Thursday, 19 December 2013

Omen Studios is hiring

 Omen Studios is hiring for the following positions in Singapore!

· Production Coordinator (animated series)
· Motion Graphics Artist (AE, illustration, design, 2d animation skills)
· Storyboard Artist / Designer (storyboards, animatics, 2d animation skills)

Experience working in a production environment is preferred, and an awesome attitude to animation - and life in general - is a huge plus. Send resumes and links to reels to jobs@omens-studios.com, and also check out www.omens-studios.com for more information.

Polygon Pictures is hiring


Thursday, 12 December 2013

A New Chapter A New Beginning


Yes, we are moving out soon to the new office at Bestway, 12 Prince Edward Road :D

More photos here!

Monday, 9 December 2013

Roger Lee on Frozen


Roger Lee, a Singaporean who has worked on Frozen. Roger Lee is also our new course advisor.  Read more about the article here

Sunday, 1 December 2013

SP Students Visit

2 groups of Singapore Polytechnic Students from Diploma in Digital Animation came to visit us to research on Entrepreneurship in Singapore. And learn about the obstacles we been through and how we build the company from ground zero. Helping young artists has always been our priority. Hence we made an exceptional meeting with them.

We hope through this, they can bring back some valuable knowledge with them. Entrepreneurship is not just about managing business. But managing one's life. And for the next 10 years, Singapore need a lot more entrepreneurs to build our nation. Asia is changing and getting more competitive. In order to survive, we need to learn to depend on ourselves.

SIDM Graduates Turn Daydreaming into Reality


Read the article here

Omens is hiring!


 Omens is hiring for the following positions in Singapore!
1. Production Coordinator
2. Storyboard Artists / Designers
3. Animators
4. Lighter / Compositors

Experience working in a production environment is preferred, and an awesome attitude to animation - and life in general - is a huge plus. Send resumes and links to reels to jobs@omens-studios.com, and also check out www.omens-studios.com for more information.

Tuesday, 19 November 2013

Japan, Kingdom of Characters

Dates: 15 November - 12 December 2013
Time: 11am - 7pm. Closed on Mondays
Venue: Lim Hak Tai Gallery, NAFA Campus 1, 80 Bencoolen Street, Singapore 189655
Enquiries: artgalleries@nafa.edu.sg
Admission: Free

NAFA is pleased to partner Japan Creative Centre of the Embassy of Japan to co-organise JAPAN: Kingdom of Characters, a touring exhibition by the Japan Foundation featuring over 70 exhibits and videos of Japanese manga and anime characters including the widely-known Hello Kitty, Ultraman and Gundam. Immortalised in the universe of characters that had spawned fads, die-hards and unique sub-cultures, these adored characters reflect the kaleidoscopic reality of Japan’s society and continue to capture imagination of the world. The exhibition highlights their influence on Japanese society, popular culture and historical development through the decades.





Sunday, 17 November 2013

Is Singapore gearing up to be the next Hollywood?

Singapore Animation Connection 2004



Wow. Found this by chance on our server. I love the internet. Its like a time capsule. Preserving all the wonderful memories. It captures all the effort of some of the pioneers in the industry. The year was 2004. Gosh its almost 10 years. This is one of the major event we have organised to promote the local talents in hope to help Singapore gain international attention. Without a single cent, we have put these together. We were young back then. ha ha. How I wish this generation can continue to preserve this passion. To fight for a dream they believe in.
http://www.tinyisland.net/SAC2004.html

Robot Playground is hiring!


 Shared message from Robot Playground Media Pte Ltd

Hello Peeps! We're looking for a Production Coordinator to join the Playground and help out on a new animated series. Send your CVs to hello@robotplaygroundmedia.com. Ta!

Responsibilities:

1. Schedule, track, and manage assigned work. Ensure work is on schedule for each department and is meeting internal and external deadlines.

2. Serve as key communication liaison between all parties relevant to the project. Provide updates, priorities, reschedules, and status of all assets, shots and deliveries.

3. Proactively anticipate and communicate issues to Executive Producer and Head of Production to reach solutions in a timely manner.

4. Supervise and train assigned Production Assistant(s) and/or Intern(s) as needed.

5. Perform additional responsibilities as needed on shows and/or client projects.

Requirements:

1. 2-3 years’ experience managing projects within a TV / video production environment.

2. Understanding of 2D/3D animation pipeline is preferred.

3. Creative problem solving and effective time management skills.

4. Effective team player and communicator.

5. Knowledge of MS Office essential; proficiency in Photoshop, Flash and Premier a plus.

https://www.facebook.com/robotplayground
http://www.robotplaygroundmedia.com/

Tuesday, 12 November 2013

We are moving soon!


After much consideration and for the convenience of our students, we have decided to move CG Protege Animation School and Tiny Island Productions to the city instead of Jurong East. Renovation will start in Dec 2013 and we will move by Jan 2014.

Will keep you posted. Thanks for your support always.

iFi Video Challenge!

Calling all aspiring film makers and animators! Submit the most IT-nnovative video at the inaugural iFi Video Challenge and S$10,000 is yours for the taking!

1st Prize: S$10,000 cash
2nd Prize: S$3,000 cash
3rd Prize: S$1,000 cash

Click the here to find out more!

CG Protege Students won the top prize at the Scinemation 2013

Congratulations to our CG Protege Students for winning the top prize in the open category at the Scinemation 2013 organised by the Singapore Science Centre. 


Though they are 3D Modelers by training, they certainly display great talent and potential in stop motion animation.

Well done guys!

Games meets art with Ubisoft Singapore


For more information check here

A Friday Talk with Enrique Caballero and Joe Long, Effects TD of One Animation on 15 Nov 2013


For more information check here

Inviting Mr Glenn Vilppu


We are planning to invite Mr Glenn Vilppu to run a master class in next May 2014. LIKE on the subject from our facebook page if you are interested. We are evaluating the number of interest.





Monday, 4 November 2013

Storyboard Master Class



One of the weakness of our animation industry is storyboarding. It is hard to find good storyboard artists here. As such, we have been assigned to run a Storyboard Master Class in the hope of building a pool of talents for the industry. The master class is supported by MDA.

Davis Vu Storyboard Master Class
More details can be found here:
http://www.cgprotege.com/animation-programs/storyboard-master-class

If you are interested, drop a mail to admin@cgprotege.com

Studios Hiring


Critica is hiring After Effects Animators. Critica is expanding due to influx of jobs.
Email your CV & reel to jobs@criticatv.com
www.facebook.com/criticatv 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


http://www.dneg.com/

Double Negative Singapore is now hiring Production Assistants to join the team! The career path for a PA is VFX Producer and this is a great career opportunity to work in hollywood movies. Apply to jobs@dneg.asia
check out www.dneg.com

Key purpose of the job:
To assist the production and supervision team in the smooth running of projects by ensuring an accurate and efficient flow of information.

Needs to do:
* Coordinate the flow of information and elements between artists and departments
* Keep databases up to date with element and shot status
* Co-ordinate dailies and note take
* Ensure the send and receipt of materials to and from the client

Monday, 28 October 2013

Sunday, 27 October 2013

Speed and Body Mechanics Animation



One of our student, Elvis Lai undergoing training for speed and body mechanics animation.


Monday, 21 October 2013

. Materialise IT .

One of our graduate is the founder of Materialiseit.

Materialiseit has finally integrated with Simplifi3d. They are now located at Bras Basah complex level 02-93.

This is the first of its kind! One stop shop concept that includes:
1) 3d printing workshop for both adults and children and even corporate companies
2) 3d printing services - we have a wide range of printers available from locally made to USA and German made
3) 3d scanning services
4) 3d modelling services
5) sale of 3d printers
6) consultancy

It will also be a place of meet up for those who are in the 3D industry or who are keen to find out more about 3D! 

Link

Sunday, 20 October 2013

Join the Animation, VFX and Games Industry!



ARE YOU PASSIONATE TO JOIN THE ANIMATION, VISUAL EFFECTS and GAMES INDUSTRY?

For those who are 
- Singapore citizen
- Aged 35 years or over
- Have a monthly income of not more than $1,900

These new schemes are actually very useful to you.

Workfare Training Scheme here

Meaning 95% of the school fees are covered.
For a $30k diploma course, you only ended up paying $1500 (excluding GST) Plus the $1500 can be paid through instalment for a period of 2 years.

On top of that, if you have successfully completed the course. You will be awarded another $1000 in return. Check here

In summary, you are actually only paying $500 for a $30k course.

So if you are passionate about this industry (Computer Games, Visual Effects and Computer Animation). For this is really what you want to do and prepare to work hard on it. Please contact us at admin@cgprotege.com for a career and education consultation.

Wednesday, 9 October 2013

Vote for Dream Defenders at Viddsee!

A Special Preview of Dream Defenders is out. Hope you can go into the link to vote for us with just a simple heart click! Thanks for your support, guys!

 If we win, it will represent Singapore to go to Japan!

Thursday, 3 October 2013

ZBrush for Designers Course in TOWN!

CG Protege is proud to present ZBrush for Designers (Part-time Course)
Conducted by Jose Cua

We are launching a new program ZBrush for Designers. It is an innovative program targeted to assist Designers in learning how to use ZBrush as a conceptualizing or illustration tool.

We will be introducing practical and fun techniques in using ZBrush. The focus will be learning how to:

a)Paint and thumbnail effectively inside of ZBrush

b)Explore shapes rapidly inside of ZBrush
c)Use effective sculpting techniques
d)Present your work as a fully lit still image, or a turnaround in ZBrush


Trainer Jose Cua. Click here and here  to view Jose's work

5 SESSIONS ZBrush for Designers Workshop for Concept Designers, CG enthusiasts and Digital Artists.

Starting in November (to be confirmed) 
DAY : EVERY Monday & Thursday
TIME : 7.00pm to 10.00pm
15 hour workshop

5 sessions l 3 hours per session

Course Fee: $800 per student
GST : $56
Total Course Fee :$856
 *open to Singapore Citizens / PR & Non-Singaporeans


 

ZBrush Tutorial by Jose Cua

Sign up today! Call us at 64737502 or email us admin@cgprotege.com for more information.

Wednesday, 25 September 2013

Tiny Island Productions is hiring!

Tiny Island Productions is hiring character animators for its current Korean / Singapore co production. G Fighter.

We will be looking for good acting and body mechanics in your showreel. If you are interested, please send your showreel and resume to hr@tinyisland.net

Singaporeans and PR only.

Dream Defenders (by Tiny Island Productions) Exclusive Screening at NLB Singapore



For our Singapore friends, are you ready for some action this weekend? Tiny Island Productions and NLB are organising exclusive screenings and talks starting from this coming Saturday. Take note of the dates and location below! There are limited seats. It is based on first come first serve with no registration. Do come early if you want to secure seats. 

28th September 2013
Bedok East Public Library
3:30pm - 4:30pm

29th September 2013
Woodlands Regional Library
11:30am - 12:30pm

5th October 2013
Toa Payoh Public Library
12:45pm to 1:45pm

6th October 2013
Jurong Regional Library
2:00pm - 3:00pm 

17th November 2013
Toa Payoh Public Library
11:30am - 12.30pm

23rd November 2013
Yishun Public Library
2:00pm - 3:00pm

24th November 2013
Serangoon Public Library
2:00pm - 3:00pm

30th November 2013
Choa Chu Kang Public Library
2:00pm - 3:00pm

Sunday, 22 September 2013

Note from CG Protege CG Industry Seminar's Attandee

We are pleased to know that people had a great time and learnt something from CG Protege CG Industry Seminar Talk. One of the attendee wrote a note to share on facebook page. Here is a note from Long Junhong, one of the attandee. Thanks for sharing, Long Junhong :)



" Hey guys. I had the pleasure of attending CGProtoge's CG industry seminar on saturday, and I would like to share some notes I had taken during the talk and when I had the opportunity to chat with the speakers. Of course, take some of these info with a grain of salt and don't just follow it blindly, think about how these points may apply to you and then take them into consideration.

It's quite a long list and some things may seem like common sense, so sorry about that! Hope that it may at least be of some help to you guys. Oh and big, big kudos to the CGProtoge staff who made the event possible. A 6 hours seminar is no joke lol.

From the talk
- It's important to work well in a team.
- Communicate your ideas effectively, don't let other people guess what you are doing.
- Be able to explain your decisions with confidence.
- A passionate person will find his way to solve problems, even when by himself.
- Visit product launches, workshops and talks to meet people from the community.
- It's good to start a learning blog. Make yourself easy to find online.
- Leave your ego at the door.
- Challenge yourself, then you will make mistakes, learn from them.
- Don't be defensive or make excuses when people critique you.
- Do not limit your job search. Promote yourself. Make use of all your skills and see how they can be used together.
- Search for collaborations with other artists and designers, even across the globe.
- Don't mix professional blogs with personal blogs.
- Don't post unprofessional stuff on your Facebook or other personal social media.
- Make full use of LinkedIn. Join professional groups.
- Make people curious about you in a positive way. Be visible online and in-person.

On Portfolios for aspiring Concept Artists/Designers
- It's good to design your portfolio pieces in "sets". A good way is to think of common theme or a "story" to tie them in together. It will be more interesting that way.
- If you're looking at the video game industry, a good idea is to design "upgraded versions" of a specific character, building or prop.
- It's good to show colour scripts.
- Make sure that when designing "cute" things that they are really appealing enough to the general audience. Ask other people for opinions before settling on a design.
- Good to show background, matte painting ability. Not neccessarily photorealistic, as long as it can fit in whatever style you are working with.
- Cloudscapes are especially important in animation projects.
- Show ability to do design turnarounds.
- Show ability to think like a product designer, for example how an object moves or articulates its joints, etc.
- Storyboarding ability is very useful. Show understanding in camera shot design.
- Keep good consistency in your style and proportions in your designs. Don't put good work beside bad work in your portfolio. (it may be hard to see it yourself, seek other people's opinions)
- Think of how your designs can be marketed or used as merchandise in the future.
- Don't end up as a clone (in terms of style, design choices, etc.)
- Composition is important. Not only in illustrations but also in layouts and design sheets, especially when it's in your portfolio. Always have a strong focal point.
- For final renders/illustrations, put the details in specific areas, not everywhere.
- Other people may not find your favourite portfolio piece to be the best piece. It's good to be objective.
- Remove any portfolio piece that cannot match up with the rest of your portfolio.
- Think of something new and interesting, not somethat so generic that everyone has already seen in a hundred times.

Last important point!
- Is your portfolio really exciting to the art director? Or will he just look at it like it's one of the other 1000 portfolios he may have seen before and then move on? Always strive to create a portfolio that is absolutely mind-blowing and don't settle for a "not bad, looks nice". " - Long Junhong, one of the CG Protege CG Industry Seminar Attendee

Here is the link to the facebook page

A word from our CEO and what our graduates say about CG Protege

Recently I came across a discussion in one of the forum about ITE students getting worried about their future as they are concerned that they cannot get into the polytechnic.

I would say concentrate in your skill development. That is mostimportant and it is something no one can take away from you. If you are only chasing after a paper, eventually you will realise it is useless. I have seen people from ITE to Poly then to University chasing the paper blindly. Only ended up being jobless again.

In our industry, the candidate is paid based on skill not qualification. You can work for a few years. Gain enough experience. Then return back to your studies if you want.

Students who has taken this path actually do better in their studies and career. In Western Countries, this is common. Especially in Europe. Once you are in the industry, you know what is expected of you. And then when you go back to school, you will absorb better. Your industry experience will help you understand how to apply what you have learnt. And this is very valuable.

Learn with an objective in mind. But not blindly chasing after the paper. On top of that, due to your previous experience before going back to studies, you will not be seen as a fresh grad as compared to your peers when you graduate.





We have worked with many ITE students. After one year of focusing on improving their portfolio. They will work in the industry and be paid like any other polytechnic students. As the pay is based on their skill. Not their qualification.

Learning is a life long process. That is the mindset we need to change. It doesn't end when you leave school.

Focus on skill. And make sure your skill is relevant and always staying ahead. Always developed your niche. So that no one can easily replace you. Think global. Not local.


-David Kwok, CEO of CG Protege Animation School and Tiny Island Productions


CG Industry Seminar!

Thank you everyone for coming to support the event last Saturday! Hope the event has been useful to many. And please do bring along your friends to come and join us next time! :) 



Adeeb has been working in the video gamees industry for over 7 years. He is currently working at Ubisoft Singapore.

Jose Cua is an art director currently working at Tiny Island Productions in Singapore

Davis Vu is an American Animation Director, Story Artist, Animator and Designer.

Willy Wong is an animator with diverse experince in full-length animation feature, TV series and games animation both in Singapore and overseas.

Patrick Woo was a Effects TD at Double Negative Singapore.



Wednesday, 18 September 2013

ITE VFX Alumni Nite

 Our CEO sharing his experience in the industry and giving insights of global opportunity.

Thanks to Kelvin Ho for organising such a great event where the companies and past / present VFX students / graduates gathered to share their experience. Connecting to the industry is very very important which is something lacking in most schools. Thanks to ITE for such an opportunity.

Tuesday, 17 September 2013

CG Protege presents CG Industry Seminar and YOU ARE INVITED!


This coming Sat, we are working with e2i to run a CG Industry Seminar. We are lining up a series of exciting talks on Animation, Pre production, Visual Effects, IP creation, Industry outlook, Portfolio etc.
The objective is to help those who are still studying / about to graduate / those who wants to enter the industry to understand how they should prepare themselves for the industry. It is free entrance. 

Free Entrance:
Venue: e2i Blk G (141 Redhill Road - Redhill MRT) 
Map:
http://www.cgprotege.com/about-cg-protege/contact-us

Date: 21st Sept Sat
Time: 11am to 5pm
 
Interested, please send the following to admin@cgprotege.com to register now

Name, profession, email and contact number
Subject Heading: CG Industry Talk
Speaker 1: Davis Vu - Pre Production and IP Creation

Davis Vu is an American Animation Director, Story Artist, Animator, and Designer. After graduation from CalArts in 2010, Davis has worked on films and games at Warner Bros. Feature Animation (Storyboard), Imagi Animation Studios (Storyboard), Wayforward Technologies (Animator and Character Designer), and Little Lives (Creative Director). Projects that he has worked on include: "Gatchaman" (2010), "Yogi Bear" (2010), "Spongebob Squigglepants" (2010), "Blood Rayne" (2011), "Twinkle Trails" Webseries (2011), "Dream Defenders" (2012), "Squeak: the Book" (2013), and various other pilot projects in Los Angeles and Singapore. He's currently an Animation Director at Tiny Island Productions, Storyboard Lecturer at CG Protege, an illustrator for books by UBU Publications, and Part-Time Lecturer at ADM at Nanyang Technological University teaching Storyboarding, Applied Drawing, Foundation Drawing, and Drawn Animation II. His short films, "Spayeti and Meatball" and "Paper Lantern" have played at the International Festival of Cinema and Technology (Los Angeles) and CalArts Producer's Show (Hollywood) respectively.

Davis Vu's work
http://davisnvu.blogspot.sg/

Speaker 2: Patrick Woo - A journey into the VFX industry

Patrick was a Effects TD at Double Negative Singapore. He has been working with Double Negative from November 2007 to may 2012. Many occasion, Patrick was given a chance to work at the London head office. His production experience includes Costume TD work, Simulation of costume / accessories / props. Maya and Houdini, Environment work and Matchmoving work. The movies he has worked on include Hellboy2, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, The Sorcerer's Apprentice, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, Paul, Sherlock Holmes and many more. Before he joined Double Negative. He is one of the top students from our school. He graduated from Ngee Ann Polytechnic with a Diploma in Film, Sound and Video.

Patrick Woo's work
http://vimeo.com/patrickwoo76/videos/page:1/sort:date

Speaker 3: Jose Cua - Zbrush for Designers

Jose is an art director currently working at Tiny Island Productions in Singapore. He has worked in Animation, Games, Illustration and Toys. Having started of as a generalist in a post production house Jose continues to use 3d as a means to express his ideas and designs . Be it in animated breakdowns of transforming props and gadgets, to fully detailed zbrush maquettes of characters that he has designed. During his off hours he holds lifedrawing classes and works on his own sculptures and designs.

This is a compilation of doodles, WIP and lunch crunch images by concept art lecturer, Jose Cua.

Jose Cua's Work
http://josecua.carbonmade.com/

Speaker 4: Willy Wong - The differences of an animator's role in a game and animation industry.

Willy Wong is an animator with diverse experience in full-length animation feature, TV series and games animation both in Singapore and overseas. He recieved his Diploma in Information Technology from Temasek Poly but his burning passion for the craft took him to Australia to pursue a Degree in Animation from Queensland University of Technology.

Willy started his career in Singapore, working in TV series and games before landing a EDB STRAT program with Polygon Pictures Inc. After two fruitful years in Japan, he return back to Singapore to join Ubisoft and later a mobile phone game startup.
His rich experience in various fields of animation granted him deep understanding on different industry production pipeline and versatility in adapting new methodologies.

His film credits includes My Friends Tigger and Pooh, Haruka and the Magic Mirror, Force Unleashed II Cinematics, Assassin Creed: Revelations and Monster Blade (an iOS action game)

Willy Wong's Work
https://vimeo.com/40236106
Speaker 5: Adeeb - My Dream of being an animator. How it all begins?

Adeeb has been working in the video games industry for over 7 years. He is currently working at Ubisoft Singapore where he just finished working on Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, where he was responsible for creating most of the character behavior animations for the underwater gameplay segments.

Previously he also worked for Tecmo Koei where he worked on an MMO and various titles. Specializing in behaviour animation for games, Adeeb will be talking about his experience on how he broke into the industry and what it takes to be an animator for video games.

Wednesday, 11 September 2013

Little thoughts

Recently I came across a discussion in one of the forum about ITE students getting worried about their future as they are concerned that polytechnic does not have enough places for all of them.

I would say concentrate in your skill development. That is most important and it is something no one can take away from you. If you are only chasing after a paper, eventually you will realise it is useless. I have seen people from ITE to Poly then to University chasing the paper blindly. Only ended up being jobless again.

In our industry, the candidate is paid based on skill not qualification. You can work for a few years. Gain enough experience. Then return back to your studies if you want.

Students who has taken this path actually do better in their studies and career. In Western Countries, this is common. Especially in Europe. Once you are in the industry, you know what is expected of you. And then when you go back to school, you will absorb better. Your industry experience will help you understand how to apply what you have learnt. And this is very valuable.

Learn with an objective in mind. But not blindly chasing after the paper. On top of that, due to your previous experience before going back to studies, you will not be seen as a fresh grad as compared to your peers when you graduate.

We are working with many ITE students. After one year of focusing on improving their portfolio. They will work in the industry and be paid like any other polytechnic students. As the pay is based on their skill. Not their qualification.

Learning is a life long process. That is the mindset we need to change. It doesn't end when you leave school.

Focus on skill. And make sure your skill is relevant and always staying ahead. Always developed your niche. So that no one can easily replace you. Think global. Not local.


- David Kwok, CEO CG Protege Animation School -