Vancouver Film School

#1268

gnomon is the only school that comes to mind in the US that is similar. There’s Ringling, but it’s very animation-oriented. There are other schools of course, but they are generally longer programs.

#1269

Mailing out my application for Gnomon today. After comparing the two I have to say Gnomon is looking pretty good. Workload just as intense, pretty much the same price possibly cheaper considering I can apply for financial aid through FAFSA, program lasts a year longer, and the weather will be different than what I’m used to in the northeast :stuck_out_tongue:

Never really thought of Gnomon but reviewing their certificate program and from speaking to a few people who went there it looks fairly promising. Of course anywhere for me is fine as long as I get a year or two to really light my ass on fire and get a kickass portfolio/reel.

#1270

I’m thinking about doing the 3d animation and Visual effects program from VFS. I’ve read in this thread that students can use whatever software want to, but as I have access to both Maya and XSI at work. I want to take the time and already familiarize myself with one of them. Which software would it be better to focus on and start learning already if I want to prepare myself for VFS.

#1271

double check on that, because Gnomon is a private school and I don’t think it qualifies for FAFSA. That would be awesome if it does though.

Maya

#1272

z3phon - VFS stopped supporting XSI as far as I know. New students are learning only Maya.
But you can still familiarize yourself with XSI now and then you’ll know both, since at school you will start from the very basics. Whether it’s recommended or not really depends on your adaptability…

About Gnomon, another option in the US is Fullsail, even though I’m not sure how good they are compared to the others.

#1273

Thanks eldee & hexygen.

#1274

Hi there

anyone starting 31st August?

#1275

See you at school :wink: But I won’t be starting until next year, haha…

#1276

anyone starting in this October intake, pm me!

#1277

Hey Guys…

can anyone tell me little bit abt he digital character animation course at Vfs…? and also which is better Sheridan or Vfs.

Thanks
MB

#1278

vfs doesnt give work permit.i dont know if sheridan does give it.seneca helps on that part as i know.you should keep that in mind aswell.getting work if you dont have work permit is hard.

#1279

Hey Rakesh,

If you read my post again…u will find wht I m asking abt…? abt the course Digital character animation not about the Wrk permit…

anyway thanks for this information ,…So where r u wrking these days…look like u did ur ur course frm VFS…

Thanks
MB

#1280

i did read what you said.but it normally ends up with students not wanting to go back and asking about work permit.(im sure this is important info for you):smiley:
But yes i have no idea on animation.Now working in anthem.

#1281

the dca course is 6 months long, uses maya, and most of the students have had some experience with animation before… you need to model/rig/animate your demo reel in 6 months…

that’s all i know about dca… i wouldn’t recommend it if you’re absolutely new to 3d since the competition is pretty intense and you’ll most likely fall behind… if you have experience, it’s a good option since it’s cheaper and not as long as the 3d animation and vfx program

#1282

I need some advice from you guys/girls. I have an option of going to VFS in march or in august. What would you people advice?
hexygen said “at school you will start from the very basics”
Will we be taught everything from the basics?
My knowledge is lacking in areas such as anatomy and also shaders,rending and lighting in maya. I know there is alot of competition there and I just want to be as prepared as possible. I will try to prepare my self as much as possible till march but I feel if august is an option also then maybe I can learn more in more time.

Will it really matter if I prepare myself already or would it be pointless because I will be taught everything in class over there?
I seem to be confused about this and the more I think the more I confuse myself. :stuck_out_tongue:
I would really appreciate advice from you guys.

#1283

I’d really appreciate some advice from you guys asap.

#1284

Seems like this comes down to your personal preference. You know it’s best to be prepared before entering the school because it’s only a year long and the competition is fierce after grad. It all comes down to when you feel most comfortable in terms of your skills that you feel will allow you to get the most out of your year at VFS. The school will teach you the basic and advanced topics, but like you already realized, you need to go beyond that to be competitive. You also need to cross your fingers and hope you got good classmates because they will be invaluable in giving you that extra push that will make you a great artist instead of a good artist. I don’t know how much you need to improve with your skills and how passionate/ready you are to improve yourself prior to entering VFS. Only you can tell.

However, I think it’s possible to sign up for, say, the March session but move it to August session if you don’t feel prepared enough by January/February. Not sure if you can do the same thing if you sign up for August and wanted to move it forward to March since enrollment will probably be full by January 2010. Plus, you will have an extra 3 or 4 classes to compete with for jobs if you go with the August class :open_mouth:

#1285

^ Thank you the reply.

#1286

if you lived in the US I’d say go in August since Jun-Sept is the worst time for job hunting. But you don’t. So I won’t.

Oh wait…

#1287

And the other shoe drops…

Whatever you do/create while at school, keep your files/footage close to your chest. I would suggest not putting anything on communal servers where others have access to it. Ultimately, you should release your work how you like and when you feel it is complete.

Don’t give others the chance to undermine your chance of submitting your work to the festival scene by having someone else post it online.

.