I’ve been quite busy this week as I attended both days of the VFX Advantage 2012 this year at Ravensbourne. It was quite insightful. Admittedly due to studying animation the first day where it explained about the VFX I already had knowledge of the pipeline but it gave a new perspective. As students we are focused on the VFX companies but we never really learn about the relationship between the VFX companies and the directors who are only referred to as our clients. It was interesting to see what directors seek specifically and how the VFX supervisors help to fulfil those requirements within their budget. 

I approached the next day as a complete novice to 3D. In a sense I possibly had the least amount of knowledge on the subject but it was very informative. I was somewhat sceptical about 3D, particularly in cinemas. However, the discussions highlighted the reasons why audiences are constantly underwhelmed and disappointed and it narrows down to the fact that most do not put enough thought into it. There’s a difference between native and conversion and the decision directors have to make to choose which process. Moreover, I learnt how VFX works with 3D and that with conversions a lot of it is done in post production. This can be costly since it can be somewhat time consuming. 

I think it was a good opportunity to have an understanding of VFX from a different point of view and it also changed my opinion of 3D. I have hope that 3D will grow more sophisticated and that it will be utilised in a better way and help support the storytelling. Unfortunately I can not upload photos of the goodies I brought home with me but I will do later.