I've been having a fantastic time at Boogie Monster these past few weeks! The studio sits three storeys up in Leederville just off the station and is a very groovy place to work. Even Tony Stark lives there. Yes that's right people.
If you don't know who they are, check out their work here.
As part of my work experience I've been working on bits and pieces for an upcoming AHG advert which is a mix of green-screened live footage and flat-coloured cars animated with style to a voice over. Most of my work is with Phil, (who also went to tafe!) for motion graphics, and Joel for a few more vfx style things like keying green screens.
Learning to work fast and effective is definitely the biggest challenge! And clients tend to have a habit of dropping in unexpectedly for check-ins. As my work is part of what Boogie Monster produces I have to keep organised, and at the moment there are some closer deadlines.
We are working in AE which I'm comfortable working in but shortcuts and techniques for working quicker are definitely worth their weight in gold. Phil has also mentioned exploring plugins & scripts which can save even more time. For example instead of separating a grouped illustrator file image manually into individual layers for animation, a quick script allows you to click a button and name the sequence.
Certainly saved a lot of time. Definitely something to start using in my workflow more, and worth a bit of research.
My workstation and a slightly exposed office view :)
Phil's Motion Graphics Stuff
- to keep a vector always at vector quality turn on
- this won't work if you are using corner pins. You can cheat it by upping the resolution of your file eg. 3x the resolution (like matte projections)
- for animation and especially for kinetic typography to sound, if you offset the keyframe from the exact calltime it syncs just a little better. (Gives the brain time to process?)
- Stick motion blur asap on anything you import for animation before you forget.
- sometimes the after effects cache can play up when you reimport/update a file with a similarly named on. Restart to clear it
- live roto brush works for a fast mask (e.g. we had a hand). But it also updates every time you scroll past so it can chew into time and affectiveness.
Stuff I've learnt about Boogie Monster and the industry in Perth...
Last Pixel uses max (?), Boogie Monster and most places seem to use Maya or a mix depending on who works there. Those who work in film seem to tend towards Maya. After effects is definitely a base from which Boogie monster moves to other programs for more specifics.
Storyboarding and pitching is mostly the work of creatives, and Phil/those who work in Boogie Monster rarely do it unless a client has no idea what they want. This also depends on the budget whether there will even be a storyboard.
The production company will usually come to Boogie with a storyboard and supply them with graphics and sound as they get approved (sometimes these filter through over a few days depending on how organised the client is -Cerdwin the senior producer sometimes has to bug them with emails for a font or file while we wait). Boogie then gets to work with animation following the brief and meetings they've had on style and treatment.
3D character animation doesn't really exist in Perth. It will occasionally be used in an advert but very rarely. Architectural work/mining has much more of a presence for 3D. Short films are great for experimenting and for the animator but they are more personal, and you rarely get as much back. So some companies tend towards feature films vs. shorts.
Boogie Monster usually uses the h264 format to send their files to clients for approval. The final file is handed in sometimes as an avid dnx/hd or a tiff sequence depending on the request.
Boogie Monster is a very casual but professional place. Clients sit around our workstations when they pop in to view progress, although for the bigger presentations they are held in the viewing room.
Mentionables on self promo and getting work (Some of which we've already covered)
- It is important to brush up on vfx terminology, it can help you sound a lot less noobish when you start out too. There are bits and pieces you won't be taught until you get into the industry. If you are a freelancer also know your computer and how to get the best out of it.
- When sending out your folio and applying for jobs a personally addressed letter always grabs attention. Find out who is the top person by giving them a call. Calling around is also a great way to find out what they are looking for. Even calling when there aren't advertised job opportunities (you just want to send out a folio) can help get contacts.
- A great website is essential. make sure it works and works well on all devices. It is worth paying $80 to get a coder to give you a good base to work from.
- Have skills in multiple areas, but pick one area to specialise in and develop it to the max. If you are going to be a 3D artist you also need to be quite technical in knowledge about it.
- Be different, and be good at what you do. Make your assignments and portfolio jump out and be different and original to those who have studied the same assignments with you.
- Spend a decent amount of time on self promotion. Proffesionally printed business cards are a must. Brand yourself. Always have your showreel on you (have it on your phone/ipad and ipod).
Cheerio until next time
~Cat
