Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/45523
pany hosted "FX Camp" and "Comp Camp"—two weeklong programs that delve deeply into the fields of VFX animation and compositing, respectively. For technical enrichment, two-time Oscar SciTech Award winner Doug Roble hosts a weekly discus- sion, called Chalk Talk, that explores advanced topics in the world of technology. "To nurture our employ- ees' artistic side, we have life drawing classes, movie nights, sculpture classes, and seminars on practical lighting design," Siegel adds. The Mill LA has very close ties with Escape Studios, a provider of education and training for the visual effects industry. Some of the studio's junior staff go through a course tailored for them by Escape, ac- cording to John Leonti and Robert Sethi, joint heads of 3D at The Mill LA. Similarly, Cinesite has established ties with insti- tutions, such as the Imperial College of London, "to ensure their courses are relevant to the industry and challenge students in the right ways," says Privett. "We also run events for tutors of effects and anima- tion courses from universities all over the UK." Lucasfilm invites industry experts to speak about their craft in its Speaker Series. Past Lucasfilm Speaker Series guests include Quentin Tarantino, Ed Catmull, James Cameron, Will Wright, David Fincher, and Jon Favreau, as well as NASA astronauts, game designers, leadership experts, scientists, authors, inventors, en- gineers, theorists, and more. On-the-Job Training "Training by doing" has long been a popular and ef- fective means of bringing employees up to speed on the latest techniques, processes, and software and hardware tools. Such on-the-job training is a large part of the continuing education experience at myriad studios. "Textbook knowledge is supplemented by close supervision and mentorship in a production envi- ronment" at Tiny Island Productions, says Chen. The Mill's junior artists are trained on the job in real situations, learning from more experienced mem- Digital Domain provides training and enrichment programs—focused on such topics as production, technical development, and artistic stimulation—at its studio in Venice, California. According to Linda Siegel, senior manager of training, the offerings are intended to support the artists in the creation of award-winning imagery. Education Supplement • October/November 2011 • 11