New to industry - advice needed

[andytildsley]

Hi folks,

I realise you must get this a LOT but I could do with your help/advice. I graduated in BSc Design Tech and I am looking to move into the animation/visual effects industry. I have done a lot of research over the past 6-12 months and I'm adamant that I have made the right decision. I went to Siggraph 2011 in Vancouver and asked a lot of questions, got a good understanding of what is expected from me but I have a few more and wondered if you could help...

1) it seems that everyone wants to see a portfolio/demo reel regardless of your experience. I want to apply for a runner/PA position as I see it as a great way to learn, whilst working in the industry. Does anyone have any suggestions on which sites make good portfolios? If you have any other advice re the portfolio, please share.

2) I recently applied for a position as a runner at MPC and they wanted someone with experience using UNIX/Linux (to which I have none of either). I am enthusiastic and eager to learn but I am not sure which application would be the best; Fedora, Ubuntu, etc. Also, would you suggest buying a book or registering on a course?

3) I already completed an 'Intro to Maya' part-time course that taught me the basic principles of Maya but I was wondering what you would suggest doing next, I want to practice using the software by working on tutorials but I am struggling to find basic tutorials (which include the necessary part files - for FREE). Again, any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks again to anyone who takes the time to read and reply to my post.

Andy

[stu55]

Hi Andy,

Well done for getting out to Vancouver, try to action the things you learnt whilst there.

1. Starting out as a runner is not a bad idea as you get to see what everyone does, it gives you a really good overvew. However it does not pay that well so keep that in mind, as a short term stepping stone it can get you in the door then you can jump on the machines in the evening and weekends to learn.

Regarding your reel - you need to do some shots and edit them together. About 2-3 mins in running time, dont worry about the music its the visuals everyone is interested in. But you also need to decide whether you will go for 2D entry level jobs or 3D entry level jobs and orientate your reel for either of these. You mention Maya so I assume 3D. Search on line for tutorials, do some test shots for your reel, make sure they look good, edit them together yourself and output a 720x540 qt.mov. Basically you need to do this work by yourself.

2. You should check with MPC what version of linux they use. Why not ? Drop them an email.

It may well be Redhat they have training on their site:
http://www.redhat.com/training/

Also try the book 'linux for dummies', these books are generally very good.

3. One of the things about working in VFX is you need to be a problem solver. Lateral thinking. I typed free maya training courses in google and got a good list. One was:

http://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/sto...-Tutorials-All

They have a good reputation you can ask them questions on how to proceed.

It tough to break in and may take some time, stay positive, stay determined NEVER give upand go get that job. Good luck!