On the path to a VFX major…

Hi, I plan on pursing a field in the VFX field as a compositor. I’ve just completed 2 years at a community college studying Media Arts (consisting mostly of the Adobe Software), and now I plan on transferring to a 4 year university at either SCAD or Temple University.

What concerns me most is college debt, and I figured as some of you on the site have experience in the profession field, which of these do you feel would be the smartest career move?

1) I’m considering enrolling at SCAD in their VFX undergraduate program; finish 2 years and get my degree. (roughly 55k)

or

2) Attend Temple University as a graphic design major, order the gnome dvd sets, and work into the VFX field. (40k)

Any advice or suggestions?

Zoic Studios LA Seeking Sr. Level Nuke and After Effects Compositors

Zoic Studios LA www.zoicstudios.com is seeking Senior level Nuke and After Effects Compositors for our busy 2011 schedule.

our feature, commercial, and episodic departments will be in full throttle. Some of our most well known projects such as "V" on abc, "Fringe" on Fox, "CSI", and upcoming "Falling Skies" will all be looking for talents to help push the productions forward.

The ideal candidate should have an established track record of episodic, and commercial experience, as well as able to contribute in a team environment.

Please email 1. Resume 2. Demo Reel 3. BREAKDOWN!!!!!!!!!!! to jobs@zoicstudios.com with subject title "Compositor".

no phone calls, and only the Greater Los Angeles area only.

thanks:D

Tracking in a still using a Camera Track

Hi guys , 1st post here.
The other day I was given a shot to work on , just basic cleanup get rid of a fire extinguiser against a wall and a picture hanging as well. No problem to do but I was also given an action setup with a flame Camera track with the corresponding axis to the objects pulled out ready to go.
I do my clean frame and import it in and attatch it to the relevent axis.Its in the middle of nowhere , no surprise as when I looked at the data in the parent axis its adjusted pretty much everything(scale is like 2%). From my knowledge the trick is to get the still place at the correct place in 3d space as its the camera thats moving not the scene. My question is:
Is there a track or a tried and tested workflow for getting the correct positioning? I postitioned it perfectly (using scale not Z to get the size) but the track was off. I could have spent hours making adjustments so I wanted to know if theres something simple I’m missing here.
In the end i did it the old fashioned 2d way no problem but it made me think so would like to know for the future.
Thanks in advance

Engineer – MPC New York

MPC

MPC is one of the world’s leading postproduction facilities creating high-end digital visual effects for the advertising, music, television and feature film industries. The company works with and continually invests in new technologies, and a key part of the organization is the Systems team that develops and maintains the infrastructure on which all the visual effects are created.

There is currently a vacancy for the position of Engineer. Reporting to the Chief Engineer, this role offers the successful candidate unlimited potential to advance technical skills, offers experience with state-of-the-art technology and opportunity to learn from specialist digital media colleagues.

The Engineer works in collaboration with VFX Supervisors, Compositing Supervisors, 3D Animators and Production staff to advise management and clients on the development of visual effects solutions from pre-production through final shot delivery.

Primary responsibilities include:

  • Ensure systems run reliably and perform as required
  • Work with the team to design, develop and implement/install software tools and programs to achieve the desired functionality of the production stages.
  • Work with the Systems team to develop tools and systems to increase efficiency of the systems infrastructure
  • Identify upcoming requirements, recommend and implement solutions
  • Provide technical support for VFX Artists using mainly Linux workstations
  • Take ownership of and assist the team with various evaluation, installation, development and decommissioning projects.
  • Keep abreast of latest developments in data based workflows, knowledge of audio and video systems, Autodesk products as well as working practices of high-end commercial post production.
  • Artist support: oversee deployment of workstations, calibration of monitors, general IT issues (email, Internet access…)
  • Manage preventative maintenance schedules.
  • Act as an expert resource on equipment issues
  • Work with Producers, Artists and Operations to understand individual projects and advise on strategies to streamline services and achieve client objectives within budget and technical limitations

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering. Electrical Engineering or equivalent
  • A minimum of 3 years UNIX/Linux, Mac OS X and Windows system administration experience
  • A knowledge of programming with C/C++ and scripting languages such as Python, bash, tcsh, and Perl
  • An understanding of technologies such as MySQL, NFS, Apache, Subversion and RPM
  • Engineering level knowledge of standard CG and compositing applications (Maya, Houdini, Mental Ray, Flame, Nuke …)
  • Experience with render farms and queuing systems
  • A good grasp of storage and networking concepts and techniques, computer hardware and operating system
  • Able to develop and enhance any aspect of the production and editing systems
  • Integrate off the shelf and custom applications into production pipelines
  • Excellent communication, people skills, and team working skills
  • Capacity to manage a busy workload with high productivity

The above are minimum requirements. Resumes from more experienced candidates are welcome. Compensation and responsibilities will depend on experience/qualifications.

EOE M/F/D/V

If you are interested and meet the above qualifications, please send resumes to: TDP.Recruitment@technicolor.com

Stereoscopic Conform Editor

Job Title: Stereoscopic Conform Editor
Department: 2D to 3D Conversion
Reports To: Executive Producer
Openings: Several openings for mid-February start date

Overall Purpose and Objective

The Stereo Conform Editor provides editorial needs for Stereoscopic (3D) Conversion projects. Integral in breaking down and maintaining all edits from initial turnover through final delivery for feature length conversion projects.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

  • Breakdown all shots in Final Cut Pro for full length feature to verify frame-for-frame accuracy
  • Rebuild the edit in Framecycler, the primary editorial program used for stereo edits and reviews
  • Run daily shot review sessions
  • Responsible for driving client presentations, and keeping shots well organized and labeled to ensure a smooth review
  • Update all scene and reel edits in timely manner with latest shots
  • Complete an initial convergence pass of each scene per guidance from client and Stereographer
  • Preps and organizes client deliveries per required specs.
  • Works closely with the Production, Stereographers and Supervisors, in tasks to ensure shots are scheduled and delivered on tim

Requirements

  • You must be highly organized and detail oriented, with the ability to multi-task in a dynamic environment
  • Customer service oriented with the ability to motivate within a team environment
  • Ability to self-manage workload to meet deadlines
  • Must have excellent communication skills
  • Resourceful with a solid troubleshooting approach to technical difficulties
  • Proficient skills in Final Cut Pro and Framecycler
  • Strong understanding of VFX Production pipelines is a must
Local candidates only. Relocation assistance is not available for this opening.

The above are minimum requirements. Resumes from more experienced candidates are welcome. Compensation and responsibilities will depend on experience/qualifications.

EOE M/F/D/V

If you are interested and meet the above qualifications, please send resumes to:TDP.Recruitment@technicolor.com

CG Supervisor @ Double Negative Singapore

Double Negative is Europe’s largest provider of visual effects for film and has offices in both London and Singapore. Recent projects include; The Dark Knight, Iron Man 2, Scott Pilgrim vs the World, Harry Potter and Inception.

Double Negative Singapore is on the lookout for a CG Supervisor to report to our newly appointed Singapore Creative Director, and be part of our expansion and growth.

Benefits

A competitive salary is on offer and assistance will be provided with relocation and visa. Contract length is negotiable and we are open to discussion regarding an appropriate time frame for this post.

Key responsibilities

• Provide technical and artistic leadership for CG departments including modelling, texturing, look development, effects and lighting and rendering.
• Set objectives for artists and monitor their progress.
• Interpret the artistic brief from the director / vfx supervisor.
• When working on projects based in London ensure that work meets the brief provided by the show’s sequence leads / CG supervisor.
• Take responsibility for the allocation of resources across multiple shows in order to achieve production goals.
• Specify CG pipelines to ensure efficient shot production and supervise their implementation.
• Manage communication between departments.
• Ensure that all work is of a high standard both artistically and technically.
• Work with R&D to specify new tools as required and provide continuing feedback on their effeciveness.
• Manage staff effectively so that they work well in a team and continue to be as effective as possible.
• Participate in recruitment activities including interviewing and outreach with local universities and schools.
• Assist the Singapore operations manager in securing new business.

Needs to Know

• Should have a comprehensive understanding of all areas of CG production including rendering, lighting, scripting and creature setup.
• Must be very familiar with 3D software packages, particularly maya, houdini and prman.
• Knowledge relating to animation and compositing is an advantage.

Needs to be

• Pro-active and good at solving problems.
• A good communicator who can work well with artists of all types.
• Adaptable.

Measures of Performance

• Delivery of projects on time.
• Smooth running of projects.
• Achieving consistently high standards of work across the project.
• Continuous improvement.

If you are interested please apply online at http://www.dneg.com/jobs

We look forward to hearing from you!

3D Senior TD’s & 3D Leads @ Double Negative Singapore

Double Negative is Europe’s largest provider of visual effects for film and has offices in both London and Singapore. Recent projects include; The Dark Knight, Iron Man 2, Scott Pilgrim vs the World, Harry Potter and Inception.

We are seeking 3D Senior TD’s – Specialists and Generalists – across all areas to join us in our Singapore office. All roles will report to our newly appointed Singapore Creative Director and will be part of our exciting plans for expansion and growth in Singapore.

Opportunities are offered on a 3, 6, or 12 month basis. Salaries will be offered at a competitive level and support will be provided in relocating.

If you are interested please apply online at http://www.dneg.com/jobs/3d_senior_t…leads_288.html

For more information please contact Karen on knj@dneg.com

We look forward to hearing from you!

rotopaint shape slider

I’ve just started using the new rotopaint node in nuke 6.1 and so far its pretty great. One thing that is bugging me though is the lack of the "shape" keyframe slider found in the previous bezier node. I can’t seem to find it anywhere in the rotopaint node, has it been moved somewhere or was it removed completely?
man, I miss that little slider guy.
:rip:

import .obj

hey guys,

when i import obj files in nuke i can’t see any colours/textures of my model? i read of the need of .mtl files which have the needed texture for the specific .obj file? how do i have to connect .obj with .mtl files?

thank you!

Twixtor plugin and Fusion

Can you please tell Twixtor settings for Fusion. In the AE all turns on the lesson. In Fusion – no delay.