20 years ago, The Mask (1994) showed us how animation plays a great part even in the way we watch live-action movies. One of the animators on the show, Kyle Balda, would move on to work on Toy Story, Despicable Me, and even direct the upcoming Minions movie, and is coming down to Singapore early next year to share the secrets behind his successful animation career.
Tuesday, 28 October 2014
Interesting Documentary on Animation and Merchandising
Very interesting documentary on Animation and Merchandising. It changes your whole perspective and understanding of the industry.
Entrepreneurship in Animation Facebook Page
We have started a group to share animation business news and knowledge in animation entrepreneurship in hope to help more independent producers to setup their own company. If you would like to join this close group, please drop a mail to cgprotege@gmail.com to introduce yourself. We are avoiding non related posting. Link to the facebook page here
Kyle Balda Fun Facts "The Lorax"
Kyle Balda's Fun Fact: Did you know that Kyle Balda is the co-director of The Lorax (2012)? Kyle is coming to Singapore in Jan 2015. At his coming Singapore Master Class, he will be sharing his past experience.
Kyle Balda Fun Facts "Mars Attack"
Kyle Balda Fun Facts time!! Did you know that Kyle Balda working as lead character animator in ILM on Mars Attack, the quirky science fiction comedy directed by Tim Burton!
Jack and the Cuckoo Clock Heart Giveaway!
CG Protege is happy to give away 10 pairs of invitations to the preview of "Jack and the Cuckoo-Clock Heart"! For those of you interested, please write to hello@mvp.com.sg and mention 'CG Protege' to be in the draw to win the invitations.
Details of screening:
Film: Jack and the Cuckoo-Clock Heart (rated PG)
Language: French dialogue, with English subtitles
Date: Thursday, 30 October 2014
Time: 7pm
Synopsis of the movie:
Edinburgh, 1874. Jack is born on the coldest day in the history of the world, his heart frozen solid. Dr. Madeleine saves his life by inserting a cuckoo clock in place of his defective heart. The boy will survive, thanks to that magical contraption, but only if he observes three golden rules:
First of all, he must never touch the hands of the clock.
Secondly, he must control his anger.
And last, but certainly not least, he must never, ever fall in love.
Devil's Dare
Kyle Balda Fun Fact "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2"
Fun Animation Fact. Who would have guessed that one of the animators who worked on Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2, Kyle Balda, would rise among the crowd to direct the upcoming Despicable Me Minions movie! Don't miss the chance to meet the man himself when he drops by Singapore to share his secrets to creating great animation! Find out more here
Monday, 20 October 2014
Kyle Balda Fun Fact "Jumanji"
Fun Fact about Kyle Balda, our next speaker at CG Protege Animation School. Did you know he began his career in the early 90s as a student at Calarts and soon afterwards joined the crew of Industrial Light and Magic where he eventually acted as the supervising animator on ‘Jumanji’ (1995).
Kyle Balda Fun Fact "Monster Inc."
Fun Fact about Kyle Balda, he worked as an animator for the feature film Monster Inc. One of the favorite Pixar animation of all time!
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Job Posting : FREELANCER NEEDED URGENTLY
Job Opening : 15Th OCT
The job scope is as followed:
1) 4 Level 2 interactive courseware require to complete.
2) Skill needed is Unity software and C sharp programming
3) Time given for each courseware is 4 weeks
4) We can train the students how to use Unity but they need to have some knowledge of C sharp programming.
5) 1 student to take on per courseware.
6) Fee not to be posted publically. We need to start work urgently.
ST Electronics (e-Services) Pte Ltd Blk
1003 Bukit Merah Central
#01-01 Inno.Centre
Singapore 159836
DID : (65) 6506 5507
FAX : (65) 6274 9831 www.stee.stengg.com
The job scope is as followed:
1) 4 Level 2 interactive courseware require to complete.
2) Skill needed is Unity software and C sharp programming
3) Time given for each courseware is 4 weeks
4) We can train the students how to use Unity but they need to have some knowledge of C sharp programming.
5) 1 student to take on per courseware.
6) Fee not to be posted publically. We need to start work urgently.
ST Electronics (e-Services) Pte Ltd Blk
1003 Bukit Merah Central
#01-01 Inno.Centre
Singapore 159836
DID : (65) 6506 5507
FAX : (65) 6274 9831 www.stee.stengg.com
Kyle Balda Fun Facts "A Bug's Life"
Kyle Balda is our next speaker for 2 Days Animation Masterclass in 2015. Did you know that his first animation job when he landed at Pixar is A Bug's Life? It is the second Disney / Pixar Film, produced by Pixar Animation Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Pictures in 1998! Don\t we all love that movie. Kyle started as additional animator at Pixar and BAM! Now he is directing Minions which is coming out in 2015!
MIPCOM 2014
Note from CEO, David Kwok take on building Dream Defenders
Building this company has brought me to places I never dared to dream of. One thing that I have learnt is that you need to keep trying no matter how impossible it may seem. The dream keeps you alive and keeps you going. Someday you may get there. Even if you don't, its the journey that matters. Not just the destination.
Stepping into Dreamworks Animation was one of those “impossible” dreams of mine. This is probably not a big deal for those who works in the US industry, but for someone like me from this “tiny island”, it was something beyond my wildest imagination.
Many years ago, I had the honour of meeting a US executive who was running one of the largest US Animation Studio in Singapore. Years later, she became one of the key executive at Dreamworks. Having only met her just once, I thought that she would have probably forgotten about me. Still, I tried my luck at contacting her anyway. Unsurprisingly, I didn't get a reply; which is very normal when you write to someone so high up there. I tried again after 6 months. And this time, astonishingly, I got a reply. She told me she had forwarded my mail to another important executive who was handling all of Dreamworks' major overseas operations. This is a miracle and I am really thankful to every one who gave me such a rare opportunity.
At that time, I was hungry to find opportunities for our crew. Without second thought, I immediately bought an air ticket and flew to Glendale. (Though I was left with only $67.50 in my personal bank and was surviving with just 2 credit cards at that time.This was during one of those struggling times when we first started.)
I have to admit, I was nervous. This is a rare honour. I kept checking the time, waiting for every moment to go by. At last, I finally met the Dreamworks executive face to face. He was really nice to me, asking me about my humble beginnings, my passions, and what I did. It felt like I was meeting another artist rather than an unapproachable business executive. I felt very comfortable talking to him, as he made me feel confident about myself.
I am glad that he gave me his time. However it all had to come to an end eventually with "Thank you. Lets continue this conversation and see what happens." At that point, I said to myself. "That is it. This is probably the furthest I will go. I am very happy. At least I got to meet the man and walk into this beautiful studio."
A few months later, I was in Cannes MIPCOM for business when I received a message. It was from the Dreamworks executive: "I am coming to Singapore to see you if that is ok. I would like to visit your studio and get to know more about what you do." I was stunned. It was a dream come true! Unfortunately I wasn't in Singapore at that time, but my staff received him and showed him around. Though nothing really concrete came out of it at that time, it was definitely a memorable experience.
However I didn't let the chapter end here. Every year, I make it a point to visit Dreamworks to try my luck. I am still doing it to this day. And earlier this year, I have been blessed with securing a meeting with another top executive who gave me a chance to talk to him. And that is why I will continue to go back every year, to continue making contacts and to keep the conversation going.
Today, our Dream Defenders our IP is distributed by Dreamworks Classic. With blessing, it has reached out to 60 countries with Dreamworks' help. I will keep trying, and hope that someday, I can finally get the chance to met the CEO and pitch Dream Defenders to him. I know its sounds like a long shot. I guess its the passion that keeps me going. Someday I may be there. Even if I don't, its the journey that matters. Not just the destination.
Hope the story motivates and inspires you. Hope to see you at my talk.
Wednesday, 1 October 2014
CG Protege Animation School presents Dominic Qwek Creature Master Class
As part of our Master Class Series. We are bringing you the best talents from the international market.
We are so honoured that Dom is able to make time for us 28th Feb 2015
We are so honoured that Dom is able to make time for us 28th Feb 2015
Rough outline: Creature Design & Development - Learn how to create creature art in ZBrush , Keyshot and Photoshop. The presentation will showcase an introduction to creature design along with live demonstration of the workflow using the above-mentioned programs. I'll also talk about my experience working in the industry.
Bios: Dominic Qwek is a creature and character artist with over 10 years of working experience in the CG industry. He started his career as a 3d generalist for advertising before moving into the games industry. He has contributed to triple A titles such as the Starcraft II franchise, Diablo III and Killzone 2. He currently works at Blizzard Entertainment as a senior cinematic artist where he helps create visually stunning cinematics that Blizzard is known for.
Check our his work. It is awesome.
CG Protege Animation School is proud to present Kyle Balda 3d Animation Master Class
Profile of Speaker:
Kyle Balda has been working in feature character animation for over 20 year, most notably with Pixar Animation Studios and Illumination Entertainment. He began his career in early 90’s at Industrial Light and Magic where he animated on such films as The Mask (1994), Mars Attacks! (1996) and as supervising animator on Jumanji (1995). After animating the Grim Reaper for Peter Jackson's The Frightners (1996) at Weta Digital in New Zealand, Kyle returned to California to work at Pixar on A Bug's Life (1998), Monsters, Inc. (2001) and as directing animator of Toy Story 2 (1999). Following a number of years conducting 3D animation masterclasses at renowned European and Asian film schools and directing short form animation projects, Kyle returned to feature production in Paris as the head of layout for Illumination’s Despicable Me (2010) followed by co-directing The Lorax (2012). Kyle is presently directing Minions along side Pierre Coffin which is due to release in 2015.
Details can be found here
Pascal Campion Master Class
Pascal Campion Master Class. Better Hurry. Don't miss this opportunity. We are going to close the application. Write to us quickly so that we can still give you a special rate admin@cgprotege.com
Details can be found here.
Note from CEO, David Kwok
When I first pitched to an investor, I thought all my problems will be solved once I got the investment. I was very inexperienced and naive back then.
At the meeting, I managed to impress the investor. Since we were new and had hardly any track record, the investor squeezed our equity share in the company to rock bottom.
My business mentor said this to me: " David. Don't take the investor's money. These guys know that you are good and have potential. Its business. On the negotiation table, they want to make you feel less worthy so that they can take control of the company. In Asia, investors have no patience. In 6 months, if they do not see any money coming in, they will shut you down. Singapore does not celebrate failure. It will be hard to get a second chance later. Why don't you try to get business on your own without an investor first and start by building a track record before you approach them in the future."
At that time, I asked myself if that was even possible. I had no workers, no office. How can I even be able to bring in any business? My business mentor continued: "How can you be so sure that if I give you workers and an office, you can bring in the business? Why don't you just giving a try."
That is what I did. I turned down the investor offer and gave it a try. It was hard at first. It really challenges your skills in sales, marketing, branding and packaging. I tried making many overseas cold calls. (Don't forget, at that time, we have no Linkedin, Facebook, Skyped etc) In 6 months, I manage to bring in the first US contract. Though it was a small contract worth only about $10000, but it was a start. A blessing. We worked from home via FTP. This was our beginning.
Looking back and seeing how others have failed not because they were not good enough, but their fate was ruined by the wrong investors, I am thankful to my business mentor who advise me back then. Finding the right investor is like finding the right life partner. It has to be someone who believes in your vision and is prepared to go through the challenges with you. In my humble opinion, Pixar turning point is Steve Jobs. Having the right investor can make that big difference.
I will share with you more about our journey. Hope you can join us. (Details of the lecture can be found here.)
Mirage is coming to our school!
Mirage one of the major VFX house in Australia is coming to visit our school this week. Its good to see the local scene picking up again.
Check out their website
Julian Khor's Modelling Portfolio Review
We wrapped the Portfolio Review Modelling quite late just because Julian Khor (Lead Modellers From Ubisoft) shared lots of interesting stuff! The participants can't get enough! Thanks, Julian! Time well spent!
Julian has been working in the industry since 1997. He is one of the pioneer in our industry and has played leading role at Ubisoft, Koei, Zealot Digital Taiwan etc. During his career, he has gained valuable experience in Tokyo, Taiwan and Paris. Currently he is the Character Lead at Ubisoft.
Linkedin Profile
Modelling Student's work
Here is the work from our Diploma in Modelling Student.
Interested write to admin@cgprotege.com
TMRRW is hiring now!
Hi, folks! TMRRW is hiring now!!! Below is the information regarding.
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"Opening for Internship & Full-time Motion Designer/Animator to join our growing team.
Internship
We're looking for individuals with relevant or complementary skills that are related to motion design and animation.
The internship duration is 3 months.
Please send your resume and links to your showreel/work to info@tmrrw.com.sg
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Full-time Motion Designer/Animator
Responsible for design, execution and production of various motion based projects.
REQUIREMENTS:
· Knowledge of After Effects, Illustrator & C4D (or other 3D softwares)
· 1/2 years experience (Fresh grads are welcome too)
· PR or Singaporeans
DESIRED SKILLS AND PLUSES
· Good positive attitude
· Willing to learn and listen
· Good design sense & illustration ability a plus
· Resourceful and follow through skills
· Multi-tasking abilities
Please send your resume and links to your showreel to info@tmrrw.com.sg"
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More information about the company here
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More information about the company here
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