Suggestions on how to improve your flame* skills?

[Ajax]

Hi All,

I have been in this situation for quite sometime now, well I learned how to use the flame through my boss, and he has been very good at showing me everything he knows. Thats great and all, but since I am one of the main artist at the company, I feel like I have surpased him. I would like to learn techniques that I see in movies, commercials, and videos. Its not like he knew all the ins and outs of the flame, my point is basically what else can I do to advance even further? I am apart of every single discussion board on the net, and I read the flame manual like everyone else. I browse through the tips, tricks and tutorials section, but most of the time I am never in a scenario were I can utilize the tips. I'm just wondering if you guys just keep practicing the same steps like CC, Keying, Modular Keyer, etc. and try to finnesse the techniques. Or possibly make up your own projects. Just some food for thought. By the way we are a broadcast company not a highend production company, so we dont get to create breath taking effects, but its more on a need to get the job done basis. Cheers,

[imported_mseymour7]

Expermentation is a vital part.
In Broadcast design there is great scope for live action complex flame tricks.
My suggestion would be to develop some test pieces and then show them to your team/ clients... often they will jump on a new look and then you can be 'scheduled' to do the effect or sequence properly.

The way I learn is I will hear or read about something - and then I will test it or just work it out - so that when a job appears I can offer a new look or apprach. Clients love this, more often then not - you'll then offered a chance to do this test on a much grander scale. This approach can make even boring job interesting. In fact whenever I am given a 'dog' of a job, - I'll often try and incorporate a new technical aspect just to provide myself with something of interest. As I am pushing myself to use a new module or new part of the machine, - there is not the same stress... once I have the technique down, you can expand on it or move on.

For example, let's say you have to make a crappy corporate style video... (or your bosses wedding video) - just the worse job you can think of... well look for some weird corner of the Flame and try and use it.. so try and use the Audio Reverb sparks - or timeline in Batch... suddenly the crappy job doesn't matter as your learning a new sub menu.. and it is a bonus that the content is dull, as now your not having to worry about the content as much creatively - and you can focus on developing your skills.

Just my 2C....

mike

[tjebi]

here in Melbourne, there are a couple of film schools that train people in becoming directors etc. By their nature, they are pushing the boundaries in their craft and often need visual effects help. If you have similar colleges in your town you might try contacting them and offering your assistance. If your boss is willing, you could take on some shots and do them in your own time on your companies flame system - this will for sure give you some new challenges and also you will see your work presented at film festivals etc.

otherwise - i agree with mike, try incorporating techniques you have read about, in projects that are on your plate. Also mike and I both take matters into our own hands, using miniDV cameras to shoot tests and experiment with techniques on our own time. 8O

[Ajax]

Thank you guys for your help. Sometimes I feel "stuck" and I don't know who to ask for assistance, then I remember I do have the flame board and FXGuide to ask. Im trying to absorb as much as possible when it comes to flame, Mike you are correct I do get placed in scenarios were I feel like the project is a little dull, but thats a great idea to utilize what I read from this and many forums. I will certainly practice what is preached here. cheers, and thanks for the quick repsonse! :wink:

[netviper]

If you run into needing more info, Kuban Altan from 02Post is releasing a DVD series from cmistudios. Its just about ready to go to duplication so perhaps that will help also.