By Paul Taglianetti, MS, BS
Over the last few months I have been developing an idea for an archive of visual imagery and articles for Film and television effects work. This was happening during a very tumultuous time in the industry particularly in the United States. During the last few years we have seen an alarming number of visual effects firms shutting down as the studios continue to farm work out to companies based overseas where labor costs are lower. The last decade has seen traditional film cameras being replaced by new cutting edge digital cameras such as the Genesis and the Alexa. In the entertainment industry, this is a turning point moment. I feel it is important to document it.
It's also important to have a voice and an eye in every moment. A voice to implement change. An eye to record the outcome. Hopefully both actions will have an effect.
The documentation and archival of any art form is essential. But I wanted to do more than just record
the work of others. I wanted to comment on trends and changes in the industry.
One of my favorite blogs is beforeVFX, a site that shows big budgeted feature film shots before the visual effects have been added. What you typically see are actors in wetsuits with tracking marks dotted along in surface standing in front of green screens. A picture speaks volumes and the impression you get is just how important these artists are to the process.
They have a voice. It needs to be heard.
That is the purpose of my blog and the archive. To let their voices and their images be seen and heard.
Filmmakers come in all shapes, sizes and disciplines. All of their skills are important and essential.
Please check out the Visual Effects Archive at the link. I am constantly adding to it with new photos and articles. Thanks for your comments.
You have consistently gone above and beyond when it comes to your posts, Cool. The amount of information you're able to give readers is staggering and your blog is all the better for it. I sincerely hope that you continue on with your website and let others know about the plight of those VFX artists stateside that are losing their jobs to overseas competition. When we began this course, I had no idea that any of that was going on. I assumed that most of the SFX work in Hollywood was done in the U.S.
ReplyDeleteThis is really great information that you're posting here, Cool. You've done fantastic work throughout the semester and I hope that you continue on the with blog.
- Jasper Parks