FYP (For Your Pride)

Is a bit ridiculous to hear about this question at this stage... haha well, no question is a stupid question. So I will still answer that. Pay attention Loveless. /:)


Basically, FYP is the short form of “Final Year Project.” It's an animation project that you're going to do throughout your final year (Delta), and you're going to present it to the outside audience just like what your seniors did last Thursday. Your 1st job and your future destiny will very much depend on this, so please be very serious on it.


During my year, my FYP started on the 2nd semester which I needed to write a thesis, and I did a research on a topic selected by ourselves. Do keep it simple and special. Always try to narrow down your topic so that you can have a better grip on it. Focus on how you're going to clean your toilet rather than to build a bungalow with a thousand of pipes. (well this is just an example, imagine if you can invent a automatic cleaning machine for toilet, the world will love you, especially China - an example on how a small detail can affect a big thing :D )


Your study of your thesis is related to what you're going to do in FYP, so choose wisely. Normally, you will start your preproduction at the beginning of 3rd semester (after the thesis). But then you have only 3 months left for your FYP, which is… too little time for you to come up with a stunning artwork - remember you will still have other courses to take care.


So, my advice is: Start your preproduction on 1st semester when you are doing your industrial training. You will have more time than you've ever imagined during the training period, so utilize those 3 months to plan what you're going to do for FYP and what you're going to research on your thesis. Like what Mr. Moon from Moon FX mentioned last Thursday, the most important stage of a production is preproduction stage. You plan your time, you prepare your tasks, you come out with sketches, you have a vision or visualization on what you going to do in your FYP... plan your progress wisely. “No time to do” is just an excuse. Pixar Animation Studio has only 24 hours per day, just like us. So do a good planning on your time management (take note kito :D).


And one funny thing is… usually people will neglect the time for rendering. During my year I've always heard that my friends have not enough time to render. (Is just like you have prepared the spice, you have cooked the food, but you have no time to serve to your customer). Always reserve at least 3 weeks for rendering. Bare in mind that usually “error” will occur during that technical period.


During you industrial training, you will be exposed to many ideas. You will see a lot of things, and you will have many things playing in your mind. Most of the people will get confused, and some of them will get ambitious, thinking of doing “big thing”, “big project”, “epic story”, or doing the “War of The World” kind of animation - good is good… but it is ridiculous. Keep your ideas for your future, you will not have enough time to do an epic story for your FYP. Again, keep it simple. A simple story happen in one scene will do. For example, those Pixar’s short movies like “Gerie’s Chess”, “For the Birds”, “One Man Band” or “Lifted”… everything happen in one respective scene, it's easier to focus, and yet is a world class animation short movie. Compare to it, and ask yourself... can you do it? Why not. It's not too fantasy for you, right? Just keep it simple… no epic story!!!


Wow… I talked too much again. I think I'll stop right here. I will share my thoughts again in the future. Remember, do a good planning during your preproduction~~ good luck in your training. And, please ask more questions~~~ ask, ask, ask, ask, ask and ask again~~~ as a student you have the right to do so! :D


Cheers,
lawliet

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 ;)

FA Fondue Night!

Si si siiiiii! A mini Fondue Night for all FA students and lecturers is coming up!
This is actually a make up for the FA night we've missed due to some circumstances :(

There will be screenings of the works by Beta, Gamma and Delta students :D While enjoying ze screening there will be fondue served for everyone! :D (imagine the chocolate fountain everyone!) *slurpsss* Can bond bond with each other oso! hehe

Unfortunately everything is still in waiting for confirmation since it is really a last minute planning. So we desperately want some respond and support from our beloved classmates! :D

Below are the details which we are still waiting for confirmation:

Date: 20th May 08 (Tuesday)
Venue: FA Studio
Time: 9pm (to be confirmed)

And also still trying to get permission from Mr Azhar to screen students' works in public.
YAY! MR AZHAR APPROVED ALREADY! :D

(p/s: shhhhhh....this is a farewell party for Ms. Belinda and Ms.Gillian tooooooooooooo >: D much interesting now hor!)

So fellow FA'ians please do let us know what do u guys think and how much you guys want this to happen! And Gamma friends please do let us know if you are willing to support us physically or financially. :D

Oh! please vote the poll to confirm your attendance! So that we can prepare enough food for all. Weeeeeeeeeeee~

Thank youuuuuuuuuuu~~ Let's party! :D

Any questions/ suggestions [on the farewell part perhaps >:) ] please feel free to post here or contact :
august_23th@yahoo.com (qiu rong)
princessy_7@yahoo.com (ooi shin)
pure.valerian@yahoo.com (valerie sampat tan)

• Chocolate Fondue!!! <--this last line's to tempt people one >:)

• Student's works!!! <--this too!

• Freeee!!! <-- this one also! *desperate face*

To All the Colour Lovers of the World

Anybody here loves colours? Im sharing here with you guys a neat website providing colours, shapes, and patterns for all your daily colour needs!

Just dont get overdosed by the amount of colour you'll see!!

Take the mouse and start clickin away~

CLICK MEEEEE!

Mother's Day!!

The White Stripes - The Denial Twist

FCM internships with Greenlight Pictures

Guys,

Greenlight Pictures is looking for a few more good people to join the team. Work will be focused on illustrations, some production work, and also some visual effects work. Preference on people who can draw.

Those of you still looking for internships can contact me at greenlightpicture@gmail.com

NON FA members can also inquire as i'm looking for versatile people. The only requirement is an open mind and wanting to have an awesome internship.

here is the contact info: 012 200 3865.

internship pays.

Ming Jin

FA Gen X Gamma

Congratulations that you guys have made it this far. Appreciate the experience and have fun during internship. Cheerio.

NAÏVE, DASEIN, EVO + CAMMIES

THIS WEEK AT THE ANNEXE, CENTRAL MARKET
(8-11 May 2008)

"MALAYSIAN NA������VE ART SHOWCASE 08"

Thu 8 to Sun 25 May, The Annexe Gallery

Presented by Gajah-galah Gallery + The Annexe, Central Market

You are invited to the exhibition opening event on Thursday, 8 May, 8pm.

Officiated by the Norwegian Ambassador to Malaysia, H.E. Mr Arild Braastad.

Refreshments served.

Presenting a stunning selection of na������ve art by 24 Malaysian artists

of various backgrounds from all over Malaysia, including Yusof Gajah himself.

Revel in the sheer visual joy of 100 canvases of rural and urban landscapes,

comical animalia and dreamy portraits executed out of a simple

(though never simplistic) desire to evoke wonder.

Curated by Prof. Madya Mahzan Musa, of Universiti Utara Malaysia.

Exhibition ends 25 May.

Annexe Gallery opening hours: 11am to 7pm daily.

For enquiries, please contact Zakiah Md Isa (013-331 0954)

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"DECONSTRUCTION"

Thu 8 to Sun 11 May, The Annexe Studio

Presented by Dasein Academy of Art final year students

Forty two students finishing their courses in graphic design, illustration

and fine art showcase their best student works in a variety of media

including T-shirts, books, typography, furniture, lamps, in addition to

paintings, the students use the theme of "deconstruction" as a starting

point for exploring their youth-fuelled arty aspirations. Opened to the public.

On Saturday, 10 May, 1pm, there will be a special talk

by representatives of the students and Dasein Academy, followed

by music performances from Flica, Silent Scenery and Dian Bang.

Exhibition ends 11 May.

Annexe Studio opening hours: 11am to 7pm.

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"ARTS FOR SOCIAL CHA"

11 May, The Annexe Gallery

Presented by Studio in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur + The Annexe, Central Market

"Through art, we can challenge many of our society's deepest assumptions.

When we challenge assumptions, we create the possibility for change."

On Sunday, 11 May, 1pm, Erica Eaton, co-founder of

the international artists and activists collective Evolutionary Girls Club, talks

about how artists can effect social change through their work.

Erica will also be screening a selection of her video works. Opened to the public.

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"6TH ANNUAL BOH CAMERONIAN" ARTS AWARDS
11 May, Mandarin Oriental Hotel

Presented by BOH Cameronian and Kakiseni.com

Good luck to the following, whose productions at The Annexe

have been nominated for Kakiseni's 6th Annual BOH Cameronian Arts Awards 2007:

Pink by Taro Dance Theatre.
The Curse Of The Forbidden Palace by Nyoba Kan.
Dua, Tiga Dalang Berlari by Five Arts Centre.
The Breath Of Life by Sumunda.
Tarap Man by Dramalab & Kualiworks.

And all the other nominees too. :-)

For the full nominee list:
http://www.kakiseni.com/articles/features/MTI4MQ.html

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"JK JOINS THE GOOD SHIP NEXXIE"

Lastly, joining The Annexe this week as PR Officer (and Music Guy)

is Jerome Kugan. He's responsible for this less campy version

of The Annexe's mailer. For any media enquiries about events at the Annexe,

or just to send him nasty pics, please email JK at

jerome.centralmarket@gmail.com.

Final Crit

Just to clear off the confusions out there,

Final crit is on Wednesday (May 7th 08), starting at 9.30am. Be there.