Andrew Schlussel Talks AI and Animation

In his new Ted Talk DNEG Animation's Andrew Schlussel explains why, even though AI can now automate many jobs - such as concept art - we should not fear it.  Andrew explains how changes in animation and vfx technology over the years have increased the size of the industry - not shrunk it.  He suggests that AI will be no different, and that the "net sum" of jobs in the Creative Industries will continue to increase, even though certain processes can now be done by machine learning.  What should we do with AI instead? - embrace it, and use it. 

What Do DNEG Animation Look For in a Demo Reel? - More Acting and Dialogue Shots

DNEG Animation Team

On 21st March we hosted an event with DNEG Animation, in which around 60 of our animation students got personal feedback on their animation reels, from Andrew Schlussel - Senior Director, Training and Development DNEG Animation, Dara McGarry - Director of Outreach at DNEG Animation and Bridget Dash - Senior Talent Acquisition for DNEG Feature Animation. 

At Escape Studios we host regular industry feedback sessions, where students can get feedback from industry guests.  Industry feedback is important because it helps to keep us grounded in the real world of the animation industry, reminding us of what animators will be expected to do when they face actual clients.

The big note from DNEG Animation? More acting and dialogue shots, please. 

Animation Demo Reel Feedback with DNEG 21 March

Calling all current animation students and recent Escapees - we are hosting a new Demo Reel Review with DNEG Animation on 21st March 2023.

This event takes place at 5pm in person in Rooms 1.11 and 1.12 at our Central London campus at 190 High Holborn WC1 and is free for all our students.  

Planet Mars Hon Mention Best Cinematography

Planet Mars Best Cinematography (Hon. Mention) at LIMFF

Congratulations to the creators of the mockumentary animated short "Planet Mars", which has won its first festival award - an "Honourable Mention" for Best Cinematography at the London International Monthly Film Festival.  

Directed by Escapee Sebastian Kuder, Planet Mars was completed as part of the second year of animation studies at Escape Studios, in Module PR5001, a Studio Project Module in which students collaborate to produce a short film. 

The Schlussel Show is Back on 10th June

Framestore's Andrew Schlussel

Join us on Wednesday 10th June for a free webinar with Andrew Schlussel, Director of Global Talent Development at Framestore, one of the world's leading animation and VFX houses.

On "The Schlussel Show", this week's theme will be "Presenting to Employers" - how can graduates make the best impression when applying for work?

Despite Covid-19, the animation industry continues to thrive, and opportunities remain for those with a polished demo reel and the determination to succeed. 

Work Fit Townhall: Networking Part 2

Paul Wilkes - Technicolor

Tomorrow Friday 17th April at 12.30pm we're hosting another free "work fitness" webinar. The webinar, with a panel of six industry guests, will focus on networking in the animation, games and VFX industries, and we've got a great line-up of guests.

At "Work Fit Townhall: Networking Part 2" Escape Studios
will continue our conversation about making and nurturing professional networks.

Subjects will include soft skills, networking - and (of course) how to find work in the post-Covid era.

Andrew Schlussel: Future of VFX - 15th April

Framestore's Andrew Schlussel

Join us tomorrow Wednesday 15th April from 11:00am until 11:30am for a free webinar with Andrew Schlussel, Director of Global Talent Development at Framestore, one of the world's leading animation and VFX houses.

Covid-19 is causing a lot of trouble for us all these days, but during tomorrow's webinar "The Schlussel Show", Andrew will explain that "Crisis Creates Opportunity".  Registration is free.

Unlike live action shoots, which have ended entirely pending the lifting of the lockdown in the UK and Los Angeles, animation continues to thrive and flourish, even in these dark times.

Framestore Brings Teamwork to Escape Studios

Framestore's Andrew Schlussel talks teamwork at Escape Studios

This month we have welcomed Andrew Schlussel, Director of Global Talent Development at Framestore, on a number of visits to talk to our first year students about the importance of teamwork.

Framestore is one of the world's leading VFX houses, and they know better than anyone the importance of artists learning to work together in productive teams.