Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/54726
VES AWARDS PRELUDE There are two types of members: Active, which requires five years of hands-on visual effects experience within the last 10 years and two letters of endorsement from cur- rent members; and Associate, which does not require hands-on VFX experience, but the person must be involved in other aspects of the visual effects industry (PR, training, and so forth). The overall requirement is that the members work in some part of the entertain- ment industry that involves visual effects— commercials, games, special venues, features, television, webisodes, animation; it also in- cludes such work as scientific visualization and industrial design, even though they are technically outside the entertainment realm. careers, and to students seeking degrees in film or television. The Albert Whitlock Scholarships were open to VES members and students who plan to attend any type of accredited schools in pursuit of certificates of completion in order to gain marketable skills in visual effects. "The committee was gratified by the level of talent displayed by all the applicants. We are pleased that the recipients represent a good cross-section of studies and educational insti- tutions. This bodes well for the future of our industry," says Pam Hogarth, VES Scholarship Committee chair. "We look forward to watch- ing our recipients move forward in pursuing their dreams and careers." powerful overviews of related areas, address the professionals. Futurists, scientists, financial wizards, and technologists have all spoken and changed the points of view on the indus- try, the future, and what it might take to be successful in it. Perhaps one of the most anticipated events is the annual VES Awards, which recognizes the most outstanding visual effects work of the year and honors the artists who created them. Unlike the Oscars, which focus on fea- ture films and short films, the VES Awards rec- ognize the core visual effects work in a range of projects, including those in games, on television, at special venues, and so forth. The awards go even further, recognizing a host of "We are a 'feel-good' group of guys and girls. By that, I mean we want to provide events, screenings, hands-on experiences, and edu- cational, training, and job events," says Okun. As part of its educational focus, in May of this year, the VES announced the recipients of its scholarship program, designed to honor three of the greatest visual effects luminaries: Peter Ellenshaw, Douglas Trumbull, and Albert Whit- lock. All three scholarship funds were open to VES members and students. Applications were vetted by the VES Scholarship Committee, which then forwarded its recommendations to the board of directors for approval. A fourth scholarship award, named for and honoring Linwood Dunn, was given out earlier. The Peter Ellenshaw Scholarships were open to VES members or students who plan to at- tend accredited schools in pursuit of any type of graduate or post-graduate degrees or certifi- cates in fine or graphic arts. The Douglas Trumbull Scholarships were available to VES members who wished to con- tinue their education in all aspects of motion pictures in order to expand the scope of their 4 • Computer Graphics World • January 2012 Another function of the Society is to pro- vide vital information to its members. There are times when members need help finding a solution to a technical problem, and the VES provides them with a forum to exchange ideas. "Our members eagerly share non- proprietary information with one another, so that if someone in Vancouver is having a problem, and someone in London has a so- lution, they exchange that information," says Okun. "In doing so, you are raising the level of the work around the world while honoring your community." In addition, the VES holds various social events, educational events, and panels. This past fall, the VES held its third annual Enter- tainment Industry Production Summit, a gathering of leading executives, creatives, technologists, and visionaries. That event fo- cused on discussing and examining the future of the industry and art, and the opportunities and challenges it presents the entertainment industry and artists—but in a way that was energizing and factual. Typically, individuals from outside the industry, but with amazingly visual effects functions, from compositing to animation, model creation, and environment construction. Over the years, the scope of the VES Awards event has grown significantly. The first show, held nine years ago at the Skirball Center, included 350 attendees. In recent years, the event has sold out venues ranging from the Kodak Grand Ballroom and the Beverly Hilton, with thousands attending. 2.0 Leadership Initiative Business issues have become a major con- cern for the VES and its members in recent times, and the Society has brought those concerns to the forefront in what the group is calling, among other names, the "2.0 Leader- ship Initiative." Since the 2.0 Initiative began, the Society has experienced an increase in members—a testament as to how important this issue is to the VFX community. In a nutshell, the 2.0 Initiative focuses atten- tion on business-related rights and concerns for those working in the effects industry. "The industry is made up of artists, and as we have