Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/161463
editor's note Change is good A s some of you may already know, after many years with Post Magazine, the July issue was my last as editor-in-chief. I have left to pursue other interests within the industry, and I know our paths will continue to cross. By Randi Altman CONSULTING EDITOR 516-799-1949 But even though I've given up my day-to-day duties, I am helping the magazine as consulting editor. My long-time colleague Marc Loftus is now interim editor, but shortly there will be a new editor-in-chief, who will follow the path that Post has been on for 28 EDITORIAL years: covering all aspects of post production and evolving along with the industry. Once an editor-in-chief is in place, Marc Loftus, who will still continue working on the print publication, will be focusing much of his time growing Post's digital and social media presence. Something I know he's excited about. Post has been a mainstay in the industry for many years, and I have no doubt it will continue on that path and keep growing. Randi Altman Consulting Editor (516) 799-1949 Marc Loftus Senior Editor/Director of Web Content (516) 376-1087 mloftus@postmagazine.com Christine Bunish Film& Video JENNIFER WALDEN Audio DanIEL Restuccio West Coast Bureau dansweb451@aol.com BARRY GOCH West Coast Blogger/Reporter IAIN BLAIR Film P O S T Michael Viggiano Art Director mviggiano@postmagazine.com S C R I P T Thoughts from SIGGRAPH S By MARC LOFTUS Senior Editor/ Director of Web Content mloftus@postmagazine.com 2 IGGRAPH 2013 took place in Anaheim, CA, last month, bringing together more than 17,000 animators, artists, technology developers and researchers from 77 different countries. Holding an animation-oriented show in Disneyland's backyard would seem like a good match, and by many counts, the convention could be billed as a success. Yet, there were underlying hints that reflected the shaky state of the animation and visual effects industry. Big manufacturers, such as Autodesk, Dell and HP, opted not to have booths on the show floor, instead holding private meetings at venues nearby, where they previewed new products. A number of attendees stopped by the Post booth (which we shared with sister publication CGW) to ask if we knew of any job openings and to express their disappointment with the job fair, which they felt was smaller than in years past. Having lunch at the food court of the Anaheim Hilton, which served as the SIGGRAPH headquarters, I overheard a few attendees discussing the state of the industry and their personal plans. One was considering leaving the business, moving out of California and heading to the Midwest, where he felt he could provide a better life for his wife and young child. "No more working crazy hours and weekends," he stated. The small group agreed to keep in touch and help each other out, should they hear of job opportunities that might come up. On the last day of the show, the "State of VFX" panel addressed changes to the industry and how pros are being affected. The transition to digital filmmaking has created a huge demand for VFX, and as logic would suggest, for pros with these skills. All of the top grossing films — Avatar, Titanic, The Avengers, Harry Potter, Trans- Post • August 2013 A DV E RT I S I N G Mari Kohn Director of Sales (818) 291-1153 cell: (818) 472-1491 mkohn@postmagazine.com Gary Rhodes Eastern & Intl Sales Manager (631) 274-9530 cell (516)410-8638 grhodes@copcomm.com Lisa Black Corporate Sales Executive, Events, Custom and Integrated Print/Publishing Services lblack@copcomm.com (818) 660-5828 SUBSCRIPTIONS (818) 291-1158 Customer Service 620 West Elk Ave, Glendale, CA 91204 csr@postmagazine.com (800) 280 6446 MIKE TABIZON Account Manager (818) 291-1180 mtabizon@copprints.com REPRINTS Reprints (781) 255-0625 • (818) 291-1153 LA SALES office: 620 West Elk Avenue, Glendale, California 91204 (800) 280-6446 William R. Rittwage President / CEO formers and Lord of the Rings — relied heavily on VFX to tell their stories, yet VFX studios are struggling to stay in business. Why? There are a number of factors, including impractical subsidies that drive work away from established companies, competition that regularly underbids, massive overtime that is not recouped, and artists who allow themselves to be taken advantage of. The panel, and its legal adviser, proposed a solution: "Organizing is essential," with animation and VFX pros needing to "speak as one." Time will tell if this is via a union or trade organization, but the clear message to attendees was to get involved and let their voice be heard. www.postmagazine.com See us on Post Magazine is published by Post, LLC, a COP communications company. Post does not verify any claims or other information appearing in any of the advertisements contained in the publication, and cannot take any responsibility for any losses or other damages incurred by readers in reliance on such content. 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