InFocus Film School Blog

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April 21, 2022/by writer@infocusfilmschool.com

InFocus 3D Animation Program

3D ANIMATION TRAINING FOR BEGINNERS

Considering 3D Animation training? Look no further – we have six steps to help you make your way in the 3D animation industry!

By: Sophia Lin

The 3D animation industry is booming with the rise of visual effects, the popularity of video games, and advancements like interactive and virtual reality 3D. These developments are all to thank for its recent and projected growth. Across the board, there’s no doubt that 3D animation is the future. But if, like many, you’re looking to get into this lucrative industry, there’s likely one key question you have. How do you start?

Well, that’s what we’re here to tackle. 3D animation is a complex, multi-faceted industry, but getting a start in it doesn’t have to be. In fact, it can be a smooth, clear path to employment

So, if you’re hunting for an all-around guide to breaking in and getting the 3D animation training you need, look no further. We’ve broken it all down into 6 compact steps, so you can take that first leap with no hesitation.

Click here to learn more about InFocus Film School’s 3D Animation and Visual Effects Program

1. Getting Acquainted with the Industry

The first step is to get familiarized with the industry itself. Knowing about its present outlook and its future advancements is very important. This encompasses a thorough knowledge of 3D animation, such as its applications in animated feature films, video games, and live-action films. Not to mention, it’s worthwhile to get a feel for the general daily tasks of a 3D animator. This involves substantial initial research, blocking out poses, and refining character movements.

Beyond that, you should aim for a cursory understanding of the animating process. It’s quite a technically rigorous procedure, with many steps requiring various types of 3D animation training. Many specialists are involved — first to model the character, then rig it with bones, skin weights, and constraints, and finally animate it.

2. Know the Job Market

The second course of action is to gain an understanding of the current job market and what’s in store. For instance, 3D animation jobs are, at the moment, more abundant than ever. This sector is predicted to continue a promising upward trend in the decades to come. It’s key to understand the underlying drivers as well. In this case, the aforementioned considerations like video games and VFX contribute, with digital streaming acting as a foremost factor.

Equally crucial is building a knowledge of the expanding uses of 3D animation. Today, 3D animation is used in many Hollywood films and live-action movies. When it comes to live-action films, the work of a 3D animator can appear in many forms. 3D animators can create something as small animated animal and others the size of buildings — think Godzilla.

3. Get A Hold of Software

To begin any sort of 3D animation training, having software is a must. Thankfully, an assortment of possibilities is out there, for a variety of aims and interests. The industry-standard software is Autodesk Maya, commonly just called Maya. It features a powerful toolset and top-of-the-line animation tools. For those aiming to do animation professionally, this is the best choice. It is excellent for anything from motion graphics to environments to character creation.

In terms of the costs, Maya has a monthly fee, but students can access it for free. Another well-known and versatile software is Blender, a free, open-source program that features its fair share of functionalities as well. Yet another option is Autodesk 3ds Max, which is designed for creating professional 3D animations and design visualizations. Like Maya, the software requires a paid subscription, however, it is also free for students.

4. Take Relevant 3D Animation Training Courses

Like any fast-paced industry, effective learning and up-to-date knowledge are fundamental components of a successful career. Perhaps unsurprisingly, most of the successful, working 3D animators today are funnelled in from some type of relevant course, most typically through film school connections.

Some courses specializing in 3D animation can be taken online or purchased via various platforms — they are often taken on your own time, with no live professors. Another option is a formal 3D animation training program at a film school. These courses provide you with an array of animation resources, as well as mentorship and networking opportunities. For a highly technical field like animation, working with industry-experienced professionals gives aspiring 3D animators a leg up. Not only do they have a wide array of connections, but also a mastery of current industry standards in 3D animation. Because many of them work while being instructors, they have a wide breath of knowledge in the industry. And don’t be daunted by the commitment — some schools have one-year programs, designed for students to enter the industry right away.

5. Understand Different 3D Animation Roles

Part of what makes the world of animation so diverse and multi-disciplinary is the substantial assortment of positions that 3D animators can take on. As someone looking to find their place in the industry, it’s essential to get a grasp of what’s out there before you dive in. Starting with more entry-level jobs, there are junior concept artists, who experiment with ideas and create the first sketches of a project. A more popular one is a junior animator. They brainstorm ideas, research a character’s motion, and refine the quality of overall animations.

Moving up in the ranks, you have jobs like character animators and props animators. These are the people who develop characters and render props assets, respectively. Other top jobs consist of character riggers, 3D modellers, effects animators, render wrangler, and the list goes on and on. These positions, however, require higher levels of 3D animation training, coupled with reliable experience in the specific field.

6. Build A Network

When you are first getting started, it is important to make contacts in the industry. This can happen anywhere and anytime, so long as you reach out, stay proactive, and keep in touch. To begin, this can look like hopping on relevant online groups and forums. You could also join learning groups, or try tutorials. One route that works for both your network and your craft is sharing your work online and asking for feedback. You will not only grow and learn, but you will make yourself known to your fellow animators.

It may not be duly evident, but the people you offer some help to or strike up a conversation with will be the collaborators, supporters, and mentors helping you down the line. As a beginner, those in your local animation scene will be glad to guide you, having been in the very same place themselves. So, go to events, screenings, and festivals, ask all your questions, and put yourself out there!

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April 10, 2022/by writer@infocusfilmschool.com

6 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR FILM FESTIVAL SUBMISSION STAND OUT

Applying or planning to apply to film festivals? Read on to find out 6 key ways to make your film festival submission stand out.

By: Sophia Lin

Every year, thousands apply to film festivals. From film students to aspiring filmmakers to industry veterans it’s a rapidly growing number. The festival circuit remains the premier way to get your film out there. It is a chance to secure distribution, and reach awards consideration, serving as the ideal fast track to a successful and illustrious career in the film industry.

However, it can seem like a daunting task to make your film festival submission stand out. While there’s no perfect recipe for a winning submission, there are several critical ways to make your film — be it anything from a micro-short to a feature — win the hearts of festival programmers. Well-informed considerations regarding festival strategy, technical proficiency, submission descriptions, and more can make all the difference when it comes down to the fine line between rejection and selection.

Below, we’ve detailed 6 ways to make your film festival submission stand out, tailored specifically to film students looking to catch their first big break.

Click here to learn more about InFocus Film School’s Film Production Program!

1. Be Yourself and Be Unique to Make Your Film Festival Submission Stand Out

Perhaps deceptively simple, the first goal you can undertake is to remain authentic and pursue the stories that you truly believe are worth telling. Hone in on what makes you different and idiosyncratic; focus on what you have to say. If you eschew making the film that you think festivals want and instead make the film you want, it leads to one crucial quality: a unique vision.

An untold number of applicants either consciously or subconsciously create within a common mold, with the intention of replicating what a good film appears to be. When you think outside of the box and create in a way that only you can create, it leaves a lasting impression on festival programmers. They are looking for new voices, untold stories, and risk-takers who advance the craft of filmmaking.

2. Demonstrate Proficiency in Sound

All too often, applicants tend to focus solely on a few aspects: the story, the cinematography, the acting, and the editing. And while these certainly serve as the backbone of a film, there is one equally important factor that is left mostly forgotten and quickly thrown together: the sound.

Technical proficiency when it comes to sound mixing and sound editing can separate the good and the great. Excellent sound design, if paired with an otherwise well-executed film, is more than likely to shoot your submission to the top in the eyes of festival directors. These days, believe it or not, sound is the pivotal secret ingredient at times overlooked by even the best of rising filmmakers.

3. Research Festivals Carefully

It may seem obvious, but conducting research on film festivals is not as easy as it sounds. For one, the sheer amount of festivals has compounded in the last decade, with as many as 10,000 festivals on FilmFreeway. So how do you sort through the mix?

The first step is to look into the festival’s past programming. Use this to examine if they’re looking for your particular type of film. Festivals can have different themes, such as experimental, documentary, or conventional narrative. Next, understand the level of the festival: is it A-list and international, regional, or a smaller local one? Ensure that this makes sense with your submission. Especially for new filmmakers, informed festival choices will greatly maximize your chances of selection. From there, you can then start to work up the ladder!

4. Reach Out to Festival Programmers

The old adage is to network, network, network. We’re here to break that idea down a bit. Rather than attempting to mass connect with as many industry insiders as you can, it can be much more productive to conduct directed efforts to reach only the programmers for the film festivals you’re interested in.

The individual goals of festivals are meant to be distinctly separate from one another. Therefore, festival directors and programmers tend to differ hugely in terms of what they look for. For instance, you would rarely catch overlaps between the films at Sundance vs. at the Cannes Film Festival. For that reason, reach out to specific people and apply their advice on a festival-to-festival basis. This is also an excellent way to get your name out there, even before your film is considered.

5. Consider Model Festival Strategies

Creating your own developed festival circuit strategy — the precise timing, order, and selection of festivals — can take years of experience, not to mention precarious amounts of trial and error. If you’re just starting out, am alternative is to research the festival strategies of successful films you admire.

When in the year did they begin submissions? How spread out were their submissions? What was their endgame in the circuit? Then, once you’ve pinpointed the strong and weak points, model your own film’s festival strategy after it. Remember that a submission shouldn’t be the end of your efforts. You should also seek to build your network in a way that meshes with your festival strategy.

6. Polish Title, Synopsis, and Descriptions

A common trait of standout film festival submissions is that no detail is left unpolished. This could not be more true for one of the smallest yet most crucial details out there: the text that is paired with your film. Every festival will ask for a title and a synopsis, with many leaving room for additional descriptions.

At the very least, perfect your title. Countless films are submitted with generic, overused titles, which unnecessarily and disastrously harm even the most exceptional works. The title is how you make your first impression and make your film festival submission stand out, so use it to your full advantage. Following that same logic, any other text descriptions should be just as thoughtfully written. You’ve poured all the hard work into your film, now, just put your best foot forward.

These six steps are a great start in making your film festival submission stand out against the competition. Most importantly, stick to the stories you want to tell through filmmaking and share them with the world.

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April 3, 2022/by writer@infocusfilmschool.com

A Career as a Director: 8 Directing Tips from Filmmaker James Genn

Want to a career as a director but do not know how to get there? Here are eight directing tips from award-winning filmmaker James Genn.

By: Sophia Lin

One of the most highly coveted jobs in the film industry is none other than the top job on set: directing. The remarkable level of creativity, the expression of personal vision, and the opportunity for collaborative leadership are just a few of the numerous aspects that make many dream of having a career as a director.

For student filmmakers, however, it can be an aspiration that seems daunting, or simply too far off. That’s one of the many myths we’ll debunk here — anyone who sets their mind to it can direct. But, the more advice and insight you can gain, the better off you’ll be to set forth on the unique, enthralling path that a career as a director offers.

So take it from award-winning Canadian director James Genn, as he extends his most essential tips for directing both film and TV, across a diverse range of genres from comedy to horror. The recipient of Genie Award, Gemini Award, and Canadian Screen Award nominations, his work has been screened at festivals all around the world, including the Toronto International Film Festival. Most recently, he’s directed episodic TV content for the likes of Disney+, Hulu, and CBC.

Below, find nuanced, personal tips from a director who has not only had over decades of directing experience, but has created and continues to create some of the finest work in Canada and beyond. Keep reading to see how you can start your career as a director and make fantastic films.

Click here to learn more about InFocus Film School’s Film Production Program!

1. Focus on Your Work

Filmmakers often find that they have to surreptitiously juggle two worlds: the purely creative facets of film and the unavoidable business side of the industry. Those who focus on a love of the craft and nurture a singular mission to create exceptional work, notes Genn, are the ones who truly do well.

As he emphasizes, “The agent doesn’t come before the work. Your job is to do work — do great work — and do the best you can and learn from your mistakes. Eventually, when your work starts getting seen by people and it reaches a certain level, then, trust me, the agents will come to you.”

2. Connect with the Audience

“When you’re working on a moment to moment, beat to beat, choice by choice basis, it’s really about how you are connecting to an audience,” says Genn. “How are you communicating ideas to an audience and making them feel something?”

The object of directing can be manifold, but one of the most important aims should be human connection. Though this certainly can demand a delicate counterbalance with personal and artistic expression, serving the audience should remain a staple of your work.

“As I’ve grown and matured as a director, it’s switched to becoming not about an expression of yourself, but about communicating ideas to somebody else. And the audience is first,” he adds.

3. Build Long-Lasting Relationships

As the saying goes, Hollywood is built on relationships. And that couldn’t be closer to the truth. Genn has maintained a close, career-long relationship with his first agent, who remains his agent still to this day.

“The one thing I can’t stress enough is that you build relationships and you stick to them,” he advises. “Your whole career is about relationship building. The people that you meet along the way and the type of vibe you bring to your work. Make that good and enjoyable for people, and they’ll keep calling you.”

4. Be Tenacious

“The tenacity worked. It took a long time, but eventually, I had done enough work that people had to listen to me. I was there, I hadn’t gone away,” Genn reflects.

In a fast-changing, ever-growing industry like film, staying tenacious is a key quality that leads to success. The name of the game is to keep at it — start out by volunteering on sets and working as a PA, and remain steadfast as you work your way up the ladder.

He adds, “The people who know how to communicate well, collaborate well, understand other people’s needs, and respect the value of every single person working on the crew and the cast equally — those are the people who are going to do really well.”

5. Take Responsibility

When it comes to responsibility, the stance a director has can have ripple effects across the entire cast and crew. This sets the tone for collaboration and interaction on set. As a result, a shift in mindset can be the crucial, defining difference between those who make it and those who don’t.

“The great directors I know, they take responsibility for everything they do,” Genn reveals. “They don’t sit around blaming the PA because they’ve broken something and they can’t get their shot. Everything that they do is their responsibility, no matter what the circumstances are. And they take that responsibility very personally. That’s how their work goes from being just work to being exceptional work.”

6. Manage Your Stress

“As a director, you have to live and die by decisions you’re making all day long,” Genn discloses. “It’s the stress of knowing that if you’re trying to shoot too much for the scene in the morning, then the scene you’re going to shoot in the afternoon, you’re going to rush the actors or you’re going to have to cut the shots down. So on a macro level, you really have to learn to manage your stress very well.”

Directing involves decisive leadership and vision, and often, many don’t fully consider the stress that may come with that. The key, however, is to decide and let it go. As Genn advises, “Don’t fuss about the things you can’t control and work very hard on the things that you can.”

7. Embrace Challenges

Pursuing a career as a director can sometimes feel like a great leap of faith. However, the secret to overcoming this lies right within you. Genn’s advice is, with your passion as your guide, wholeheartedly embrace the challenges that come your way.

“When you’re on a film crew at any level and you look around you, you see a lot of people that are there for the same reasons you are. And we connect to that. It’s a pretty hard thing to resist,” he explains. “You’ll sacrifice a lot of things in your life, including the daunting feeling of it, the challenge of it, because the reward of it is so great and the work that you do is so interesting. If it was too easy, it wouldn’t be quite as fun, right?”

8. Dedicate Yourself To A Career As A Director

“There’s a big difference between being able to just direct something and being able to direct something exceptional. And making something stand out takes a tremendous amount of effort and work,” Genn remarks. “It takes you sitting down at home and imagining ten different ways that some single scene, or beat, or moment in something you’re making can be done.”

Dedication is known to separate the great from the ordinary, and directing is no different. The amount of sheer hard work and thought you put into your craft will show. Therefore, the more you put in, the better.

He concludes, “Your job is to make things work at all costs. You find a way to apply your talents to a variety of genres, a variety of voices, and you learn how to do it better than anyone else.”

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March 28, 2022/by writer@infocusfilmschool.com

Click here to learn more about InFocus Film School’s Writing for Film and Television Program!

Parks and Recreation Writer Norm Hiscock Talks About Becoming A Comedy Screenwriter

Wondering if screenwriting is for you? Get to know Canadian screenwriter Norm Hiscock writer for Parks and Recreation, Saturday Night Live, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine!

By: Kennedy Randall

Screenwriting is a hugely challenging and exciting profession. The writers play an essential role in any project that you see on screen. They are the brains behind the story that is making you feel emotion. Comedy writers are tasked with the difficult task of making diverse audiences laugh at the same program.

Norm Hiscock is an Emmy Award winning screenwriter who has written episodes for some of the funniest TV comedies like Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Saturday Night Live, King of the Hill and many more. As well, he has dabbled in directing and producing on many of these series. This experience has given him incredible insider knowledge of the film industry that he will be sharing with InFocus during his “How to Develop A Comedy Series” masterclass with InFocus Film School.

Click here to register!

Norm Hiscock grew up in Montreal, Quebec. At a young age, he found his inspiration to become a screenwriter by watching sitcoms and sketch shows while he was growing up. Sketch comedy consists of short amusing scenes or vignettes and he wanted to know more about the people who wrote the shows

“Even though I didn’t really understand what a writer did, it just seemed cool that creatively the script was the blueprint and this sparked other people’s imagination,” he says.

His first writing job was on the Canadian sketch show Kids In The Hall, which was a mix of short films and taped live in front of an audience. When Kids In The Hall was done, the producer from the show, Lorne Michaels, brought Hiscock over to write for Saturday Night Live with him which was a huge accomplishment in his career.

After working on so many award winning shows, Hiscock has learned many valuable lessons while on set. In 1999, Norm Hiscock won the “Outstanding Animated Program” Emmy Award for working as a producer and writer on King of The Hill.

“I learned how to write for different kinds of comedy voices and the importance of collaboration,” he says. “King of the Hill also taught me what elements contribute to a good story and how to fully develop characters, even if they are animated.”

On Parks and Recreation, Hiscock found keeping a set loose and fun was important to the experience of shooting Parks and Recreation. Working with Ron Swanson (played by Nick Offerman) would do that!

“On the set of Parks and Recreation, including the actors in the development of the characters on set was very important to the story overall” he added.

Other than being a good writer and having a good story to tell, a screenwriter should feel comfortable rewriting.

“Rewriting is the most important skill and a writer should not be afraid of doing this,” he says. “By rewriting you can sharpen the focus of the story and layer it through character.”

Norm Hiscock will be sharing his wisdom and much more as a guest speaker at InFocus Film School’s three public masterclass seminars from April and July. Norm Hiscock is looking forward to talking about screenwriting with those looking to take their storytelling skills to the next level.

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March 24, 2022/by writer@infocusfilmschool.com

How To Use A Walkie On Set – A Complete Guide

Wondering how to use a walkie? Keep reading for our complete guide on using your walkie on set like a pro!

By: Julia Courtenay

Almost everyone on set will be using a walkie and they are pretty simple to use. Compared to a Smart Phone, they are child’s play – you press the button to speak, you take your finger off the button to listen. But on set, this technical simplicity is offset by specific etiquette and language regarding their use, which can take some getting use to. Not knowing the protocols can result in embarrassing rookie mistakes, poor communication and will make you look unprofessional. So here’s a quick primer on how to use a walkie like a pro:

First, something to keep in mind: When directing, Clint Eastwood’s sets are very calm and orderly. This is because Eastwood once attended a White House dinner and had been impressed by the barely audible use of walkies by the Secret Service agents who were carrying out complex duties. Traditionally walkie use on set meant an incessant squawking of open mics but Eastwood pushed his crew to use them with the same subtly as those secret service agents making for a much quieter working environment. So when using your walkie, think secret service! These devices are an extremely useful aid to effective communication, but they should NOT create additional noise or irritation. An orderly, efficient set is the target here.

Click here to learn more about InFocus Film School’s Film Production Program!

The Elements of a Walkie

In addition to the walkie itself you will have a cord which incorporates a mic, speaker and earpiece. The standard earpiece is usually a simple ear plug but, if you are going to be in the business a while, it’s a good idea to purchase a personal molded earpiece, both for comfort and effectiveness. The standard ear plug blocks the ear completely meaning you can’t hear anything on that side of your head. The one-size fits all nature means it’s not particularly comfortable. Both those factors can be a significant irritant over a long and challenging working day.

Standard Ear Plug

A custom in-ear mold is preferable as it allows you to hear what is going on around you as well as the walkie chatter, and is usually a lot more comfortable.

Custom Ear Mold

How To Wear Your Walkie

Here’s the best way to wear your walkie: First plug in the cord, then use the cord to lower the device down the back of your shirt. Attach the walkie to your belt where it feels comfortable. The ear piece end of the cable will be coming out of the top of your shirt back. Clip it to your collar, then plug in the earpiece. Having the cord under the back of your shirt stops it constantly getting snagged on gear and dragging the walkie off.

An even better idea is to use a chest harness. Over time the additional uneven weight of the walkie on your belt can effect posture and potentially damage your spine. Plus in cold weather a walkie on your belt becomes inaccessible under layers of thick clothing – it’s better for your back and much more easily accessible on your chest. These harnesses can be purchased from local gear suppliers or can be found online on Amazon etc (search: radio chest harness). As you continue getting used to your on set apparel and learning how to use a walkie, you will find what works the best for you!

Firing It Up

Plug your headset into the walkie jack while the walkie is still turned off.
Your walkie has two dials on the top – an on/off/volume button and a channel dial.
Using the on/off/volume button, switch the walkie on and set the volume to around mid level (later adjust to the quietest volume that is workable for you).
Check the channel button to ensure you are on channel one (or the channel you have been instructed to use)
Press the speaker button on the cord, and carry out a walkie check, which will go something like this: “This is Steve, walkie check”. Another crew member will respond back something like “Good check” to confirm you can be heard. Now everyone knows you are up and running!

How To Use A Walkie – Quick Tips

Never yell into the mic. Use a normal tone of voice to prevent hearing damage and major irritation to others!
Keep your own walkie volume as low as possible to avoid damaging your own hearing.
Avoid any unnecessary chatter on the walkie. Keep your transmissions brief and to the point. Remember when you talk, no one else can.
Wait a beat or two after pressing the mic button before you start to talk. There is a delay which will cut off your first words if you jump the gun.

When you want to call someone use your name first and their name second e.g.: “Steve for Danny”, They will respond back “Go for Danny”
When someone talks to you always acknowledge and repeat back the core of their request: e.g. The AD asks you to move a location cone as it’s in shot, you will respond: “Copy that. Moving the cone”(so they know they been heard and heard correctly).
Avoid “eating the mic” i.e causing distortion by having the mic too close to your mouth or speaking too loudly.
Avoid “squelching” – that nasty blast of interference caused by two crew members trying to talk on their walkies at the same time – intensely annoying to others but, more importantly, neither person was heard. Another crew member will let you know it’s happened (you won’t hear it on your own walkie) . Start again, but one at a time.

If filming has started and you have just switched on your walkie, do not talk right away, wait and listen to see what’s going on. They may be in the middle of recording, and, trust me, you do not want to transmit during a take.
Keep your language entirely professional – you don’t know who might be listening (public, children, location owner etc.). Walkie channels are also monitored by the CRTC. If they deem you are using the walkies improperly they can shut down set communications. You definitely don’t want to be responsible for that!

If you are going to be at a distance from set for a while, take a spare battery with you.
If you take a battery out of a charger put another one on to charge. This way, you keep a flow of charged batteries available.

Off or On?

There are sometimes when your walkie must be turned off when they are recording.

When the AD calls “rolling”:

If you are inside the doors of the studio or location turn your walkie off to prevent accidental transmissions interfering with the sound recording. When the the AD calls “cut”turn it back on. (Even with a headset transmissions can still be audible and the walkie signals can interfere with sound)
If you are outside the doors but still close to the set keep your walkie turned down low but keep it on. This way any accidental transmission won’t be audible inside, but you can still hear what’s going on inside.
If well beyond hearing distance of the set then just keep it at normal volume all the time.

Too Quiet?

If your walkie has gone unnaturally quiet and you haven’t heard any transmissions for a while there are a few possibilities:

Check you are on the right channel. You may have “bumped” channels on the dial (easy to do).
Your battery may be dead. A dying battery is usually heralded by a double beep when you press the speaker button. The beeps are an unfamiliar “chirping” sound. Change batteries immediately.
You may be out of range. Keep your phone on so they can still contact you, or come back into range, which ever is appropriate in the circumstances.

Which Channel?

The walkies are set up to operate across multiple channels. Set operations will normally transmit on Channel 1 and the majority of the crew will be tuned into it. However, certain departments may be working on different channels because they need to have walkie conversations within their department which would be disruptive on Channel 1. Those channels are usually listed on the Call Sheet. But typically this is how most sets will assign the channels:

Channel 1: The AD’s main communication link to the crew – this is how you will know what’s going on. Yes it’s OK for you to talk on Channel 1 but keep it very brief to allow the AD to keep things moving.

Channel 2: The Chat Channel. If you need to have an occasional longer conversation with another crew member, then this channel is left open for that.

Channels 3 and 4: Usually assigned to grips and lighting for rigging large lighting set ups.

Channel 5: Usually assigned to locations for police road lock up.Channel 6: Usually assigned to transportation for the shuttle vehicle drivers

The above are typical, but may vary depending on departmental requirements and how many channels are available on the devices.

To ask a crew member to talk on another channel it follow this protocol: “Danny, Go to 2” (or your chosen channel)

Danny will respond back “Copy that, switching to 2”

When you are done talking on on channel 2, then both of you will separately confirm “Switching back to 1” (or whichever channel you are heading back to)

Speak to Me!

Here is some common walkie terminology that is essential when learning how to use a walkie:

Copy that: “I hear you” – it’s the standard acknowledgement that you have heard someone’s communication to you.
What’s your 20?: Radio speak for “Where are you?”
86 (an item) : Get rid of it e.g. “86 the car, it’s blocking the gate”
ETA : The familiar abbreviation for estimated time of arrival – how long?
Flying In: “I’m on my way”. It means you are en route, but not racing – safety first!
10-1 or 10-100: Radio speak for bathroom break – “It’s Danny, I’m 10-100″ (we can expect Danny to be off radio for a few minutes)
Kill it: This means stop the noise they are referring to e.g. “Kill the air conditioning”.

Don’t Do This! (Accidental Transmissions):

“Cueing” a walkie means that someone has pressed their talk button without being aware of it. This means they are accidentally transmitting (like pocket dialling a phone). It’s a serious issue as it effectively shuts down all walkie communications until they stop transmitting.

It can be caused by a number of things. Inadvertently something may be pressing against the walkie button (a bulky jacket or leaning against something etc.) Or the walkie button may be “sticky” and doesn’t release after being pressed, due to a spill or some matter has worked it’s way into the mechanism. It can also sometimes be caused by plugging a headset into the jack when the walkie is already on (hence I mentioned above to plug the headset in before you switch the walkie on).

Cueing must be solved quickly as it can be extremely embarrassing for the person who is transmitting (imagine for a moment you go to the bathroom, drop your pants, your walkie is somewhere under there and accidentally gets switched on… it happens! Or you are chatting to another crew member about what you did last night or who you did last night as your walkie presses against your chair back…). But your embarrassment is secondary to the fact that you are blocking all other transmissions and the set is at a standstill while they listen to all that.

To avoid cueing be aware of the condition and placement of your walkie. Plus if you are going to do or say anything that should be kept private, then let your supervisor know that you will be off walkie for those few moments. If you hear someone else is cued, try and identify who it is and their location as quickly as possible. Find them and turn their walkie off until they can resolve the problem.

This may seem a lot to remember, but you will learn how to use a walkie pretty quickly. Because the rest of the crew will be using these protocols, and you will find it will soon become habit.

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March 22, 2022/by writer@infocusfilmschool.com

InFocus Compositing for VFX Program

How To Get Hired at a Visual Effects Studio: Five Tips

Wondering how to get hired at a visual effects studio? Keep reading for five tips on how to break into the special effects industry.

By: Kennedy Randall

Visual effects are everywhere in the entertainment industry. From movies, television, video games, ads and even social media, visual effects artists are in high demand to create engaging visuals. Obviously, productions like blockbuster superhero movies have VFX but more and more smaller productions are incorporating special effects into their storytelling as well.

Beyond VFX’s ever-growing presence in entertainment, it is an industry that offers a creative outlet. If you are artist with a love for technology and an unstoppable imagination, it is the industry for you. If you want to work with like-minded individuals and pursue your creative dreams, keep reading for our steps on how to get hired at a visual effects studio

Compositing for Visual Effects | InFcous Film School

Click here to learn more about InFocus Film School’s Compositing for Visual Effects Program

1.Enrol in a Visual Effects Course

VFX is an intricate skill that is always adapting and changing to the latest technology. The simplest way to get a handle on the latest CG software and digital art is by enrolling in a visual effects school or online tutorial. When looking for a VFX program, take some time to look at the instructors. If they are currently working in the industry, this means they will know the latest software like the back of their hand and set you up for success. As well, think about where your program will be located. Vancouver, for example, is a hot spot for VFX because of its large film production industry. Therefore, there are many studios that would be willing to take you on! Click here for the top 10 animation and VFX studios in Vancouver in 2021. From Imagine Engine to Zoic, there are so many opportunities in “Hollywood North!”

As well, having instructors that are involved in the industry will bode well for networking. If you work hard and impress your teachers in school, they might recommend you to their colleagues in the industry. These connections may ease your transition from school to working VFX artist.

2. Get Professional Experience

Once you’ve finished your program, the next step is to gain professional experience in the industry. Finding work in the VFX world can be hard right after school, but a willingness to work hard and move up in the ranks will always help you out!

Junior positions are typical entry-level VFX roles. These are likely going to be your best bet. You will be attached to a particular team or department, like modelling or compositing. On this path, you will specialize quickly and work on projects right away. However, if applying for VFX roles is not panning out for you, apply for jobs at studios unrelated to VFX. Whether you become a runner, getting coffee and doing errands, or a production assistant, this is still a way of getting yourself into the industry and meeting people. Experience in the industry is what will lead you to your dream job. Take any opportunity to work hard, network, and keep learning in order to get there!

3. Perfect Your Demo Reel

Your demo reel is really how to get hired at a visual effects studio. If you are sending out your demo reel and nobody is getting back to you, it might be time to try and tune it up a bit. Only include your best work, it is a highlight reel, not an overview. Don’t add anything that doesn’t speak to your current level as an artist. Think about what your skills are and highlight them. What you are best at is likely what you would like to pursue at a visual effects studio, therefore put those front and centre.

On a more boring note, always include your name and contact information. Make it as easy as possible for the studio to contact you if they are interested. Double-check for errors, then check again! You could even reach out to instructors or peers to watch your demo reel for feedback and advice on how to improve it.

4. Keep Learning

Because VFX is a popular industry, you should always try to keep a leg up on the competition. Taking an art class, whether it’s painting, sculpture, or illustration, may help you understand visual effects from a different perspective. Studying film or photography can help your creative mind flourish.

While you are in this transition stage from school to professional VFX artist, continue learning. Learn more about the industry, try new techniques, and diversify. It is important to specialize in one sort of VFX, however, mastering multiple can make you far more attractive to a VFX studio than a one-trick pony.

5. How To Get Hired at a Visual Effects Studio? Be a Team Player

The last answer on how to get hired at a visual effects studio? A simple answer is to get along well with your team! Your job will primarily be to work with other artists on projects with a single vision. This means you will have to be ready to collaborate for long hours working with other creative minds. Therefore, be open to learning from others and growing together as artists in this field.

VFX programs are a great way to learn from your peers. By working with a small group of visual effects artists under the leadership of an instructor, it is very similar to the experience you will have at the studio. While in school, you will meet students that can be your partners one day professionally. Our film instructor David Michán has noted that the people he met while in school are the people he reaches out to if he needs a partner on a project. As well, if he is not available for a project, he will pass his peers’ names along instead! Being a team player will get you so far in any industry, especially VFX.

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March 15, 2022/by writer@infocusfilmschool.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xdc0f3R-MeU

How to Pitch for a Film School Scholarship

Do you have a story waiting to be told? This is your chance. We are offering a film school scholarship for the best pitch!

Whether you have a great film idea, concept art for 3D animation and visual effects characters, or a personal story and unique worldview you want to share, you can earn up to $10,000 off the price of tuition. With this film school scholarship, you will be studying in the heart of Canada’s film industry, Vancouver, British Columbia.

Click here to learn more about our film school scholarship!

Examples of What You Can Pitch for a Film School Scholarship

Are you unsure what you should pitch? Here are some examples of different pitches you can prepare based on your program, however, you are not limited to only these. You can pitch whatever feels authentic to you! The main thing we are looking for is the drive and passion to succeed in this industry.

Film Production

Film or TV show idea (written or video)
Video or photography portfolio
Tell us about yourself (written or video)
Why do you want to be a filmmaker? (written or video)

Screenwriting

Film or TV show idea pitch (written or video)
Film or TV show script (written)
Previous written works including books, short stories, poems, etc
Tell us about yourself (written or video)
Why do you want to be a screenwriter? (written or video)

3D Animation

3D animated film or TV show idea pitch (written or video)
3D animated character idea (written or drawn)
Sample drawings, sketches or digital art
Tell us about yourself (written or video)
Why do you want to be a 3D animator? (written or video)

Documentary

Documentary or Doc Series show idea pitch (written or video)
Previous written works for non-fiction publishing including magazines, newspapers
Tell us about yourself (written or video)
Why do you want to be a documentary filmmaker? (written or video)

Visual Effects

Case study on a film or show with great VFX (written or video)
Sample drawings, sketches or digital art
Tell us about yourself (written or video)
Why do you want to be a VFX artist? (written or video)

Graphic Design

Graphics campaign you would do for a major brand (written or video)
Sample drawings, sketches or digital art
Tell us about yourself (written or video)
Why do you want to be a graphic designer? (written or video)

How to Make a Great Pitch

A great pitch is the key to getting your film made. It’s your chance to convince others the value of your project or idea. When pitching for your scholarship, get creative. Do you have previous work samples? Show us what you have. Do you have an excitable personality? Film yourself talking about your idea. Are you amazing at drawing or creating concept art? Or great at writing? You can do it all.

We want your pitch to be authentic to you. The scholarship recipients will be chosen based on their passion to grow in this industry and the potential we see in their creativity, storytelling and professionalism.

At InFocus Film School, you will be part of a creative community. Not only are you learning from industry leaders who have worked on some of today’s most popular productions, but you will be surrounded by opportunity in this evolving industry post-graduation. There is a reason why Vancouver is called “Hollywood North”. If you want to learn more about InFocus and the Vancouver film industry, click here. We look forward to welcoming you into our family and support you from the day you enter our doors to long after you leave us!

InFocus Film School 2022 Showreel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xdc0f3R-MeU)

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March 9, 2022/by writer@infocusfilmschool.com

InFocus 3D Animation Program

How To Get Hired at a 3D Animation Studio: 5 Tips

Wondering how to get hired at a 3D animation studio? Here are 5 tips on how to get work in the 3D animation industry.

By: Kennedy Randall

Animation is at the forefront of the entertainment industry. Now, more than ever before, studios need professionals who are well equipped for a fast-paced career in the field. From the film industry to video games, to social media, animation fills up much of our digital landscape.

One of the big questions on many aspiring animators’ minds is how to get hired at a 3D animation studio. If you’ve been working hard in a 3D animation program and you’re trying to get into the animation game, we have 5 things to work on and to keep in mind when trying to get hired.

Click here to learn more about InFocus Film School’s 3D Animation and Visual Effects Program

1. Get the Basics

3D Animation is a skill-based job. Naturally, this means you will have a certain level of expertise and familiarity with animation software. To get acquainted with software for animations, you will either need to enrol in an online course or enrol in a 3D animation degree program. In a degree program, you will have someone guiding you through the various animation tools like Blender & Adobe After Effects. After you get the basics down, you can begin dedicating yourself to your craft and polishing up these essential skills. Because animation is always changing, it is important to stay up to date on the industry standard. When thinking about how to get hired at a 3D animation studio, making sure you are well versed in the software they will be using is the first step to success.

2. Diversify

As an animator, you need to be able to draw. Having strong visual illustration skills will help you as an animator and make you more appealing to studios. With so many animators out there, studios nowadays will be more inclined to hire someone who has multiple skills. Being able to illustrate will help you out in your animation and against the competition.

Other skills to add to your repertoire would be graphic design and after-effects. Graphic designers are always needed in this digital era. Having a good eye for layouts and graphic design will prove useful when marketing yourself to studios. As well, most studios nowadays use After Effects, so having a concrete understanding and experience with it is essential.

3. Start Animating

Gaining experience is one of the most valuable things you can do for your career in any industry. Start working at any job you can get. If it’s not your dream studio, you will learn how professional animation studios work. If it is a studio you could see yourself working at forever, be prepared to start from the bottom and work your way up. Freelancing is also an option. The more animation you produce, the better your work will get.

As well, by working with businesses, customers, and studios, you will gain a network of opportunities that can come in handy for the rest of your career. Networking is important throughout your career. Stay in touch with people you enjoyed working with in school. They might recommend you one day to their studio or put you in touch with someone who can help you.

4. Portfolio Pieces

Now that you have graduated from a 3D animation program and have gained some experience in the industry, you will have many pieces to choose from. By taking up plenty of projects you will have an opportunity to show different talents to clients. When creating your portfolio make sure you are only showcasing your best work. The portfolio is an opportunity to visually talk to clients or studios on your behalf.

Making a website for your portfolio is extremely important in today’s day and age. It is a seamless way to always have your name and work out there. As well, as an animator, being able to create engaging websites is a plus, as your work speaks for itself!

5. Perfect Your Demo Reel

Your demo reel is the most important aspect when asking how to get hired at a 3D animation studio. A demo reel is composed of short videos where you put all your best moving and static images together. It is a highlight reel, showing studios how you can help them make the best animation possible. Make sure that you include your name and contact details on your demo reel so you are easily accessible. As well, putting your demo reel on your email correspondences and website is a great way to get your work out there. Bringing your demo reel to studios or sending it to them virtually is the most productive thing you can do to get hired at a 3D animation studio. By putting yourself out there and showing hard work, talent and creativity, you will increase your chances of getting hired.

Another tip is getting feedback and comments on your demo reel. Asking your professors, friends and colleagues on areas you can improve is extremely productive. A second, third, or even fourth set of eyes never hurts. Take the feedback critically and perfect your demo reel!

Finding success in the 3D animation industry can be hard, but hard work, perseverance, and determination will bring creative work, attracting some of the best studios. Take these five tips on how to get hired at a 3D animation studio as a jumping off point for a successful career in the animation world.

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March 7, 2022/by writer@infocusfilmschool.com

6 FAMOUS SCREENWRITERS WHO WENT TO FILM SCHOOL

Wondering if film school is right for you? Hear from 6 screenwriters who went to film school to learn what’s in it for you!

By: Sophia Lin

Filmmakers tend to debate the decision to go to film school, speaking of hands-on skills, experience on-set, and more. However, this topic often goes largely untouched for another foundational population of people in the industry: screenwriters. While learning how to hold a camera or create a lighting setup seem like tangible, practical skills, honing the craft of writing can feel more abstract.

But take it from these 6 screenwriters who went to film school and have made a name for themselves writing innovative, outstanding screenplays. Time after time, their work has received critical acclaim. They have had some of the greatest directors vying to bring their creations to life. For many, film school opened their mind to the nuances and possibilities of the art of screenwriting. It was also an invaluable chance to get their foot in the door for others.

Regardless, for these 6 screenwriters who went to film school, things certainly turned out quite well for them. They all started in the same place: as bright-eyed film students.

Click here to learn more about InFocus Film School’s Writing for Film and Television Program!

1. Charlie Kaufman

New York University

One of the greatest American screenwriters of his generation, Kaufman is the mind behind staples such as Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and the breakthrough Synecdoche, New York. For him, film school gave him his first break in the industry and kickstarted his professional network.

While at NYU, he met fellow screenwriter Paul Proch, and the two wrote countless scripts and plays together. Soon, they found themselves writing comedic work for National Lampoon while working to get their scripts produced. Finally, in 1991, one of Kaufman’s spec scripts gained attention. From there, Kaufman found an agent, moved to LA, and has risen to the top of the screenwriting world.

2. Paul Schrader

University of California, Los Angeles

Schrader is an iconic name in film, best known as the scribe behind Raging Bull and Taxi Driver. His film school journey started unconventionally, when one summer he decided to take as many film classes as he could at Columbia. There, he met Pauline Kael, a prominent film critic, and began to consider a career in film. Kael helped Schrader get into UCLA and then set him up with a job as a newspaper critic.

While at UCLA, Schrader remembers seeing the film Pickpocket and notes that it formed his career path, educating him on the differing artistic views between filmmaking and film criticism. Fresh out of school, he leveraged his writing skills to secure positions at the Los Angeles Free Press and Cinema magazine. He subsequently fully turned to screenwriting, and in the 1970s, his Taxi Driver script was picked up by none other than Martin Scorsese.

3. Jane Campion

Australian Film, Television and Radio School

One of the buzziest films this awards season is The Power of the Dog, written and directed by Campion. While many may recall her previous standout feature The Piano, few know that Campion attended the Australian Film, Television and Radio School back in the 1980s to find her footing in the industry.

She credits film school with setting her free, giving her the chance to find herself through film. Learning how to express her energy, as she puts it, she began writing and shooting a series of short films. One of these was titled Peel, and upon submitting it to festivals, she won the Short Film Palme d’Or at Cannes — and the rest is history. Today, she has plans to open up a “pop-up film school.” In this creative structure, she wishes to impart the film education she received to the next generation of screenwriters who went to film school.

4. M. Night Shyamalan

New York University

Most famous for writing The Sixth Sense and more recently, the Unbreakable Trilogy, Shyamalan got his start studying film at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Shyamalan has been enthralled with the medium of film since a young age. Film school provided him with the space to create without limits.

While in school, he wrote his first of two early feature-length films, Praying With Anger. This led him to win the American Film Institute’s top prize for a debut film. Along with this huge accomplishment, he secured his first agent. The genre reinvention he explored in his first film, which put a twist in the classic coming-of-age tale, would sow the seeds of his radical screenplays down the line.

5. Steven Zaillian

San Francisco State University

One of the few people to truly master both screenwriting and directing is Steve Zaillian. He began pursuing his interest in the arts by enrolling in film at SFSU. Zaillian used his time in film school to explore, taking art department classes that crossed over with history of film and venturing into foreign cinema studies.

For him, film school hugely influenced him, creatively and personally. He recalls discovering neo-realist and French New Wave films, with films like The 400 Blows opening his eyes to the power of realism. These explorative forms of film education went on to shape his career, like many other screenwriters who went to film school, serving as inspiration for the gritty screenplay Gangs of New York and his standout Academy Award-winning screenplay Schindler’s List.

6. Diablo Cody

University of Iowa

As a female screenwriter in a male-dominated industry, Cody began her career by breaking boundaries. She enrolled in a media degree at the University of Iowa. While taking classes, began her writing career — though from the unorthodox realm of blogging. With this, she honed crucial storytelling skills, as well as developed her signature style of quick wit and biting sarcasm.

Noting that her degree provided her with a safety net, she freely moved between jobs in radio and advertising. But soon, she dove into screenwriting — and a few months later, came out with her first feature-length screenplay titled Juno. This would go on to win Cody nearly every major screenwriting award, her offbeat, no-holds-barred style having won over critics and audiences alike.

Overall, these six screenwriters who went to film school have had exceptional careers that started their first day in the classroom. By going to film school, you have a chance to hone your storytelling skills. After getting a film education, you can make the stories you envision come to life. Storytelling is a sort of magic and film school can help you develop it.

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