Cordycep Studios

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Arms and legs! It took me ages to figure out how to fill the gaps in the mesh as there was no mention of this on my shortcuts sheet! 

I started having a look around the Blender tools trying to figure out how to make the model look smoother. After many frustrating bashes of ctrl+z when things went crazy on screen, I finally found the mirror and sub-surface tools. The more I sub-surf, the more surfaces are created, meaning a smooth look is getting there. Annoyingly I didn't find the mirror tool until after I'd created the other half by hand (trying to get them identical was a mission and a half. Never again). I decided I might as well delete the left half and use the mirror to help me on the rest of the modelling.

So far I'm finding this 3D modelling not too bad, though 

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So, thought it was about time to expand my skills into the 3D sector of animation. I've started learning to use Blender, an open source CGI modelling, animating and rendering software. To give myself a challenge I've limited myself to only a pdf of the keyboard shortcuts to see what I can do without any tutorials. 

So, armed with as little information as I can, I decided to try modelling and rigging a human, with an anime style to it to make it a little easier on myself. I had no idea how to add in reference images (and no tutorials allowed!) so I had to make the body shape up as I went along.

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Aspera: An FTP File Transfer system used for studio to studio transfers.

Part of my job here is to upload and download files onto the Aspera, then wait for the call.

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Currently trying to re-brand my image to suit a more production feel. Its difficult... trying not to use pictures, focusing more on the way fonts are used. I think production managers are just destined to have boring business cards!

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For the past couple of weeks I've been working at the Cartoon Saloon in Ireland. I arrived shortly after the production had started, and with a switch of production managers, the whole system had to be re-made in a very short time so we could keep track of the three different departments running at that time.

I put together a tracking sheet based on the existing one, adding useful tools such as counting formulas and conditional formatting, to save time when determining the status of each individual's work. The spreadsheet would update itself whenever information is inputted. 

The spreadsheet shown in the picture is just a small section of what the full spreadsheet looks like!

The user in charge of the tracking (mainly me!) would simply have to put an "x" in the correct cell. When a Posing or Animation scene had been Approved, several 'COUNTIF' statements would tell the production managers exactly how many seconds had been approved, and a total. 

Reports for the Producers on statuses could be made simply by hiding the irrelevant columns.

With more time, I'd have certainly done the spreadsheet differently, adding a lot more formulas in to reduce the time spending writing in information (yep, even writing an 'x' takes up too much time!). Though if I'm perfectly honest, I'd never use Open Office again, or a spreadsheet software in general. Spreadsheets rely on the crew giving status reports twice a day, which is a pain for both the crew and my email inbox!

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An idea for the Promotional Material? The tiles seem to be popular.

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A sneaky preview of what I'm putting together for the Degree Show.

Featuring:

Robyn Liebschner's Bogeyman

Becky Berry's Farley Bear

Henry Kennet's Stitch Kids

Daniel Harries' Yin

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A useful document full of the different jobs in animation from the 'Animation Guild'. If you looking to get a job in animation in America then this could well be a very useful resource for you :)

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somewhereto_ is calling animators and digital artists aged 16-25 to submit original artwork entries for a chance to be featured on the giant LED screen at the top of BT Tower in London, to be viewed by an audience of thousands.

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More good news for storyboard artists — Universal Animation Studios has announced two open storyboarding positions for their Curious George production (and one of them is aFREELANCE position):

Universal Animation Studios is accepting portfolios for an in-house Storyboard Revisionist position. Applicant must be very proficient in Toon Boom. Position is for Curious George starting early January. Character performance is top priority. Please submit online portfolios and questions via e-mail to: [email protected] Please put “Storyboard Revisionist” in the subject line. [ No phone calls please. DO NOT submit original artwork! They will not be responsible for lost or damaged submissions.]

Universal Animation Studios is accepting portfolios for freelance Storyboard positions. Applicants must be very proficient Photoshop or preferably in Toon Boom. Positions are for Curious George. Please submit online portfolios and questions via e-mail to: [email protected] Please put “Freelance Storyboard” in the subject line. [ No phone calls please. DO NOT submit original artwork! They will not be responsible for lost or damaged submissions.]

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New Listings for some Disney Jobs if anyone is interested!

CG Animators

Character TDs

FX Artists/TDs

Layout Artists

Lighters

Look Development Artists

Shading/Lighting Pipeline TDs

Stereoscopic Artists

Links won't work on Google Chrome for some reason so copy and paste into other browser :)

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So... found this incredibly interesting piece of software the other day which will make all producing so much easier. It's main feature is an interactive gantt chart. Its beautiful and I'll be learning it over the next 30 days (I'm getting the trail... should be enough time for me to suss it out pretty thoroughly!)

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If you want a job in Flash Design...

You will need to know FlashTalking, DoubleClick and EyeBlaster. I've seen these three crop up on quite a few recent job applications, so for those who want to go into Flash for more than just animation, I'd suggest having a good look around these pieces of software to get yourself to at least a 'basic' level.

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Award-winning stop-motion animation studio seeks motivated, detail-oriented Interns for the following departments: Animation, Camera, Character Fabrication, Costumes and Sets. Responsibilities vary depending on experience and placement. Candidates should be self-motivated, positive and enthusiastic about stop-motion animation. This is an ideal position for an animation student looking to gain real-world experience in a fast-paced, professional and fun environment. Previous animation experience is a plus but not required.

This is an unpaid internship but lunch is provided. Candidates must currently be enrolled in school and must receive credit for the internship. Please email resumes, portfolios and/or reels along with first choice for department placement to [email protected].

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Meet Alex Collier!

MEET THE AMAZING ALEX COLLIER!

Thursday 8th December 6.30 - 9pm Barnsley Digital Media Centre, County Way, Barnsley S70 2JW Meet the chap who's brought Viz comic to life for Channel 4's Comedy Blaps!  

Alex Collier was a co editor of Viz comic for eight years. Sick of drawing still images, he went off and learnt how to animate them instead.

A series of three eight minute shorts are being produced at this very moment by a small army of the UK's best animators, directed by Collier and Baby Cow's Tim Searle (Have I Got News For You title, I am Not an Animal). Featuring the voice talents of Gavin Webster, Sarah Millican, and Steve Coogan. Also starring Simon Greenall, who should be best know as the Geordie from Alan Partridge and as that Meerkat from the well known TV advert!  

Alex is really lively and entertaining speaker and this event will have something for both animators and comedy fans alike.  All are welcome.

However, this event is for the over 18's only, and those who aren't offended by strong language.

Tickets are £6  

HALF PRICE for paid up members 

(enter code AYMember2011 when signing up)

PLEASE book in advance, as we are expecting a sell-out crowd for this one!

Please help to spread the word - email, tweet and facebook from the rooftops! 

Book here http://getanimatedindec.eventbrite.co.uk/  

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Please watch, comment, like.... anything would be greatly appreciated!

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Guys, get yourselves on that facebook page and pick your brains for some ideas! I'll be using that page as one of the ways to communicate with the lot of yous, since emails seem to go so adrift! So far we've got past work DVDs and a 'Pre Production Wall' in the SU Bar. Thank you for your suggestions so far! Even if you don't have a suggestion, let us know if you like the idea or want to get involved! :)