Here is a link to a list of schools in this country and worldwide that offer compositing training:

 

 https://aidb.com/?ltype=dl&target=school&sv=awn_hp

 

 

People have asked me, �Why can�t I just take a Shake class?�  My response is always, �Unless you are experienced, you need more of a foundation built before you add a software to your arsenal.  It�s one thing to know where the buttons are, but it�s another thing to be a good compositor�.  It is this blending of art and technology that should be an important factor in deciding on which school to go to.

 

If you are serious about a career in visual and digital effects, I would recommend attending a school like the Gnomon School of Visual Effects in Hollywood. www.gnomon3d.com  They offer analog (traditional) art classes and digital classes using the tools in demand by the industry today.  Students from all over the world and the country go there, because it has such a strong curriculum.  Most importantly, they expose you to what it�s like working as part of a team on a real-world production.  You work with fellow students who are studying to be lighters, modelers, animators, texture artists.  The ability to collaborate and iron out problems as a unit are very important attributes companies look for.

 

The contributions you make on your class projects can be used to create your first demo reel.  Don�t think it is a waste of time if you only have a few shots at the student level.  In fact, to ease any unnecessary fears, in the compositing class I used to teach, I would  show students my first demo reel (which only had a couple of unremarkable composite shots on it) and then show them my most recent, which has about fifty shots on it from several motion pictures I�ve worked on.  You have to start somewhere and recruiters know this, so don�t be afraid to put a reel together.  I�ve seen enough outstanding work from students to know that if you are a gifted student, you will become a gifted compositor.  **And always remember to submit a demo reel breakdown with your reel that explains the work you did on each shot, preferably with thumbnail stills to make it easy for people to understand. 

 

 

By the way, these compositing techniques and tools that I�ve mentioned are not only limited to use in films, but they can also be applied to video and games production as well.

 

Here are some other useful links:

 

www.highendmag.com  (Industry pros share digital effects techniques.  Basically a classroom in a magazine)

 

 

www.cinefex.com  (Another great magazine resource.  It has served the visual effects community for many years)

 

www.visualeffectssociety.com/  (A group dedicated to honoring, promoting and advancing visual effects awareness)

 

www.highend2d.com  (Job board, good resources, everything related to high-end compositing)

 

www.vfxtalk.com/  (More compositing resources)

 

www.vfxpro.com   (Jobs, forums and articles)

 

www.vfxworld.com  (More jobs, forums and articles)