Sex, drugs, murder, profanity. You’ll see these elements play a part in films, sometimes all within a few moments. Aside from making points of reference for a drinking game, there are legitimate reasons that filmmakers are attracted to R-rated material. When done correctly, it can demonstrate the competence that comes from successfully navigating a creative challenge.
Today we’re going to focus on the sensitive subject of nudity and sex scenes. We’ll go through the ins and outs of how to film a sex scene and how to handle them professionally on set.
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Ahh, Valentine’s Day. A time dedicated to all the lovers out there, making things special for “just us.” Moments are filled with candle-lit dinners, flowers, chocolate gifts, and, for the last few years, watching the newest installment of the Fifty Shades series, leading to a sales boost in adult shops across the country.
Watching a romantic film is one of the most popular choices among young couples for a Valentine’s Day date. They fulfill the fantasies we often can only dream of experiencing, which is why romance has become an integral part of cinema. Main focus or subplot, the element of love has found a place in almost every movie of any genre.
So what makes a romantic film? Is it merely a tale of two beings looking into each others eyes and falling into an embrace? If it’s not that easy in reality, it certainly can’t be that easy in film.
Most lovey-dovies follow similar structures that help us as an audience connect and fall into the journey of our heartfelt characters. In order for a romance film to work, we need a simple ingredient: characters that we want to be together in the end.
Here’s how you can write a romance that pulls on the heartstrings!
Click here to learn more about InFocus Film School’s Writing for Film and Television Program!
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You’ve probably heard all sorts of things over the years about film school. Some think it’s a waste of time and money, while others believe it’s essential for anyone serious about a career in filmmaking. So, is film school worth it? Should you go to film school to advance your career?
We believe that there are some compelling reasons why aspiring filmmakers should consider going to film school. Attending film school can be a great way to jumpstart your filmmaking career. Here are some of the benefits of attending film school that can help you make your decision.
INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
For aspiring film professionals, attending a film school is one of the most valuable investments you can make. Film students get to take part in challenging, practical classes taught by knowledgeable experts. This offers an invaluable opportunity to obtain specific skills and build a strong foundation that prepares you for many avenues of success.
You’re given the opportunity to immerse yourself in the experience of film production, all within a structured and intensive environment. Additionally, the specialized knowledge gained from film school grants you access to a range of opportunities and connections that might not have been available without such training.
CREATIVE COMMUNITY
The value of a strong and successful alumni and student community cannot be understated. Not only does it fuel your inner fire and determination to graduate from your program, it also reflects the benefits that film school provides in helping you achieve your career goals in the industry.
Taking all these into account, aspiring filmmakers should evaluate if attending film school is worth the time and money. Odds are that it will be a fruitful move for any creative professional’s career!
ENVIRONMENT
Learning from experienced and knowledgeable instructors in an organized environment often accelerates your development faster than self-learning through trial-and-error. Additionally, having access to production equipment and a space designated for learning is far more convenient and cost effective as compared to collecting gear independently. This enables you to easily develop practical, in-demand skills in directing, cinematography, editing, producing, writing, operating the camera and capturing professional audio.
Click here to learn more about InFocus Film School’s Film Production Program!
INSIDER CONNECTIONS
Film Production students tend to get a well-rounded learning experience at film school. Besides the technical training, students have the opportunity to collaborate with aspiring industry peers both on-set and beyond. This experience is an invaluable asset for those looking to get their foot in the door in the notoriously competitive industry. With all the resources available at film schools, aspiring filmmakers should seriously consider this path if they are interested in making a career out of their creative dreams.
INTENSE INDUSTRY TRAINING
As current students already know, you must be ready for an intense, but rewarding experience when you enroll in a film program. Film school gives you the opportunity to gain a wealth of knowledge and experience quickly and efficiently. Because of this, it’s important to take advantage of your time as a film student. Make an effort to take in as much knowledge as you can from class exercises, instructors and guest speakers. Your hard work and determination will pay off and give you a head start when you enter the industry after graduation!
Speaking of instructors and guest speakers, you will get the chance to network with mentors and other industry leaders. This will give you invaluable connections as you set out into the industry. With knowledge of filmmaking techniques from experts, access to advanced filming equipment and a built-in support system, you will certainly reap immense benefits by learning filmmaking at film school.
SHOULD YOU GO TO FILM SCHOOL?
Film school is the ready-made perfect path for aspiring creatives to start off their careers in the film industry. It promises an intense educational experience which focuses not only on theoretical knowledge, but also technical and practical skills. All of which of course contribute to producing well-versed filmmakers who can hit the ground running after graduation. Working in film can provide not only satisfaction, but gratification, recognition and pride. But the key to success in this exciting field is dedication, training and hands-on experience.
Investing the time to attend a film school will help you develop the knowledge, artistry, and technique you need to build a successful career in the film industry. While there is no guarantee that attending film school will land you your dream job, it can certainly give you a significant advantage. There are pros and cons to attending film school, and ultimately the decision comes down to your individual circumstances.
THE BOTTOM LINE
In summary, attending film school is a great way to network, learn filmmaking, grow as an artist, and make connections. Plus, studying at film school can be an enlightening journey that helps you gain confidence and take pride in your creative output. All of these advantages of attending film school makes it a worthwhile experience for anyone who seeks a career in filmmaking!
By submitting this form you are agreeing to be contacted by InFocus Film School. We will never sell or distribute your information, and you may opt-out of receiving emails from us at any time. Read our Privacy Policy here.
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Are you a young screenwriter looking for your first job in the industry? Or maybe you’re a cinephile who’s always dreamed of writing for film and television. Whatever your situation, if you’re wondering how to find a screenwriting job, this blog post is for you!
If you have a passion for movies and storytelling, then a career in screenwriting may be perfect for you! A job as a screenwriter can be extremely rewarding. But of course, landing that first job can be challenging. Nowadays, the main way that screenwriters find regular work in the industry is through TV industry. No matter if you’re interested in writing features films or writing for TV, we have some tips on how to find a screenwriting job in the industry you love most.
Study Screenwriting or Take A Class
If you have been dreaming of a career as a screenwriter, then now is the time to get started! Taking a screenwriting course will cultivate essential skills and techniques that can help you navigate and succeed within the global film & TV industry. In many of these courses, students get to learn how to write different types of scripts as well as how to pitch a screenplay.
In addition, screenwriting classes will help you build a professional network. This will be particularly useful when landing a job in the exciting land of TV production. Similarly, if you’re more interested in writing for film, building your network may connect you to industry professionals. These inside connections can be crucial if you have a script that you’re looking to get off the ground!
Not only could you be awarded fellowships or other awards, but many of the bigger competitions offer networking opportunities with top industry professionals. This is an invaluable asset when looking for a job in the film business. Creating relationships and having people who can vouch for you is one of the best ways to advertise yourself and get noticed!
Find a Mentor
Finding a mentor in the film and TV industry can be an invaluable tool for anyone trying to launch a career in screenwriting. Mentors offer first-hand experience and inside knowledge about how the industry works. They share useful tips and tricks for making your mark, and guide you through the process of finding a job.
A good mentor can be integral to helping you land that dream job in your preferred industry. First and foremost, mentors can giving advice on writing perfect resumes. They can also recommend different roles that you may not be aware of. Having access to this kind of reliable inside-knowledge can give you an edge over other applicants!
Network Often
Getting yourself out there and networking with industry professionals is an essential tool for those in the screenwriting field. By connecting with professionals such as producers, directors and other screenwriters, you can land a job or even form a project together. Not only does this help open doors to job opportunities, but it also allows you to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the industry. Everyone has to start somewhere. Connecting with professionals in your industry can give you an advantage and streamline your efforts. It may take time to build relationships with industry professionals, but in the end, you’ll be glad you did!
Click here to learn more about InFocus Film School’s Writing for Film and Television Program!
Job Websites
Not surprisingly, turning to job websites can be a great source for finding employment or locating new projects. Websites like Indeed are all great resources for finding screenwriting jobs. These sites offer job postings from production companies, networks and studios that you may have never heard of before. Through these sites, you can quickly search for jobs in your area or any city across the world.
Film Unions / Guilds
Joining a union is a great way to take your screenwriting career to the next level. It provides access to a professional network which can be invaluable when looking for screenwriting jobs. Plus, with lower costs and extensive benefits, it can be easily worth the investment!
Joining the Writers Guild of Canada is an effective way to take your screenwriting career to the next level. Not only can it establish you as a professional in the industry, but it also gives you access to job opportunities through networking. When you join, you become part of an exclusive network of professionals living and working across Canada. With their support, and the services at your disposal as a member, landing that dream screenwriting job is just within reach.
As well as the Writers Guild of Canada, there are other organizations out there to help advance your opportunities as a writer. The Canadian Freelance Guild is a network where freelance workers can gain access to work opportunities and professional development, along with other opportunities for networking. The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television is another great organization that offers professional development programs, talent activation initiatives, and networking opportunities. They also host the WBD Access x Canadian Academy Writers Program, focusing on elevating the careers of experienced Canadian writers from underrepresented communities.
Join a Screenwriting Group
You’re not the only screenwriter out there trying to make it big. So, why not find other like-minded to align with? Joining a screenwriting group is an excellent way to hone your skills and get involved in the industry. Here, you can share your skills, knowledge, and advice with other writers who are likely to have similar goals and dreams.
Another great and often overlooked avenue for finding screenwriting gigs is through social media, such as Facebook groups. For example, industry hubs like Vancouver & Toronto have a variety of different film-related Facebook groups to join. These groups are often frequented by other creators looking to fill a position for an upcoming project. With effective networking and outreach on Facebook and other social media platforms, you’ll find yourself better-equipped to find a job in screenwriting.
There are no guarantees of success in the screenwriting industry. However, with hard work, dedication and a reliable network, you can give yourself the best chance find a screenwriting job. With access to resources like screenwriting contests, film school, networking events and job websites, you’ll be ready to start your journey as a screenwriter.
By submitting this form you are agreeing to be contacted by InFocus Film School. We will never sell or distribute your information, and you may opt-out of receiving emails from us at any time. Read our Privacy Policy here.
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As we look forward to a new year, we’d like to take a moment to look back at some milestones throughout 2022. Students at InFocus had a jam-packed school year filled with hands-on learning, collaborative projects, workshops and networking opportunities. Keep reading our 2022 Year In Review to hear about some of the highlights from this past year!
Each and every year our students go above and beyond, creating memorable films, screenplays, visual effects and digital designs that help set the stage for a rewarding career in the cinematic & digital arts. Our campus is full of excitement, creativity and unwavering determination, all set against a backdrop of talented, up-and-coming professionals. Students across all of our programs took on the challenge of amplifying their careers with leading career training from industry professionals. Let’s revisit some highlights from 2022 that made this year so memorable!
AWARD-WINNING STUDENT FILMS
We’re always excited for our Film Production students to present their final films during their graduation screenings! In 2022 we saw some amazing films from students in classes FP56, FP57 and FP58. These films not only showcase the skill and unwavering creativity of our students, they’re also a treat to sit back and enjoy after a busy term!
Click here to learn more about InFocus Film School’s Film Production Program!
Philia – Jonas Pascual
From FP56, Jonas Pascual started off our 2022 with his Audience Award Winning short film called Philia.
This short film tells the story of a lonely queer guy who crafted a seemingly perfect relationship with doll version of the guy that rejected him. The line between love and obsession, reality and delusion start to blur. During the graduation screening of student films from FP56, Philia captivated audience members with its unique look at the mania of love.
Churi – Namit Kataria
Namit Kataria from created his Audience Award Winning film Churi during his time in the Film Production program. Churi tells the story of a young man in Canada missing his Indian home. He struggles to stay positive in the face of his daily life at a hardworking job. Remembering the comforts of his childhood, he makes a traditional Punjabi sweet called Churi, just like his mother used to make.
Memory Lane – Ed Alexander
In our graduation screening for our last graduating class of 2022, a horror film became the audience favourite of the evening.
Ed Alexander‘s Memory Lane depicts the story of an amnesiac who is trapped inside a Hellish simulation. She must battle the ghosts of her past – and search for an exit – as she slowly learns her true identity. Surely, this was a student film that had many of us gripping the edge of our seats by the end!
VALÉCIA PÉPIN: $10,000 SCHOLARSHIP WINNER
When it comes to the power of storytelling in film, Valécia Pépin emerged on our radar as a force to be reckoned with! When selecting a winner of our biggest scholarship of the year, Valécia’s story and creative vision got our attentions. Originally born in Haiti, Valécia was adopted at nine-months old by a family in Quebec City. She later moved to Edmonton, Alberta before starting her journey at InFocus Film School in Vancouver. Her short film Illusion: The Fear documents her own experience as a young woman struggling to free herself from being exploited by a pimp. Valécia has begun to share her story through film in order to help spread awareness about this taboo subject.
“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.”
Her dedication and hard work has got her so far already. We cannot wait to see what she accomplishes during her time at InFocus Film School!
GRAPHIC DESIGN THAT WINS AWARDS
In case you didn’t know, we don’t just train for the film industry here at InFocus Film School. In fact, we couldn’t be more proud of students in our Graphic Design program this year! When it comes to student success, five of our students had the great fortune of placing in the Graphis New Talent 2022 Annualthis year, allowing them to jumpstart their design careers straight out of school.
Adrienne Noble was awarded Gold (Logo Design) in this year’s Graphis New Talent Annual. Adrienne created her winning logo in our Adobe Illustrator class with Graphic Design Program Head Leila Singleton.
Logo by Adrienne Noble – Graphis New Talent Annual | 2022 Gold Medal – Logo Design
“Finding out that I won GOLD in Graphis Annual’s 2022 New Talent Division was like a huge warm hug from the multiverse! Lelia trusted me and helped to squash my new designer insecurities and imposter syndrome! The InFocus instructors are passionate and caring. They provide a real working knowledge of the tools that are required to succeed as a graphic designer”.
On top of this, graphic design students this year also received honorable mentions at the Graphis New Talent Annual. Highlighted artwork from Graphic Design alumni includes a second logo design, posters and even stationary design!
LEARNING FROM INDUSTRY LEADERS
Another source of excitement for InFocus Film School this year was getting the opportunity to work with Norm Hiscock. With his impressive career spanning the roles of producer, screenwriter & director, Norm partnered with InFocus for a series of online seminars about his work as a comedy screenwriter for Parks and Recreation.
On Parks and Recreation, Hiscock found that keeping a fun set was important to the experience of shooting Parks and Recreation. Then again, working with Nick Offerman (who plays the memorable Ron Swanson) would do that!
“I learned how to write for different kinds of comedy voices and the importance of collaboration. King of the Hillalso taught me what elements contribute to a good story and how to fully develop characters, even if they are animated.”
EDUCATION THAT LEADS TO EMPLOYMENT
The most exciting thing for us at InFocus Film School is seeing our students’ careers flourish after graduation. Some of our Film Production and VFX Compositing students go on to find employment with some of the industry’s biggest studios!
Our VFX Compositing program launched the careers of so many artists this year. For example, Sara Milosavic from COMP10 went on to join Gneiss Stuff VFX as a Compositor. Grace Wang and Mason Maroufi from COMP11 were both hired by Distillery VFX as Junior Compositors. Harkeerat Singh went on to employment at Luma Studios as a Roto/Paint Artist.
Click here to learn more about InFocus Film School’s Compositing Program
From our Film Production program, many students went on to work on various short and feature film productions. Others found employment through various studios and production companies. Most recently, Jesse Hart from FP53 found full-time employment at Netflix as a Post Producer! On top of this, Brynne Forrest from FP50 joined Deena Media as an Editor this year. Meanwhile, Jelica Rojas from FP56 became part of Make Believe Media as an Assistant Producer.
And just like that, we add another amazing year to the books! InFocus Film School continues to grow each year as we help launch the careers of up-and-coming artists and filmmakers. With a new year ahead, we’re exciting to see what creative adventures our students get up to next!
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VFX Compositing is a booming industry that is only going to get bigger, pushing the boundaries of CGI in film. But what exactly is compositing and how is it used in modern-day cinema? Keep reading if you want to learn more about the foundations of compositing and the world of VFX in film.
Are you a budding visual effects enthusiast curious about what it takes to make VFX for the big screen? Compositing is an essential step in the production process of many popular films, and can elevate your work from good to great! By exploring the world of VFX compositing, you’ll learn how to bring live action elements together into breathtaking, beautiful scenes. In this beginners guide, we’ll cover the basics of what you need to know about being a compositor for film. So take a seat as we explore what it takes to create whole new worlds in film. It’s time dive into what is compositing in film!
Click here to learn more about InFocus Film School’s Compositing Program
WHAT IS COMPOSITING?
Compositing for cinema is an incredible and powerful tool to help tell more engaging stories through visuals. It involves taking separate elements of footage and combining them into a single frame. This technique has changed the way cinema tells stories. It offers filmmakers greater scope when telling their story, something that was not available with traditional cinema techniques. Compositing gives cinema a level of control to manipulate each element as needed. Furthermore, it allows VFX artists to seamlessly integrate hundreds of different elements into a single shot. This simply wouldn’t have been possible decades ago. Advancements in VFX have subsequently given filmmakers more tools to captivate their audiences. Because of this, it’s incredibly important to cinema storytelling and why many blockbusters just wouldn’t be the same without it.
VFX COMPOSITING IN POPULAR FILMS
Visual effects (VFX) have revolutionized cinema, creating whole new experiences and changing the way we watch movies. Compositing is a part of this cinematic journey, adding additional layers to movies that help to captivate audiences and tell more immersive stories.
A great example of this is in James Cameron’s long-awaited release of Avatar: The Way Of The Water (2022), comprising of 3,240 visual effects shots! Meanwhile, it’s groundbreaking predecessor Avatar (2009) saw over 2,000 shots of computer-generated imagery. Another amazing example is in The Avengers (2012) where VFX compositing allows for the creation of incredibly complex fight scenes with superheroes. With this track record, it’s no wonder VFX compositing has become such an integral part of cinema today!
SOFTWARE USED IN VFX COMPOSITING
While compositing for visual effects often requires a great deal of technical expertise, it also requires immense creativity. Compositors are creative professionals with a deep understanding of using compositing software and techniques to construct the most seamless shots possible. A typical compositor will work with programs like Nuke, After Effects and Blender, depending on the shot. Programs like Nuke have a unique set of tools to create seamless visual effects. For example, they enable VFX artists to integrate CG objects, clean up plates (such as removing wires) and bring individual elements together into one glorious shot! Not only does it end up looking awe-inspiring to wide-eyed audiences, it creates more depth and a higher production value in any given scene. As such, compositors are responsible for bringing these elements together in an innovative way that engages viewers and creates memorable visual experiences!
DIFFERENT ELEMENTS OF VFX COMPOSITING
ROTOSCOPING
Rotoscoping is an animation technique in which a compositor separates objects or elements of footage to create composited visual effects. It involves working with static images or video within a single frame, pulling them apart into distinct layers and then digitally tracing each individual object. As a result, these objects can then be integrated with other digital elements in a seamless way. Compositors use this isolation of components to achieve incredibly intricate compositing results. For example, when compositing green screen footage and placing it against a different background. In this case, the compositor resolves inconsistencies between the objects that are supposed to appear in the same scene, such as by using color correction.
KEYING
Keying is a compositing technique that involves extracting certain elements from foreground and adding them onto backgrounds or special effects. Compositors use green screens and other chroma-key technology, allowing compositors to create higher-quality visual elements for their work. Firstly, the compositor identifies the area of the footage they want to remove, then applies a matte or mask around the element with exacting precision. The deleted element can then be replaced with new digital imagery to create stunning effects after these components are separated.
SET EXTENSION
Set extension (or matte painting) is a compositing technique that allows VFX compositors to create whole new digital environments. Compositors can take a live-action plate and digitally add elements to it. By doing so, the characters seem like are in faraway places or are surrounded by larger-than-life monuments. This technique involves combining a live-action plate with an artificially created digital environment. This makes any location or time period achievable! You can even use set extensions to reproduce real existing buildings accurately or to create entirely fantastical settings in films. With the power of the VFX universe at their fingertips, compositors allow filmmakers to bring stunning visuals to life and make awe inspiring worlds come alive.
COLOR CORRECTION
Adjusting composited footage to match a given color palette is called Color Correction in visual effects. As such, it is one of the upmost fundamental skills of any compositing artist. Color correction may involve altering the hue, saturation and brightness of backgrounds, characters, objects and props. Additionally, VFX compositors must use their expertise to ensure that the color correction is visually-pleasing enough that it won’t distract the audience from the scene.
FINDING A JOB AS A COMPOSITOR
The film industry is increasingly relying on visual effects (VFX) compositing to bring creative film ideas to life. As a result, highly skilled compositors have become an integral part of the film production process. This makes the demand for proficient VFX artists stronger than ever. Aspiring VFX compositor must subsequently build an impressive portfolio demonstrating their talents. The reason for this is because studios look for candidates with a unique take on crafting digital effects. With the ever-growing need for talented compositors, there are plenty of opportunities available for those who can deliver high-quality work!
If you want to get into the film industry and start working in VFX, then compositing is a great career for you! It’s creative, challenging, exciting and full of opportunity. Because of this, there are always new techniques to learn and new problems to solve. If you want to learn more about compositing for film and how to become a professional in this field, check out our VFX Compositing program. With expert instruction from artists working in the heart of Hollywood North, you’ll be on your way to breaking into a booming VFX industry!
By submitting this form you are agreeing to be contacted by InFocus Film School. We will never sell or distribute your information, and you may opt-out of receiving emails from us at any time. Read our Privacy Policy here.
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Landing your first job out of film school is so exciting, but also can be daunting for those entering the industry for the very first time. Keep reading to learn about how and where to look in order to find a job after film school!
So you’ve graduated film school – Congratulations! Finding employment is the next step for young film makers. This can sometimes be intimidating when you’re first starting out. If you’re wondering how to find a job after film school, then you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to discover some of the ways you can improve your chances of landing your first job in the film industry.
Optimizing Your Resume & Portfolio
Before you start sending out your resume and demo reel, consider tailoring your portfolio to reflect a specialization. Ideally, you’ll have gravitated towards a certain field during your time in school. By tailoring your portfolio to that field, you’ll be emphasizing your expertise in your chosen specialization.
The Job Market
British Columbia is one of the top places in the world to work in the film industry. This vibrant and growing industry gives fresh graduates in Vancouver an advantage, helping them to find a job after film school.
Creative BC estimates over 62,000 gig and freelance workers. Known as Hollywood North, BC is the third largest production centre in North America, with a constant flow of work from American studios and networks due to tax credits and the favourable Canadian dollar.
Where to Look to Find a Job After Film School
If BC is a film production haven, how do you find work after film school? Some production jobs are listed, but many aren’t. Here are some places to look:
Facebook
There are many Facebook pages dedicated to hiring independent filmmakers. Filmmakers will create their own community for hiring purposes.
Networking
Introverts, strap on your social face! Filmmakers network intensely. Take a look at Women in Film and Television in Vancouver, DOC BC, Celluloid Social Club, Cold Reading Club, etc. Projects often arise from like minds finding a mutual passion. These jobs may never be advertised.
Craigslist
Check out the Gigs and Production Jobs sections on Craigslist. These jobs are well paid, but beware of listings that ask if you are “adventurous”—it might be the porn industry!
Job Boards
One search on job boards like Indeed will bring up many listings for compositors and other VFX positions.
Unions
Unions such as IATSE are one of the best routes to take when you want to find a job after film school. Members of these unions make up a pool of eligible labour that big feature films and TV series will pull from. The unions control access to these jobs to ensure large producers have trained and qualified crew members. Once a student has met the union criteria, they’re often placed in a “hiring hall system.” This is why you don’t see these jobs advertised!
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Are you an aspiring screenwriter looking to launch your career in the film industry? There are many great screenwriting contests out there to help jumpstart your career and allowing you to gain more recognition from industry professionals. Keep reading to learn about some of the great competitions out there in 2023!
It is famously difficult to break into the film industry as a screenwriter, especially if you don’t have a network of connections to point you in the right direction. Luckily there is an alternative to peddling your unproduced scripts around town. Entering screenwriting contests is an excellent way to gain the attention of agents, managers, and film industry influencers. There are hundreds of screenwriting contests from around the world to choose from. If you are serious about securing an agent or getting your work produced, here are 5 contests for young screenwriters that all aspiring filmmakers should know about!
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Want to work in a VFX or animation studio but don’t know where to start? Some of the world’s best studios are located in Vancouver. Check out our list below to learn about the best animation and VFX studios in Vancouver!
Vancouver’s animation and visual effects market is a vibrant and growing industry. Year after year you will see more films being produced in Hollywood North, many of which feature VFX or digital animation. Vancouver is already home to some of the biggest animation studios in the film industry today and smaller ones continue popping up as demand increases, making career opportunities plentiful.
If you want to begin a career in Animation or Visual Effects, here are 10 of the best animation and VFX studios in Vancouver that you should look into.
Click here to learn more about InFocus Film School’s 3D Animation and Visual Effects Program
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Ever wonder how 3D animation rose to it’s current level of popularity? Continue reading for a deep dive into the history of 3D animation!
By: Sophia Lin
Though 3D animation seems like a modern concept, the history of 3D animation is long and rich. Technology has allowed the genre to rise in popularity as it can be adapted for families and mature audiences. As popularity continues to rise for 3D animation, so does the need for new animators and studios. There is no greater time to be an animator in this ever-growing industry than right now!
In this blog post we’ll discuss the history of 3D animation and how the animation industry changed in just a couple of decades. We’ll tell you about the surprising involvement of the aerospace company Boeing in the beginnings of animation. Additionally, we’ll go through how Star Wars had a major hand in kicking off the feasibility of 3D animation in Hollywood. But before we get into the history of 3D animation, let’s go back to basics – what exactly is 3D animation?
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Defining 3D Animation
As an art form, animation is the rapid displaying of still images in sequence. Each image differs slightly from the one before, and when they appear quickly in succession, it creates movement. This movement often goes by at a rate of 24 frames per second, closely mirroring the speed of movement that we perceive in real life. By doing so, the viewer experiences a realistic scene despite the characters being animations.
In 3D animation, specifically, characters and environments are three-dimensional. Animators use pixels and work to give objects weight and timing. And sometimes, animators scan real-world physical objects to create blueprints. In this case, instead of looking flat, 3D animation gives off the feel of realism, using the same level of depth and detail our eyes see on a daily basis.
The Birth of 3D Animation
Lets start at the beginning of the history of 3D animation. During the early 1900s, a unique and never-before-seen style of animation came into being called claymation. This style of animation consisted of the modelling of clay into objects and characters resembling that of real life. Often, people would segment the clay so that not only could characters move, but so could their limbs, heads, and torsos.
These characters inspired the method of stop-motion filmmaking. Early animations would take a photo, move one piece of a clay creation, take a photo, and repeat. One of the well-known Claymation films of the time was called The Sculptor’s Welsh Rarebit Dream, a trick film created by Edison Manufacturing in 1908. However, despite its creativity, Claymation didn’t really take off. The growth of claymation was halted by the challenges of clay sculpting and the time-consuming nature of stop motion. For now, the future of 3D animation stayed largely unknown.
The 70s Boom
It was many years before animation returned to the entertainment scene after claymation came to a close. The re-emergence of 3D animation as a popular tool all started with the “Boeing Man” or “Boeman” in the early 1960s. It was the creation of William Fetter, an employee at Boeing. His job there was to create 3D models, using computers to animate and design these models for the company. This figure was meant to simulate how a human would sit and move in the cockpit of an airplane. Fetter would go on to create short videos of these rigged pilots, using them to understand ideal methods of cockpit design. With his work known as the first form of 3D moving images, Fetter became credited as the father of computer-generated 3D animation.
Frederic Parke, a computer graphics academic, created the first 3D model of a human face. As a computer scientist at the University of Utah, he produced a short film entitled Face & Body Parts in 1974. This short film showed computer-generated expressions such as happiness and shock, and the movements from one expression to the next. This would go on to pave the way for the complex facial animations we see in film and TV today!
On the heels of Parke’s work came several other milestones. The first 3D computer-generated hand was created by Edwin Catmull was the first of many landmarks in the history of 3D animation. Catmull and Parke later came together to work on Futureworld, a major motion picture released in 1976. This set a precedent, as the first film to ever incorporate 3D computer-generated animations. 3D animation technology finally reached audiences for the very first time, marking a pivotal turning point in the history of 3D animation industry.
Entry into Hollywood
By the 1980s, 3D animation was finally gaining momentum and finding its way into the film industry. The release of Futureworld certainly played a major part, but it was George Lucas’ Star Wars films that gave 3D animation the final push it needed to cement itself in Hollywood.
In 1977, the release of Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope changed the game. Lucas, along with the newly formed visual effects company Industrial Light and Magic, used 3D animation mostly in the realm of creating enhanced visuals for models, puppets, and sets. What Star Wars started was continued by Tron, a landmark film for 3D animation. Released in 1982, it featured computer-generated animation. This was the first time animation was at the forefront of a film, instead of incorporating bits and pieces of animation here and there.
The History of 3D Animation Technology
But what exactly allowed for this explosion of 3D animation in the 80s? The answer, simply, is that technology finally was able to catch up. From the first time 3D animation had come onto the scene until now, nearly 80 years had gone by, allowing for the rudimentary principles of animation to be refined again and again. Now, inventions in 3D animations were permitted greater complexity. For instance, recursive ray tracing, a rendering technique, was introduced by J. Turner Whitted. With this tool, animated work began to move closer and closer to realism.
Around the same time, in 1982, Autodesk released its computer-aided design software called AutoCAD. This not only widened the possibilities of software-supported 3D animation but increased the accessibility of the medium — and thereby, its popularity.
As the 80s wrapped up, 3D animation had become something Hollywood could not ignore. Its commercial success was undeniable, as was its growing viability for use in a wide range of settings and genres.
Mainstream Development
With the software and technology growing in advancements, the 1990s were a sweet spot for 3D animation. Studios, filmmakers, and animators were all ready to take a risk on this new medium — and so they did. The decade was kicked off with James Cameron’s Terminator 2: Judgment Day, which, though it was live action, contained stunning visual effects completely foreign to audiences. Jurassic Park then took this one step further with more than realistic and larger-than-life dinosaurs.
Unsurprisingly, the realm of entirely animated works expanded too. Veggie Tales, out in 1993, marked the first fully 3D animated series. Not long ago, the iconic Toy Story came along, as the first fully 3D, computer-animated feature-length film. The success of the innovative Toy Story, both critically and commercially, placed it firmly into the limelight. Its box office gross of $363 million made it clear that 3D animation was here to stay, and so was Pixar. At the time, the company was in its early years, co-founded by the same Edwin Catmull who introduced the first 3D animated hand.
Turn of the Century
The 90s were quickly coming to an end. But, the turn of the century brought more good news and development for the 3D animation industry. For one, George Lucas was beginning to reap the rewards of his continued belief in animation. In The Phantom Menace and The Attack of the Clones, almost all the added effects used the technology of 3D animation.
2009 saw Avatar break records for its use of 3D animation at the highest level yet. 3D animation allows us to create realistic human-like creatures, extensive world-building, and manufactured sets, making it an option that was not only preferable, but the highly-coveted ideal. By now it was clear that technology was flourishing, computers were widespread, and 3D animation was well on its way to its current-day multi-million status.
3D Animation Today
When you think of current 3D animation, images of Frozen, Zootopia, or Sing may come to mind. People often see kids’ movies as the face of animation nowadays. But, in truth, 3D animation as an art form has never been more viable or versatile. Though it may not be what first comes to mind, animation is used in media far and wide. In fact, it’ll be hard to name a recent film that doesn’t use 3D animation technology in any way, shape, or form. Even films like Tenet, Dune, and all Marvel movies utilize 3D animation technology. In these films, the seamless combination of live-action and 3D animation is apparent; another great innovation to come out of the 21st century.
With 3D animation technology frequently blurring what is animated vs. what is real, there is a distinct emphasis on realism. And more often than not, animated objects stand in for real ones without us ever noticing! Films are just the beginning. You can find 3D animation in television, but also in video games, virtual reality, advertising, and education. The presence of 3D animation is strong, and even still on the rise.
The Future of Animation
3D animation is bound to see enhancements in terms of capability and complexity because of how much technology supports it. AI and machine learning has the potential to speed up the animating workflow. This would perhaps open up the field up to a greater range of possible animation styles.
Likewise, phenomena like photorealism and 4D animation are just now taking off — and also involve 3D animation. Some of the more current trends, such as virtual reality and augmented reality, will also continue to evolve. In fact, these are two disciplines which have already proven to be promising applications of 3D animation. The mainstream quality of 3D animation will likely be amplified further. Prepare to see uses of 3D animation in business, everyday communication, and marketing. Even now, the 2D industry utilizes 3D animation software in many of their productions!
Without a doubt, aspiring 3D animations have grown exponentially since the early 21st century. Many want to get in on this fast-growing industry, and contribute to an art form that is, all things considered, still quite young. And as we move towards the future, creating high-quality 3D animation work will only get easier and easier.
It’s clear that 3D animation has come far from its humble roots. Now, the industry looks set to move in a range of exciting new directions. The history of 3D animation has made a unique and long-lasting mark on the world as we know it. There is no doubt that this industry will continue to grow and surprise us.
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