Iain J McCallum : : Honours: 17th October 2011

(Revised) Personal statement

Proposer: Iain J McCallum

Student Number: 0904111

Programme: BA Computer Arts (Hons.)

Specialism(s): CG production

Inspiration and interests

I have always been aware of amazing things being done in film and TV. The visual effects in particular I find very impressive. As a result this is the direction I wish to take my project, somewhere in VFX.

There are several films I have found through looking into this industry that have had a big effect on me. I'll run through a few of my top favorites:

'The eye of the storm' by Soapbox

'Welcome to Hoxford' by Julien Mokrani

'Yowie and the Magpie' by Dylan White

'Codehunters' by Axis

A common trait that runs through all of these examples is their stylisation in one or another direction. I find the first two particularly striking. As they are both based on live action footage I am keen to explore the post production processes involved.

When it comes to producing my own work or thinking about the production processes used by others I have more of an ability to visualise what a piece might look like, or how another has created their own. Although I can and do begin ideas from nothing, creating concepts, story-boarding and so on, I find visualising and working towards the specific look of work more rewarding.

If possible, given the subjects being addresses by my peers, I would like to collaborate with another student in producing a short, stylised, film. Ideally I would like to aim for something with a visual style influenced by the first two examples of films mentioned earlier.

Career and creative aims

I am aiming to work in a smaller film and tv studio after graduating. Commercials and short promotional videos are the most likely areas in which I will find work. A speaker at the 'Scotland Loves Animation' workshop described having a broader skill set is an advantage in the world of smaller studios. The ability to wear many hats makes the studio as a whole more versatile. Also having a skill that no one else in that particular studio will give you a huge advantage. He advised students to have a general range of skills as well as a specialisation. I do not find the idea of focusing on one particular skill with a larger company as enticing at this stage, although I would not say no to any form of employment. If a studio will have me, that's where I'll go.

Current skills and abilities

Drawing

http://arollingportfolio.blogspot.com/2011/08/old-art-found.html

http://arollingportfolio.blogspot.com/2010/10/dark-monk-guy.html

http://arollingportfolio.blogspot.com/2010/05/character.html

Sculpture

http://arollingportfolio.blogspot.com/2010/01/renga.html

http://arollingportfolio.blogspot.com/2010/01/mobius.html

Modeling

http://arollingportfolio.blogspot.com/2010/04/caught-in-headlights.html

http://arollingportfolio.blogspot.com/2010/02/lowrider.html

http://arollingportfolio.blogspot.com/2010/10/robot-back-into-world-of-maya.html