed. Animation involves rapidly displaying still images in sequence. Each image differs slightly from the one before, and when they appear quickly in succession, it creates movement. Most often, the frames go by at a rate of 24 frames per second, closely mirroring the speed of movement that we perceive in real life.

 

The most basic form is the classic stop-motion animation, in which objects are moved in small increments and photographed between each change. These days, animation is digitized, spanning a variety of techniques from keyframing to simulation.

What are the Differences Between 2D and 3D Animation?

2D animation is vector-based, and as its name suggests, characters and environments are created only in a two-dimensional space. Width and height are the only qualities a 2D animator needs to draw. Rather than pixels, 2D animation uses vectors—pathways with start and end points that are connected by lines.

 

In 3D animation, characters and environments are three-dimensional. Animators use pixels and work to give objects weight and timing. Sometimes, blueprints are created from scanning real-world physical objects. For the most part, 3D animation tends to overlap with the VFX pipeline as well.

What are the Similarities Between 2D and 3D Animation?

The core concepts of 2D and 3D animation are the same: they both place characters and objects into a space and manipulate them to create the illusion of motion. Both disciplines are often computerized and require a great deal of detail-oriented work. All animators working in 2D and 3D must study the principles of motion to convincingly fabricate realistic-looking movements.

 

Beneath the surface, there are even further similarities. 

2D animation is broken down into the 3 stages of pre-production, production, and post-production: 

Pre-production builds the foundational pieces. Making storyboards, designing characters, and recording voice-overs make up most of this process.

Production is the central stage, when 2D animators gather the materials they have prepared and make the rough animations. This includes inbetweening, colouring, painting, and tracing.

Post-production simply enhances what’s already been done, adding sound effects and score, before finally rendering the animations.

 

3D animation is also composed of 3 main phases: modeling, layout and animation, and rendering:

Modeling is the preliminary mapping of an object, using points, lines, and curves to create an approximation of the final shape. Just like in 2D animation pre-production, this stage assembles the foundational pieces of characters, scenes, and objects. 

Layout and animation is likewise the central stage of the 3D animation process, and is exactly what it sounds like. Models are positioned and animated into scenes, followed by keyframing or motion capture.

Rendering, just like in 2D animation post-production, creates the finished images.

These are all skills that are needed for working at a 3D animation studio. Learn more about how to get hired at a 3D animation studio and the top 10 entry-level 3d animation jobs.

Which Is Harder, 2D or 3D Animation?

Neither is definitively harder or easier — it simply depends on an animator’s strengths and interests! 3D animation typically requires rigging, demanding a slightly more interdisciplinary set of skills. Animating an additional dimension and maintaining realism on all fronts are some of the considerations to attend to as well. This is why sometimes having an instructor lead you in your 3D animation journey is helpful when getting started. 

 

On the other hand, 2D animators must familiarize themselves with a variety of strategies too. Losing one dimension means that it can be trickier to achieve natural-looking motion, and as a result, it often demands a closer understanding of anatomy and physics. Inbetweening, which means creating additional drawings between each frame, is another such method commonly used in 2D animation.

 

Should I Learn 2D or 3D Animation? Which is Better?

As art forms, neither one is better than the other. There are, however, differences in where and how each is used, an important consideration interest-wise. 2D animations are used in social media content creation, such as short-form videos, infotainment, online advertising, and explainer videos. In the pre-Internet days, 2d animations were predominantly used in cartoons and that still continues today.

 

On the flip side, 3D animators work is most often seen in movies, TV, and video games. From an industry stance, though jobs are plentiful in both fields, 3D animation is on the rise more so than 2D. Nevertheless, 2D animation boasts a few distinct advantages too. Its biggest plus is that it’s cost-effective, demanding fewer platforms and with more manual, artistic work.

Why is 3D Animation More Popular?

For many, it’s simply a matter of the heightened realism that can be created with 3D animation. This enhances its versatility, enabling 3D animators to work in a variety of media. For instance, live-action movies can be smoothly combined with elements of 3D animation. Its overlap with VFX, another burgeoning field, boosts its popularity as well. In our increasingly complex digital landscape, 3D animation might be the better option if you are wanting to work in film and television. At this 3D animation school, you will learn everything there is to know about 3D animation for film and television. 

 

If I Want to Learn Both, Should I Learn 2D Animation or 3D Animation First?

Some say that more artistic minds choose 2D animation, while more technical minds choose 3D animation. It’s short and sweet, but when it really comes down to it, there are a myriad more factors in play. Both disciplines involve a wide-ranging set of skills, and your interests could pull you in many directions. So the best advice? Try them both.

 

Firsthand experience — and even just working on a couple animations — effortlessly guides you through the tasks. It’s the best replica of a day in the life of an animator there is! From there, take note of what draws your eye, what spurs your imagination, and what makes the time slip, slip away.

 

Check out our step by step guide for beginners on how to learn 3D animation to see how you can get started!

What 2D and 3D Animation Resources Are Out There?

Before you go out there, we assembled a handy list of animation software and platforms to help you dip your toe into the field. If you want to learn quickly, 3D animation schools are another excellent launching pad. They give you the resources you need always at your disposal. This means the sooner you can break into the industry and get animating!

 

2D Animation Software & Resources

Toon Boom Harmony is the industry-leading software. It has all the features a 2D animator will ever need, from compositing to deformers, but is on the pricier side.

 

Adobe After Effects is part of Adobe Creative Cloud. It’s the industry-standard visual effects and graphics software, with high-quality 2D animating functions.

 

Pencil 2D is an open-source, free software with a minimalistic user design. It works with both raster and vector, and hails as one of the most commonly used softwares.

 

The Animation Magazine is an online publication, featuring news, technology, events, and business pertaining to the animation industry.

 

OpenToonz is another open-source and free software great for both student and professional animators. This software was also used in some Studio Ghibli cuts!

 

3D Animation Software & Resources

Autodesk Maya is the industry-leading software. It boasts functionality from explosions to cloth simulation — but be sure to note that it is one of the priciest platforms out there.

 

The Animator’s Resource Kit is a site focusing on 3D animation that includes anything from a job spreadsheet to an animator’s survival kit, all free to access!

 

Animate, also in Adobe Creative Cloud, allows animation of just about anything. It supports multimedia interests and enables users to publish to any platform.

 

Blender is an open-source, free software offering a 3D graphics creation suite. It includes animation and rigging tools, as well as an array of modelling tools.

 

Animation World Network is a journalistic culmination of all things animation, with both digital and print options. Commercial releases and advice from industry experts are just a few of the headlines.

 

Forums & Networks

Animators’ Reddit is an online forum that keeps users anonymous and features discussions from animators of all disciplines around the world.

 

Unity Forum: Animation is an accessible hub of online discussion. Its format is question-answer based, with anonymity for users as well.

 

The Internet Animation Database is an animator-specific compendium that focuses on gathering animation information and research, along with a frequented discussion channel.

 

The Animation Cafe is a safe space for questions and debate on aspects of the animation industry. Many experienced professionals pitch in, making it a valuable destination for insight into the art and business of animation.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, 2D and 3D animation each have their particular processes and demands, with differing pros and cons depending on who you are! Some might take pleasure in the fine-grain work of inbetweening in 2D, while others are ready to mix in some motion capture with their days at the drawing board.

 

So, the name of the game is to follow your interests. Dip you toes into 3D animation courses. Try both 2D and 3D animation, and take a stab at each of the phases along the way. In short, explore, explore, explore! Then you’ll know when you’ve found the one.

 

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Here are seven Indigenous filmmakers located across Canada that you need to explore!

By: Sophia Lin

With National Indigenous Peoples Day around the corner, we are spotlighting some of the incredible Canadian Indigenous filmmakers in the business today. Working as directors, producers, screenwriters, and actors, these talented artists have lent their skills and unique voices to some of the best work in Canadian film.

1. Tracey Deer

Tracey Deer is a Mohawk director and screenwriter. In her words, she seeks to better the world “one frame at a time.” Her feature film Beans (2020), is a coming-of-age tale set during the Oka Crisis. Recently, it was screened and honoured at the Toronto International Film Festival.

 

Additionally, her work was screened at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. As well, she has been broadcasted on CBC. With her own production company, Mohawk Princess Productions, Deer plans to produce fiction shorts.

2. Jeff Barnaby

A Mi’kmaq filmmaker from Quebec, Barnaby has two acclaimed feature films under his belt. His first film, Rhymes for Young Ghouls (2013), premiered at TIFF. It tells a harrowing story in the context of the residential school system.

 

A year later, Barnaby was contacted by the National Film Board of Canada. They reached out for him to film a short documentary. His film Blood Quantum  (2019) showcasing Mi’kmaq voices, putting a twist on the classic zombie genre.

3. Loretta Todd

Loretta Todd began in TV and documentary work, before getting into directing. Her debut narrative feature was Monkey Beach in 2020. Adapted from Eden Robinson’s eponymous novel, it opened to much acclaim at the Vancouver International Film Festival.

 

She is a filmmaker of mixed Cree-Métis and European ancestry and has worked in a variety of media, including animation and interactive. In 1998, she received a lifetime achievement award from the Taos Talking Pictures Festival.

4. Bretten Hannam

Hannam is a Two-Spirit L’nu screenwriter and director. With their latest film Wildhood (2021), they sought to tell a never-before-seen Two-Spirit story of a young man rediscovering himself. He embarks on a road trip through Eastern Canada and reconnects with his heritage. It received six Canadian Screen Award nominations, marking a historic moment for queer BIPOC Canadian artists.

 

Their work, both shorts and feature-length, focuses around themes of community, culture, and LGBTQ+ identity, and has been honoured at festivals around North America.

5. Amanda Strong

A multiple award-winning Michif filmmaker, Strong’s work lies mainly in the realms of stop-motion, animation, and virtual reality. She takes an interdisciplinary, multi-layered approach to her work, creating some of the most innovative projects out there — including Biidaaban (2018) and Four Faces of the Moon (2016).

 

Her production company Spotted Fawn Productions is a large part of her mission to reclaim Indigenous histories, lineage, and culture.

6. Danis Goulet

Sundance, Berlin International Film Festival, and MoMA have all screened many of Danis Goulet’s films. Of Cree-Métis descent, she is one of the foremost emerging Indigenous filmmakers today. Most recently, she won the TIFF Emerging Talent Award with her debut feature Night Raiders (2021). 

 

She got her foot in the door as a casting coordinator, then dove into the directing side of the industry. By doing so, she honed creative control over Indigenous stories. In 2021, she completed production on a thriller film for Netflix.

7. Christopher Auchter

Chris Auchter grew up in Haida Gwaii, BC. An animator, illustrator, and documentary filmmaker, his work deeply roots his storytelling in the Haida people and their land. His 2017 short, The Mountain of SGaana (2017), creatively combined traditional animation with elements of Haida art.

The films he creates are often hailed as innovative and integrative. How People Got Fire (2009) was an animation film he made, entirely using charcoal, for the National Film Board of Canada.

 

These seven Indigenous filmmakers are incredibly influential in the Canadian film industry. Their work is redefining Canadian film and we cannot wait to see what stories they share next.

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Wondering how to become a VFX artist? We have everything you need to know about how to learn VFX compositing and make your mark in the industry!

By: Kennedy Randall

Visual effects (VFX) makes up the computer-generated images that you see on the screen. Whether it’s the monster that comes out from under the bed, the epic good vs. evil superhero battles, or the dinosaurs in Jurassic World, these characters and scenes come alive through VFX. And this is true in all forms of media in the entertainment industry today. Not only do blockbuster movies need visual effects, but so do advertisements, commercials, TV series, and more. 

Pursuing a career in VFX means you are creative, handy with technology, and looking to tell visual stories. There are many different roads you could take in the VFX industry. In this guide on how to become a VFX artist, we’ll tell you what VFX artists do, where VFX artists work, and VFX artist salary. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about a career in VFX. 

What Do VFX Artists Do?

VFX is a wide term to describe artists who use computer software to create computer generated images (CGI) that are unable to be captured by a camera. These digital assets are combined with live action shots and are integrated into most movies and television shows nowadays. 

Within this broad umbrella of VFX, there are dozens of different roles that are employed at the studio, which we will go over in a moment. This is called the VFX pipeline, which is the process of different VFX roles who work together to make computer generated images and bring all these different elements to life on screen. If you become a VFX artist, there are many different roles you could undertake. 

Below, we have outlined some of the roles that make the VFX pipeline run smoothly.

 

Types of VFX Work

1. Previsualist

Firstly a previsualist, you will create 3D animated versions of film storyboards. You need to know how to use 3D software to create the director’s vision. 

2. Concept Artists

Concept artists take a brief, prepared by the client or a supervisor, and turn that into something that can come alive on screen. They guide the rest of the pipeline artists as they create the movie. 

3.Modellers

To create the environment on screen, modellers create the objects, characters, and landscapes in 3D. You will have to know how to model just about anything, because your projects will vary! Modellers need immense flexibility and skill.

4.Texture Artists

After the models are created, texture artists apply shaders to the mesh, which is the primary structural build of a 3D model. This is a time consuming process, as this is what makes the models look realistic on screen. Use your patience and skill to work with the rest of your team to create a realistic end result. 

5. Riggers

From there, riggers take a model and build the character’s skeleton so it can be animated and move on screen. You will bridge the work between the modeller and the animator, making sure that the animator can create visuals that move realistically from the model. 

6. Matte Painters

Matte painters work from the concept artist’s work to create realistic environments for the animations to be integrated on seamlessly.

7. 3D Animator

At this stage, it is passed to the 3D animator who takes a character and object and makes it come live! Because this is a hefty job, some studios spread out the types of animation across different roles like junior animators, assistant animators, stop motion animators, and many more

8. Technical Directors

Technical directors (TD), then use special effects to create effects such as explosions, water, debris, and more. There are also lighting TDs who replicate realistic lighting in the shots. There are also rendering TDs, who ensure that everything is running smoothly on the computer end of the pipeline. 

9. Compositor

The compositor puts all of these elements together, using a keen eye for detail to integrate elements of a shot. Unsurprisingly, this takes a lot of patience and time to figure out solutions to get all the various elements of the pipeline to work together. 

10. Roto Artist

Roto artists work alongside the compositor to create the mattes they need. These artists are huge team players, making everyone’s lives easier. Many compositors begin as roto artists, meaning this is a role you can move up from!

11. Pipeline TD

Finally, there is a pipeline TD who is a team player, overseeing the entire pipeline and making it run efficiently and smoothly. You need to know how to troubleshoot the entire pipeline, using knowledge of each position and how they work together in order to solve problems that may arise. 

 

Where do VFX Artists Work?

VFX artists work wherever entertainment industries are found. VFX artists either work with a studio or freelance, working on things from games, film and television. This is especially common in major city centres that have companies looking for VFX artists. The first places people think of are Los Angeles and London but prestigious studios exist everywhere. There is WetaFX in New Zealand or Animal Logic in Sydney, Australia. 

You also might be surprised to learn Canada also has many VFX studios, mainly located in Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto. The VFX industry in Vancouver (otherwise called Hollywood North) is booming, with many companies growing and relocating to the area. There are also many opportunities to study in these VFX hubs, with courses like this 6-month program that can set you up for success in the VFX industry and become a VFX artist.

Sony Pictures Imageworks is one of Vancouver’s largest VFX and animation studios. With opportunities to work on movies like Guardians of the Galaxy and Spiderman, keep your eyes posted for job listings once you learn VFX and compositing. 

Industry Light and Magic (ILM) is a visual effects studio located in Vancouver that has worked on Marvel Universe films like Infinity War, Black Panther, Thor: Ragnraok and more. Further, DNEG (Double Negative) is a star in the VFX Vancouver world. They have won a slew of awards including 5 Academy Awards, 5 Bafta Awards, and 11 Visual Effects Society Awards.

A city like Vancouver is a great place to become a VFX artist, full of opportunities and impressive companies. 

As well, Montreal has many companies like Digital Domain, Mill Film and Mr. X Inc, which has offices in both Montreal and Toronto. Canada’s VFX industry is booming, and there is no better place to get your career started!

 

What is a VFX Artist’s Salary?

When considering how to become a VFX artist, you may be wondering how much do VFX artists earn? According to Glassdoor, Vancouver’s VFX industry is paying well! A VFX artist’s salary in Vancouver is around $57,179 and is predicted to rise. Across Canada, the average VFX artist salary is $55,741, meaning wherever you go in Canada, VFX is booming. As the demand for VFX grows, the average Canadian VFX salary increases with it, with expected growth in the next couple years. 

Why are VFX Artists in Demand?

Nowadays, VFX artists are in high demand and continue to be as our world becomes increasingly digitized. Most of the movies and television shows nowadays use VFX and this will increasingly continue to be the case. As well, VFX artists are needed now outside of the entertainment industry, in advertisements, various commercial companies, and more. 

With this in mind, VFX is a highly employable industry and it will continue to be for years to come. Now that it is the standard for visual effects to be used in many films, it will never go away. Rather, it will continue becoming more advanced and creative. If you become a VFX artist, the opportunities where you can work will continue to grow. 

Overall, when wondering how to become a VFX artist, there are many different roles and places where you can work. Therefore, all that’s left to do is to master the skills and follow your dreams. Once you learn VFX and compositing, nothing can stop you. Work hard, be persistent, and soon we’ll all see your work on the big screen. 

 

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Filmmaking is about telling stories. What makes a meaningful film is the story you tell and how you capture it. Filmmaker and radio-host, Valécia Pépin has the courage to share real stories on screen and the talent to produce them. InFocus Film School is proud to announce that Pépin has been selected as the winner of the InFocus $10,000 Scholarship. Her short film Illusion: The Fear documents her own experience as a young woman struggling to free herself from a pimp who was taking advantage of her. We were touched by her story, her talent, and her relentless courage to push forward and keep creating in spite of her difficult past. We cannot wait to have her become a part of the InFocus family this September and see what she creates next.

 

 

Pépin was born in Haiti and was adopted by a family who resides in Quebec City. At nine months old, on Christmas Eve, 1989 she moved to Canada. She grew up in Quebec, surrounded by painting, cameras, and media from an early age.

“I have always been an artist, if I can say, because my mom was bringing me to workshops, she was always painting,” she said. “I used to be a model from two years old, so I started being in front of the camera very young.”

 

Pépin has always been fascinated by media and its capacity for storytelling. She was the host of her high school radio show and went on to work for CBC radio in Edmonton for many years. She knew by the age of fifteen that she wanted to be in front of the camera telling stories. It wasn’t until someone prompted her to share her own story that she decided to take a stab at behind the camera.

 

“At first I didn’t want to share my stories. I moved from Quebec to Edmonton because people were telling me, because of my past you will never reach your goals or your dreams. You can forget it.” 

However, this didn’t stop her. She shared her past of getting caught up with pimps as a young girl and forced to do things that she didn’t want to do. Pépin has begun to share her story through film in order to help spread awareness about this taboo subject that isn’t widely discussed.

 

“I can help, I can share, I can listen. People will come to me and tell me I went through this, or my sister, or my child, or my nephew.  If someone told me how these things happen, or saw it on TV, I would know the red flags and be aware. I want to spread awareness on this whole world.”

 

Subjects like sex work, prositution, and its dangers are often taboo in our mediascape, but its out there. It takes a lot of courage to share your own difficult past, but it makes a real story – a story that we can’t wait to see on the big screen.

With her scholarship, Pépin will be enrolling in our 12-month Film Production Program starting this September. 

 

“I fell in love with the camera, the angles, what you want to project, and what you want to see and share and all that. I fell in love with the lens, how it works. I am comfortable being in front of the camera, but I need more experience. I need to learn how and know everything and make my own decisions behind the camera. I need the skills to do what I love” she added.

 

Valécia Pépin has unbelievable resilience, talent, and passion for storytelling. She has never given up, even when things have gotten tough. Her dedication and hardwork has got her so far already and we cannot wait to see what she accomplishes during her time at InFocus. 

 

“When life wants you somewhere they will bring you there, and this is why I keep doing this.”