#ILM
12 messages in this thread
If you call ILM (I don't have the number handy), they'll send you a
description of the qualifications you need, and the internships that
are available. There are many departments in Lucas' operation,
ranging from accounting to computer animation to programming, to
miniature and motion control, to cooking in the cafeteria. I have
worked there in the past on many occasions (doing film lighting) and
it is a very nice setup. However, unless you are a stellar Softimage
animator, or Alias modeller, or graphics programmer, you won't be up
for anything that pays the rent.
>ILM
ILM seems bigger than I imagined. Anyway, I will call them. I think I have
their # around here somewhere.
I never thought of being a cook for ILM. Sounds tempting <not>. <g>
I doubt that I would be able to work up to animator that way! Head cook, mabe.
<g>
>Film lighting What kind of lighting techniques are most useful for
3D? Is it like film at all? I know that lighting is important, and
I was wondering what style (tv/film/drama) is most like 3D. Do you
know? Or is it pretty much it's own style?
The techniques in film and 3d animation are remarkably similar: do
what looks best <g>! A while ago there was a thread on books to read
that discuss film lighting in depth, and there is a definitive volume
on stage lighting, but I can't remember any names. A good film
department at a university, or the American Film Institute in Los
Angeles (Westwood, I believe) can steer you in the right direction.
But it's mostly a matter of tweaking and a good eye. I've still got
some distance to go in computer lighting before I think I've reached
the same level of proficiency and artistry I had in film lighting.
Different tools, different skills, but the principles are the same.
I'm not sure I should go to film school right now. I once thought
that film school would be good, and it still is, but I think it is
time to get out, and work on 3D type things. With a few good books,
a good program, and spending time at it I think I'll be able to learn
what I am looking for. I know alot of the ideas are the same, but I
am afraid that I'll have to learn all the film specific things, and
then *still* have to learn 3D specific things. I would learn alot,
but at the expense of the cost of film school, and the 2 or so years
it would take to learn.
There is a 1 semester film emphasis type college program in
affiliation with another school that I am looking into. That might
be good, to see if film school would be good. It might be all I need
in itself. I don't know. I'm still very open.
I really think that film will be replaced by digital in the very near
future, so I don't want to take the time to learn all the specifics
of film, but rather the "universal" things that can be transferred.
This world is moving sooo fast. It's almost a blur.
Not totally true, John. ILM is actually a division of LucasArts
Entertainment. LAE is currently using 3DS to develop (among other
things) video games that are based on Star Wars themes as well as
other movies. I personally know of someone using 3DS for LAE work,
and am told that 3DS is being used quite a bit up in San Rafael. Now
this may not pay the rent in San Rafael, but I'm sure one could find
an affordable place to live within driving distance!<g>
True, Alan. I forgot about their game developing. When I think of
Skywalker ranch I think of analog and digital film effects, because
that's the only part I was ever involved in. As a matter of fact,
they were looking for a 3DS mutant no too long ago, but I'm sure
they've filled the position by now.
Could Game developing lead to full Film/digital effects for other
things? I know the tools are not as exotic, but what do you think?
What would you all think it would cost for an apartment, and living
there near LAE/ILM? I assume it's much much higher than here. What
would be a starting rate for LAE?
I couldn't answer any of your questions for sure, John, but I could offer this:
* IMH0, _anything_ in this business can lead to about _anything_! If you show
the right people you can do the right things, I believe anything is possible!
* My little remark about living costs in the SR area was only a joke.
However, it may not be far off the mark — JohnT, I'm sure, can help you
with that one, John?
* Starting rates? Heh-Heh…I haven't the slightest, but I would consider
this: I prbobably wouldn't be going too far out on a limb if I speculated
that 80-90% of all the CG artists in the US (and maybe the world) wouldn't
give their "mouse-hand-arm" to work at LAE…could you imagine working in
that evvironment? Sheesh, gives ya the shudders just to think about it.
And now I hear they are in pre-post for the next *3* Star Wars movies…
>> And now I hear they are in pre-post for the next *3* Star Wars movies…<<
Preproduction, OK, but Pre-post?… ???? <g>
David
Oops!–Should have read pre-prod…
-Alan (not being able to tell your post from your prod could be a real
problem, eh?<g>)
I'm sure if you show you've got the "Right Stuff" you could move from
games to film effects. The thing is getting your foot in the door.
If you land a 3DS job in games at LucasArts I'm sure the pay will be
VERY good. The highest rates I ever made were at ILM, but this was
Union film electrician (lighting) rates, not computer stuff. As for
rent in San Rafael or San Francisco, or wherever… it's REALY, REALY
expensive. Marin and SF have some of the highest rents in the
country, just under Manhattan and Hawaii. Typically you'll find one
bedroom apartments of liveable quality anywhere from $500-$2000 per
month. Most people I know live with roommates in a larger apartment
or house, and pay a little less that way. If you're working at ILM
you won't have a problem making rent, unless you're an intern.
John, have you ever worked with SoftImage?
Jim
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