Some Words from an Old Senior

Hi everyone,

Hi there... this is the 1st time I post in FASStudio, I'm new in this blogger... so... hi... haha. For those who dont know who am I... well... just keep "dont know who am I".

I'm 1 of your FA seniors. I've graduated way before any of you entered MMU. I get to know about this FASStudio Bloggie site from somewhere, someone, and I'd love to talk to the FA Gamma students... and some Delta students perhaps.

I have something to share.This is my 1st post... so I hope is not too harsh for everyone. I went for the Delta FA industrial Presentation last Thursday, congratulations for making it a success... but in terms of the artworks, what I can say is... "disappointing".

"The worst ever presentation" since I entered MMU. Almost all the artworks presented are low in standard, some uncompleted work, some noticeable last minute work and many of the students did not even turn up for the presentation. Come on people you call this an industrial presentation, but have u ever taken it seriously and show some respect to the industry people? How could you display that kind of spirit and attitude to the outside industry? It almost embarrassed FA in many ways.

The industry’s 3 big names - Codemasters, Silver Ant and Moon FX attended the presentation, and it was the 1^st time I heard such harsh criticism from them, calling the students as “living too long in palm oil estate”… “you wont get a job with the artwork”… “children’s cartoon”. I Believe those Gamma students who attended the presentation would have heard of these.

And I had no surprise… soon after the presentation my boss did mention that non of the students are qualified for interview unless they improve their portfolios... wasted the whole morning, that's the end of topic, and he never discuss more on any of the students.

Well, in my opinion there are still some potential artworks in within. Nothing outstanding honestly, the only artwork that is still playing in my mind is the “puppet” motion graphic. Even that doesn’t have a proper story telling.

I wonder why all the Delta FA students look toothless in their animations… They seem like still living in the box and never get exposed to the outside world. 3D is not a new topic in Malaysia anymore. It had been here since 10 years ago. With the current technology, cinema, internet and “YouTube” playing all over the world, lack of exposure is just an excuse. Everyone know about Pixar Animation Studio, Dreamwork studio… I believe most of the people had enjoyed great animation movies such as “The Incredible”, “Finding Nemo”, “Cars” “ Shrek123” and etc etc….

You had spent your 2 years (or 3 years) as a Film and Animation student, had any of you took the initiative to study those world class animations? Or you just “enjoy” the movies like everyone else… if so what for you go for FA? Besides those featured animation movies, there are plenty of short animation clips out there that are worth watching. With such convenient sources everywhere nowadays, I don’t see a reason why the industry have to tolerate with the student's level.

For all the Gamma students, I have seen some of the artworks from you guys in YouTube, and I'm glad to see some of them are up to expectation. Especially the Motion Graphics, is quite good but I have some concern… most of you using the same style to present your works which is the freestyle camera movement moving all around the same platform with some interesting planes and low poly objects… It look nice honestly at 1^st glance… but do imagine that if everyone is using the same old style during the presentation, 100 presenters have presented, and I believe I cant differentiate who did which Motion Graphics… and nothing is outstanding anymore. My suggestion is… try explore more styles. Get yourself out of your own thought and think of something that you have never imagined before. Get out of your own comfort zone and make your graphic special from others.

And, for Character Animation… still have long way to go. Study back your Principle of Animations. Remember you have 4 main things to focus on which is Staging, Texturing, Lighting and the Animation itself. Staging is the composition in your every scene and very much linked with texturing and lighting.

For Animation, do more studies on body gestures and facial expressions. Try to understand how both of them interact with each others, exaggerate it!!! Personally I like the teaser trailer from “The Incredible” (body gesture) and “One Man Band” (facial expression). Both from Pixar Animation Studio.

For everyone,

Try some new effects such as fluid effect, cloth and hair. They are so simple nowadays compared to the previous time, and you can just do it with few clicks in Maya. Or, create some new effects on your own. Let everyone be shocked with surprise, wondering "WOW... how did you do that".

Lastly, I’m not trying to act like senior or grand master or something, I just don’t like to see the standard of FA falling year by year. For all Gamma students… I believe you all are going for industry training early next month. Try expose yourself to the industry, ask more, do more learn more and be less ego. It is a wild jungle out there, and you have to learn more to survive, and I believe you can do so.

I hope Gamma students will bounce back next year, and MMU FA students will always be the priority when they go for job interviews.

Cheers.

Hope it is not too harsh for my 1^st post ;)